Buying a dump trailer can no doubt help with your hauling needs. Whether you plan on hauling trash or landscaping projects, a dump trailer is a great addition to your tools and can make your job much easier.
But buying a dump trailer is not an easy task. You need to consider its size and whether you need special features. Don’t worry, this article will help you choose a suitable dump semi-trailer.
1. Size, weight and capacity
When buying a dump trailer, the first thing you need to consider is the largest load, which determines the size of the trailer. A 14-foot dump trailer can carry about 12,000 pounds of cargo. In addition to considering the load of the dump trailer, you also need to consider the towing capacity of the tractor. Not only does it need to be able to carry the load you intend to transport, but it also needs to have the additional towing capacity to haul the trailer.
2. Material
Dump trailers are usually built with two materials: aluminum, and steel. They differ mainly in price, weight, and corrosion resistance.
Aluminum dump trailers are the lightest and have excellent corrosion resistance. The more lightweight trailer takes the burden off the tractor and, at the same time, it is able to transport more cargo with the same total weight. However, it is the most expensive.
A steel dump trailer is heavier than an aluminum dump trailer but also more robust. The steel dump trailer is cheaper, but it is less corrosion-resistant and prone to rusting. However, paint can act as an air barrier and can hinder rusting to a certain extent.
A steel dump trailer is a better choice when you are on a budget. But if you don’t need to consider your budget, aluminum dump trailers are a better choice because they have a longer service life.
3. Unload
Dump trailers can be unloaded in two ways: side or end.
If you need to unload a load where there are height restrictions or power lines overhead, then the side tipper trailer is the better choice. Because unloading from the back requires the trailer to be raised up and may hit the power lines.
If you need to unload cargo where there is less space, then an end-tipper trailer may be more suitable. This is because it has a smaller footprint when unloading cargo.
4. Design options
When buying a dump trailer, you need to consider the number of axles. If the cargo to be transported is light, then a single-axle trailer will meet your needs. If the load is heavy, then you need to increase the number of axles as appropriate.
In addition, you also need to consider the height of the sidewalls. The higher the sidewall, the more cargo you can transport. If you need to transport gravel or other loose materials, then you need a higher sidewall. But lower sidewalls are more flexible.
If you need a dump trailer, please feel free to contact us and we will recommend the right dump trailer for you.
Thank you for pointing out that the side tipper trailer is the better option if you need to unload a load where there are height restrictions or power lines above. My husband’s doing all sorts of construction since we’re renovating our own house which we purchased earlier this year. Right now, he’s looking into 7×14 dump trailers to use for the construction of our garden shed so this article helped so much.