Modifying a dump trailer for "tailgating" stone?

[John_Mc]

I have a small dump trailer that I have been using to haul 1 1/2" stone to fix problem areas in my trails. I my be using it more extensively to work on trails in our new Town Forest. While having a dump trailer is nice for this work, the rear gate opens like a door, which is not really a great set-up for tailgating gravel/stone. There is no real control on how quickly the stone comes out.

I can open the door all the way and pin it to the left side of the trailer where it's out of the way. I'm wondering if anyone has any good ideas for making something I could attach to the back that would work more like a top-hinged tailgate with check chains that would function like on a big dump truck when tailgating gravel.

I suppose ultimately, I could remove the tailgate and convert it to some other style, but I'm wondering if there is a simpler way. something I could drop in or fasten in temporarily when spreading stone to control the flow. Any ideas?

 

[BlueKnife]

Do you have steel fabricating capabilities?

 

[John_Mc]

Do you have steel fabricating capabilities?

Not very good at it myself, but do have a friend who runs a fabrication shop just down the rod, and willing to put some money into it to get something that works.

 

[bcp]

Simplified version. Design and fitting required so hinges don't interfere with other direction operations.

Use your tailgate. Weld on top hinges. Maybe bottom hinges, too, while you are at it. Make all hinge pins easily removable.

When you want to spread, insert top hinge pins and remove side pins.

Bruce

 

[WranglerX]

I think in your initial statement you nailed it.... Top hinge and check chains..... 50,000 dump trucks can't be wrong....

 

[4570Man]

I think in your initial statement you nailed it.... Top hinge and check chains..... 50,000 dump trucks can't be wrong....

You still need to be able to swing it open though. The big dump trucks are tall enough that you can dump debris under the tailgate. The dump trailer tailgate is so short that pretty much anything gets stuck if you try dumping under it.

 

[BlueKnife]

You still need to be able to swing it open though. The big dump trucks are tall enough that you can dump debris under the tailgate. The dump trailer tailgate is so short that pretty much anything gets stuck if you try dumping under it.

There are ways to make a tailgate that will do both. Tough to describe in writing though...

 

[bcp]

Bruce

 

[BlueKnife]

Everlast Tarps - Side Swing (2 Way) Tailgate

Convert your single acting truck or trailer body door into a multi-functional two-way tail gate. This large side swing tail gate kit comes with ...

everlasttarps.com.au

 

[4570Man]

There are ways to make a tailgate that will do both. Tough to describe in writing though...

My dump trailer works like that. It has a 2” tubing frame for the first layer. The frame is on hinges at the top and latches at the bottom which allows it to swing open and be chained like a dump truck gate. The actual tailgate doors are attached to the 2” tubing. The doors are hinged on the sides and open in the center. Edit. While I was typing that the video in the previous comment was posted. That’s the same way mine works.