Gravel road install- diy with no spread by dump truck?

[Big Barn]

Chaining the tailgate open to spread is pretty easy actually. (Providing there's no overhead obstructions).

Having said that, you wouldn't have been too happy with MY first attempt.

Terry

 

[zmountaineer]

Of the 7 loads that I had delivered just for the driveway I would say only one driver came twice. I paid $0 for the tailgate. The last load that was delivered which was basically just for a coating on the drive, there was still a significant amount left in the bed. He asked if I wanted it spread on the flat, which is about a 70x50 area, and he would have gone over and back and over and back as many times as it took to spread it all out. I told him just to pile it up and I'll spread it as needed or for some traction in he winter. But my point is that it would have been absolutely no problem for him to spread a small amount around. These guys do this all the time. They are good at it.

Ended up getting another 16 (not a typo) loads brought up for the house (basement and backfill). I started learning their names. Haha.

It would literally take 5 minutes or less to tailgate 20 tons. It would take a lot longer to load/box/grade.

 

[drunderw]

Thanks for all the awesome replies, it really helps. They said 'curbside service' on the phone before so I will call them to see what they can do. It would be much easier to have them spread it. I'll let you all know what comes of it.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I used to get only tandems and never had any issues with spreading. Now with more and more tri-axles, level terrain and overhead clearance becomes an issue.

Some drivers can spread a load better then others. Some don't care to try. Also, the material can behave different when wet and that is totally beyond the drivers control. I use only limestone screenings and that stuff becomes REALLY sticky when wet.

So I can see, that no one would guarantee a good spread as they don't want to be responsible for the piles.

So usually, the best you can hope for is a friendly and capable driver who offers to try his best.

 

[ovrszd]

The worst driver's attempts to spread will be better than the best driver's attempts that dumps in a pile.......

 

[Stimw]

First you need to understand the terms. If you ask the wrong question you will get the wrong answer.
Spreading is something they don't usually do.
Spreading- what you will do with your tractor.
Tailgating is common.
Tailgating- opening the gate and driving forward while lifting the bed usually having the gate chained to meter the flow.

 

[ovrszd]

First you need to understand the terms. If you ask the wrong question you will get the wrong answer.
Spreading is something they don't usually do.
Spreading- what you will do with your tractor.
Tailgating is common.
Tailgating- opening the gate and driving forward while lifting the bed usually having the gate chained to meter the flow.

Here in God's Country the local Dump Truck Drivers will look at you with distrust if you tell them you want your load of rock tailgated.......
Spreading is very common here and every truck driver can do it. Even the worst driver can do it better than your tractor can.

Funny how different terms are used in different parts of the country. A Dump Truck Driver that doesn't spread rock would go broke here real quick.

 

[hawkeye08]

I'm laughing as I read this, we had some trouble with our short 120' driveway.. when we ordered gravel, the dispatcher asked if there was room for doubles (truck plus pup). I said, I think so, house is 120' off road, should be easy to come up county road and back into driveway, dump and drive away... first driver did perfect tailgating or spreading but he thought he knew more than I did about getting off the driveway... he backed into the dirt yard (no issues with tracks) and quickly found out that I was right about the slick wet clay soil. It took about 40 minutes to get him out (shoveled gravel under drive wheels as he went back and forth and finally enough momentum to drive back on road..

Future loads have all been just the truck, costs a bit more, but everyone ends up happier.

 

[Big Barn]

Here in God's Country the local Dump Truck Drivers will look at you with distrust if you tell them you want your load of rock tailgated.......
Spreading is very common here and every truck driver can do it. Even the worst driver can do it better than your tractor can.

Funny how different terms are used in different parts of the country. A Dump Truck Driver that doesn't spread rock would go broke here real quick.

Around here we use slingers for spreading over larger areas.

Terry

 

[Redlands Okie]

Perhaps the 20 ton is the problem. 10 wheel dump truck often haul 15 tons and are easy to dump and spread with. The 20 to 25 ton haulers are often 18 wheelers tractor trailor and are belly dump or REALLY TALL unstable dump beds and not a great idea to be moving with.