Dump Truck or Trailer?

Sysop · Apr 22, 2015

With proper care there are actually a lot less things to go wrong with a dump trailer over a dump truck. Around here having large loads hauled cheap is no problem. When you need less than a dump truck hauls and more than a pickup bed will haul is when the cost per load goes up. Dump trailer is the ideal fit in most cases.

crashz · Apr 22, 2015

Couple good points made already. One I hadn't considered is the fact that I can move the Bobcat around without disconnecting the trailer for materials. Tighter little package. Very good for my work around the house and any side work.

The other is DOT attractiveness. I think my pickup with regular plates and no company signs is much less conspicuous than a Class 4 truck with or without a trailer. Keeping in mind that I will be traveling across the state with the unit, the above issue is important.

The trailer is a better option on three of six issues: operating cost, image, efficiency. Multiple users, storage security and use in the woods are the three downfalls (for my situation).

And like a little kid, I just want a dump truck. We've always had one available and they are just so handy. I have my eye on a Class 4 truck (1999 C3500HD, 2wd, 5 speed, diesel) that looks very good. High miles but not a plow truck and therefor not a rot box. That is key.

I keep flip-flopping between the two...

kevinwak · Apr 22, 2015

An advantage for me is my tractor doesn't lift high enough to load into a dump truck. Dump trailers are lower.

truckdiagnostics · Apr 22, 2015

Dump trailer, however only way i would go is goose neck/5 th wheel. Used bumper pull dump trailers loading correctly so it doesn,t fish tail all over is a pain.

Sysop · Apr 22, 2015

Agreed that hitching over the axle is better and required for larger loads, but a properly made trailer takes a lot of those issues out of the equation. I've had trailers that were bad about wanting to walk all over the place, especially when not loaded just perfect. Generally those are really light duty trailers that balance on the axles very well. Mine was a light duty tiltbed ATV trailer. Get too much weight on the back and they want to walk all over.

Trailers that have the axles farther back and exert more tongue weight help eliminate such issues. I have a single axle flat 6.5x10 that is made a little tongue heavy and doesn't have any issues unless you really load a lot on the tail with not much on the front. My 5x10 dump has the axles nearer the rear of the box (likely to support the box when raised to full dump) which makes it extremely tongue heavy and I've never been able to load it so tail heavy it walks around. It is also dual axle which I'm sure helps it track straighter.

I don't think they make any gooseneck or 5th-wheel hitches for Ford Ranger sized trucks, but there are LOTS of good dumps they can pull (lots of junk ones too). As with anything, look and shop; then choose wisely.

Industrial Toys · Apr 22, 2015

A friend once gave me his F450 dump and then when I got it cleaned up and running he announced that he really could use it after all. That was the end of that friendship.

Anyway, I wrestled with the same question. My argument was that vehicles just rot when not used enough. Yet a rad, starter, water pump or whatever costs the same for something you drive every day as it does for something used occassionally. Of course something ALWAYS seems to break, when you have some project in mind. Plus they kind of look like **** sitting around. Almost as bad a a mobile home or trailer! lol

I decided on a trailer. Two actually. One mother of a dump trailer with a walking axle and super singles, to go mostly off-road behind the tractor and a conventional lighter duty dump trailer to pull with my GMC 2500.

bdog · Apr 23, 2015

I am going to buy a dump trailer. A 16' gooseneck. Reason being is I can haul my backhoe in it and when I get where I am going I can just unload and start using the dump. No need to unhook and hook the trailer multiple times. Also I can pull the dump trailer with my diesel pickup and be under the CDL limits. A dump truck with a trailer capable of hauling the hoe would surely be in CDL territory. Other deciding factors are reduced maintenance on a trailer vs a truck, cheaper registration, cheaper insurance, and lower sides for easier loading.

Utopia Texas · Apr 23, 2015

Another advantage to the trailer is that you can load it, cover it, and take the load at you convenience any time in the future. Once a truck is loaded it's silly driving around with all the weight/ fuel use when you might not have time to transport the load for days or weeks in the future. You can load the trailer when the weather is good and take the load when it is convenient......fire wood for example.

mbrule · Apr 23, 2015

I went from a rotted dump truck to a dump trailer. Was an old C30 dump with a 10k GVW. It weighed 8k so I was overweight most of the time! Dump trailer is registered for 12k and weighs about 4k. Dimensional size is close but I can 'legally' carry more weight.

Trailer is WAY cheaper to register in Massachusetts (no insurance) and way cheaper to maintain, no oil changes, filters etc. I have hauled and dumped 7k with dump trailer no problem. Trailer is much easier to load as it is lower. Also carries the tractor, and is great for moving other heavy items (furniture, loaded tool boxes for example) that one does not want to lift too high.