Top 5 Factors to Consider When Buying a Dump Trailer
If you frequently haul heavy payloads of loose materials from one place to another, you’ve probably realized that your pickup truck isn’t always enough. Sometimes you simply need more capacity than a pickup can offer, or you have some materials that won’t just fit in your truck. That’s where dump trailers come in handy! A dump trailer can be used for several purposes, from hauling debris to clearing away piles of dirt and mud at a construction site.
If you’re not sure where to begin in your search for a sturdy dump trailer that’s big enough for whatever you need to carry, consult this guide created by the fine folks at Southern Trailer Works. When you’re ready to explore your options, feel free to give us a call or visit our dealership in Schriever, LA.
1. Consider Your Hauling Needs
Your first consideration for the type of dump trailer you want to buy should be what you’re planning to haul. The type of materials you’re carrying will affect the size of the trailer you want. For instance, a small open trailer will be good for transporting lighter payloads that don’t need protection from the elements. If you work for a materials company, you’ll probably want a dump trailer that’s a little bigger to handle all the work you’ll be doing. However, if you work somewhere a little less labor-intensive but that still requires the occasional dump trailer use, like a privately owned farm, you won’t need a very big unit.
2. Choosing Between Side-Dump and End-Dump Trailers
You’ll want to consider the style before you start shopping for your dump trailer. The two most common styles to choose from are side and end dumps. Side dumps tilt to one side when depositing a payload next to the trailer. This is great for laying out rows of material, such as dirt on a farm. You can easily control how much of the payload is deposited at a time. Side dumps tend to require more space and they can be quite heavy as well.
End dumps raise the front of the trailer up to deposit material out the back of it. The front-end lift can cause an end dump trailer to be a bit unstable. Newer models come with conveyor belts to shift the material without raising the front end. These models take up less space but they also deposit all the material at once. This means you’ll need to do more work on your end to distribute it as needed.
3. How Far Will You Travel?
You should also think about how far you’ll be traveling or how frequently you’ll be on the road. If you plan to use your dump trailer quite often, you should look at heavy-duty models with sturdy construction. Units that are more durable will last longer under extreme conditions. While the upfront cost might be high, it will definitely save you a lot of money in the long run.
4. Lift Mechanism
When you start shopping for a dump trailer, you’ll find that these units are equipped with different types of lifting mechanisms, which include:
- Dual-piston style: The trailer is pushed up by two pistons.
- Telescopic-style hydraulic lift: One cylinder is used to push up the trailer.
- Scissor lift: This also uses one cylinder, but it distributes the footprint evenly so the box and frame aren’t damaged even if the load is uneven.
We’d recommend that you choose the gravity down option instead of power down as it helps prolong the battery life.
5. Budget
Finally, you should establish a firm budget so you can rule out anything that’s out of your price range. You’ll want to take the time to figure out the size based on the loads you plan to carry. A good way to save some money is to look into compact models that increase fuel economy.
You can also consider buying used, which will save you hundreds of dollars on a dump trailer that is capable of accomplishing all your tasks. These trailers are rugged and built to last, so even a gently used model has plenty of life left in it!
With all of these factors in mind, it’s time to start checking out dump trailers for sale. If you have any questions or you need any help, get in touch with us at Southern Trailer Works in Schriever, Louisiana. We proudly serve all those in Thibodaux and New Orleans, so stop by today!