Dump Trailer Question

[RedStuff]

I was looking to buy a new dump trailer and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there are significant differences in trailering behavior between a deckover or a low profile. I like the idea of a deckover with fold-down sides, but I'm concerned that the higher center of gravity is more likely to cause a sway condition. Any thoughts are appreciated.

I've narrowed my choice down to these two models.

PJ Trailers - 96" Deckover Dump

PJ Trailers - 83" Tandem Axle Dump

 

[wushaw]

I don't really think you would notice a difference in towing either one of these trailers.

 

[RedStuff]

Thank you very much.

 

[CurlyDave]

OK, any disadvantages to the low profile?

I just put a deposit on a low profile dump, and I chose it for two reasons:

1. I am going to use it both for a general purpose trailer and a dump (I don't want to spend the money on both). Less wind resistance and better mileage on longer hauls.

2. At a construction site we are going to load it by hand most of the time. Lower deck = easier to load.

Is there any disadvantage to the lower profile? I am pretty certain I could get the deposit switched to a standard height if I wanted to.

 

[LoneCowboy]

dump trailers like dump trucks tow very tall.
loaded heavy, they are not a lot of fun.

I'd go for the low profile if I could
how often are you really going to use the side gates?
You can load your one pallet of stuff in the back anyway (two if you push it and then drag the back one out to the end with a chain)

lower is better.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Your correct about the HCOG on the deck over. I've got the low pro your looking at. I've been real happy with it. I wouldn't own a deck over unit if it was free. My neighbor whose a roofing contractor had the deck over. And since there real easy to overload he did. Well he went on the interstate in windy overloaded conditions and it began to sway and ended up tipping over and taking the truck off the road. Low pro all the way!!!

Matt

 

[RollTideRam]

I rented a low profile dump trailer once. It towed fine, but dumping compost and sand was harder then dumping gravel. When I raised trailer the almost all the way up, the rear of it hit the ground. If I ever get the money, I want a deckover. How much higher do they ride? JC

 

[RedStuff]

The only disadvantages to a low profile that I know of are:

1. If you're backing it into tight spots often, you'll ding up the fenders pretty regularly.

2. Like RollTideRam said, sometimes there isn't much ground clearance when at full dump height.

3. The bed of the trailer isn't as wide. (not really a problem, but could be for some)

 

[RollTideRam]

I looked up Bri Mar trailers and their specs show the deck over trailer has a deck hight of 34" and the low profile was 27". On their deck overs you can get fold down sides, so this would actually be a lower deck to hand load. I currently want a Homesteader deck over, but their site does not give many specs. JC

 

[wushaw]

They are both tounge drawn trailers, They will require weight distribution to keep truck & trailer level (steering & braking) and anti sway to keep it between the lines. If you don't use these devices it can and will get very interesting.

GN is best when going heavy ....IMOP.