Choosing a Dump Trailer

Whether you’re part of a major construction company or just starting a major construction project on your property, a dump trailer is an incredibly useful piece of equipment to have at your disposal. They allow you to quickly and efficiently transport a large amount of material with fewer trips between locations. No matter if you use your dump trailer once or a hundred times, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right kind of dump trailer to accomplish your tasks. So here at Howdy Ranch RV, we’ve broken down some of the basic considerations to keep in mind when picking out a dump trailer. Take a look for yourself, and if you need more help or if you have more questions, then stop by our location in Mathis, Texas, near the areas of San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Victoria, McAllen, Laredo, and Rockport.

Payload

The first thing you’ll want to keep in mind is payload. This is the amount of material your dump trailer can effectively carry, usually measured by weight. The bigger your job, the bigger the payload will need to be. For instance, a fairly small, personal project around your property might not need a particularly large payload (in fact, there are a number of great options at Howdy Ranch RV). Industrial grade projects generally require much bigger payloads and sometimes even load them on the back of semis. But these also tend to be much more expensive, so if you don’t mind an extra trip or two, you might be better off with a smaller payload.

Design

There are two basic designs for dump trailers: the end dump and the side dump. End dump trailers are designed to lift in such a way that expels the material out the back of the trailer. Side dumps are designed to turn to the side and tip the material out next to the trailer. Side dumps tend to be a little more stable than end dumps, but they’re often not as durable. The material is easier to damage, so they’re not well equipped for certain jobs. End dumps require a little more attention when in use. Raising the bed also raises the center of gravity so the driver must be completely aware and conscientious of all that’s happening around them. The big advantage of end dumps is that they can carry even some of the most abusive material without wearing down too quickly. The construction of end dumps often involves thicker, stronger material, so you’ll be able to use it with any project.

Job Location

As you may have already started to guess, the type of dump trailer you use may also depend on the area of the job. Side dumps require more room to work with width-wise, as there must be enough space to empty material next to the trailer. On the flip side, having an area to pull through is a must for end dumps. Once the material is out of the trailer, you won’t be able to backup over it. If you’re working with a fairly open area, then this is less of an issue, but if you know you’ll be working in tight areas, this will most likely be a major deciding factor. You may also want to consider the kind of terrain you’ll need your dump trailer to cross. Some models may only be equipped for pavement while others might be better going over dirt and small inclines. Let your dealer know the environment you intend to work in so they can help you find the best model for your project.

Dump trailers are incredibly useful tools for a variety of workers, whether you’re looking at a professional job or a personal project. And because these jobs and projects can vary greatly from one situation to the next, you’ll want to make sure your dump trailer is built specifically to handle the kind of work you’ll be doing. If you’d like to check out some of the models at Howdy Ranch RV, then stop by our location in Mathis, Texas. We welcome all patrons from the areas of San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Victoria, McAllen, Laredo, and Rockport, Texas.