Buying a Dump Trailer

While they may have a very specific task, dump trailers can be essential for the worker who needs it. You’ll be hard pressed to find an easier way to transport material and then have an easy way of getting it off the bed. Even if you’re on the fence about buying one, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the buying process so you know what to expect. It might even help you make some final decisions. And if you’re sure about investing completely in a dump trailer, then stop by Howdy Ranch RV and check out some dump trailers for sale near you. We proudly serve Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Rockport, Laredo, and Victoria, Texas.

Body and Box Type

First you’ll want to make sure you can find the right model for your projects. And keep in mind that buying a dump trailer (instead of renting one) will make the most sense if you intend to use it over and over again. After all, they’re not cheap vehicles. Start with the body. This will primarily be dictated by the size--or weight--of your payload. Overloading your dump truck is not only going to make for an inefficient project, but it’s also going to be pretty unsafe. The bed needs to be able to safely lift or turn to dump the material, so if the load is too heavy, something could break. If you need to save money and don’t want to buy a huge trailer (or if your project doesn’t have room to fit that kind of rig), consider getting a smaller trailer and making several trips.

You might also want to think about what the trailer itself is made out of. The most common materials are going to be aluminum or steel. Aluminum is going to be the lighter option and will also be rustproof, which can be a huge maintenance advantage. However, steel trucks are usually more durable and will probably last longer under tough conditions. Think about where you’re going, what you’re transporting, and how the trailer material might have an impact on that.

Vehicle Condition

Once you have all the basics down, you’ll want to start looking at specific models. As you do so, make sure you’re paying extra close attention to the condition of the vehicle. Even new models can show some red flags that you might want to steer clear of. Check out the frame rails and the axles in particular, since they’re in charge of keeping everything contained and functional. 

These close inspections are going to be even more important if you’re looking at pre-owned models. Even gently used machines can come with a few problems that might spell trouble for you down the road. You’ll want to look for obvious signs of damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Also look for bends and breaks where there shouldn’t be any and signs of sagging. That last point in particular can indicate a previous owner didn’t heed warnings about not overloading their trailer, and if parts of the frame are damaged, that could spell trouble in your future. 

If applicable, check the engine and transmission as well. Look for signs that something’s wrong, but also listen for them, as strange noises can indicate there are issues you can’t see. The biggest snafu you want to avoid is buying a dump trailer that really shouldn’t have been repurposed in the first place and you wind up with lots of expensive repairs. 

One great way of avoiding unintended catastrophe is to find someone who’s been through this process before. Bring along a colleague or a friend or family member who has experience choosing the right dump trailer and might spot a problem that you’d have passed by. 

While we can go on and on about how to buy the right dump trailer, at some point, you’ll want to start looking at the models up close and in person. Stop by Howdy Ranch RV and let one of our friendly staff show you around the trailers we have for sale right now. We welcome all patrons from Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Rockport, Laredo, and Victoria, Texas.