Modifying a dump trailer for "tailgating" stone?

[John_Mc]

Bruce

Thanks for that video. Something helpful to show my local fabricator.

It's unfortunate that the channel, AutoQuest Trailers saved the video as "content made for kids". For whatever reason, that prevents me from using YouTube's option to save the video for later viewing. (Apparently, YouTube takes that option to mean the video is specifically targeting kids and adds all sort of restrictions to it.) I've got it bookmarked outside of YouTube so I can find it again.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I just took the tailgate off and clamped 2X10's across the back of the trailer. Makes it easy to adjust the opening and flow rate.

 

[John_Mc]

I just took the tailgate off and clamped 2X10's across the back of the trailer. Makes it easy to adjust the opening and flow rate.

I might try that as a temporary set up. I'll have to take a look at the rear of my trailer more closely to see what there is to clamp to.

Have you dumped much 1 1/2" stone with that set up? I know driveway gravel feeds out well. I'm wondering if the larger stuff will tend to lock itself up in the opening. I guess I'll have to play with the size of the opening a bit.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I might try that as a temporary set up. I'll have to take a look at the rear of my trailer more closely to see what there is to clamp to.

Have you dumped much 1 1/2" stone with that set up? I know driveway gravel feeds out well. I'm wondering if the larger stuff will tend to lock itself up in the opening. I guess I'll have to play with the size of the opening a bit.

Yes, I've dumped many loads of gravel with the 2X10's. Trial & error is the best way to figure out what works.

I use a couple of lengths of 4" angle clamped to the corner supports with heavy duty "C" clamps. The 2X10's are bolted to the angle. Adjustments are made by loosening and retightening the clamps to
set the size of the opening.

I also added a poly bed liner to my trailer which reduces material hang up.

 

[dfkrug]

I just took the tailgate off and clamped 2X10's across the back of the trailer. Makes it easy to adjust the opening and flow rate.

That is similar to what I did.

I built two partitions that go inside the bed of my trailer. They bolt to the sides from the outside. I used an angle-iron frame and some plywood. The reason for 2 partitions is that way, I can pick up gravel at the quarry and the load is centered where I want it, not spread all over the 12' bed.

The rear partition can be mounted with a small gap so gravel can be distributed like they do with chained top-hinge tailgates.

Of course, the vid that BCP posted is the best of all worlds.

 

[4570Man]

I might try that as a temporary set up. I'll have to take a look at the rear of my trailer more closely to see what there is to clamp to.

Have you dumped much 1 1/2" stone with that set up? I know driveway gravel feeds out well. I'm wondering if the larger stuff will tend to lock itself up in the opening. I guess I'll have to play with the size of the opening a bit.

I was thinking that you could weld nuts on the corners of the bed where the triangle pieces come together then bolt a 2x10 on. But that would be a lot of messing around without much adjustment. I’d probably go for the actual spread gate option if you don’t mind spending the money.

 

[4570Man]

Here’s how mine and my dad’s dump trailers are built which is pretty much the same as the video. Neither of ours are designed to come down from the top like a pickup tailgate which I wouldn’t waste anytime incorporating that feature.