Dump Trailers For Sale near San Antonio & Corpus Christi, Texas

How to Choose a Dump Trailer

On the surface, dump trailers sound obvious enough ─ you fill one up, tow it away and dump it out in some other area. There are some considerations to keep in mind if you’re planning to get a dump trailer. Since these aren’t cheap, you want to make sure you get one that suits your needs.

At Howdy Ranch RV, we want you to be happy with your purchase for a long time to come. To check out our collection of Ranch King trailers, come on down to our dealership in Mathis, Texas. We welcome all our friends from Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Rockport, Laredo and Victoria, Texas. 

Size

The weight and size of your dump trailer will depend on the towing capacity of your tow vehicle. If you purchase a bigger size than your vehicle can handle, you can damage both. The size also depends on what you need it for. Dump trailers come in sizes from 8 to 30 feet but the most common size is 14 feet because it has a decent load capacity and isn’t hard to maneuver. 

Lift

Different dump trailers have different lifting mechanisms. The most common are: 
dual piston style that powers two pistons to push the trailer upwards, 
the telescopic-style hydraulic lift which uses one cylinder to lift the trailer, and scissor lift that also uses just one cylinder to lift but spreads out the footprint so the box and frame aren’t damaged even if the load is uneven. 
When it comes to lowering the trailer, opt for lifts that offer gravity down instead of power down as these make your battery last longer.

Axles

A larger axle can handle more weight but will require heavy-duty wheels, more wheel studs, and bigger brakes. Most of the time dump trailers are overloaded, which can lead to torsion axles bending. When that happens, you have to replace the entire axle, which is a costly repair. For heavier loads, choose leaf spring axles, which can be repaired by replacing the leaf springs. These axles also work better on rugged terrain.

Side Gates and Ramps

Side gates might seem like a non-essential feature, but they are really useful for heavy loads. If you only have a back gate, you have to push the cargo towards the back after loading it and then push it to the front to unload. With side gates, not only do loading and unloading get easier, but it is also easier to use tie-downs. With ramps, you have the option of those stored underneath the bed, placed at the side of the box, or built right into the tailgate. 

When heading out to buy a dump trailer, keep in mind what you need it for and discuss it with your dealer. At Howdy Ranch RV in Mathis, Texas, we have a range of Ranch King trailers that are built to get the toughest jobs done. Talk to our experts about trade and financing options when you come to check out our dump trailers for sale.