Dump Trailer Buying Guide

Before you even look at a trailer, you must know what your tow vehicle can handle. This is the single most important factor for safety and legal operation.

Towing Capacity: This is the maximum weight your truck can pull. You must ensure your truck's rating is higher than the trailer's GVWR.

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum total weight of the trailer plus its payload. A trailer with a 14,000-pound GVWR can weigh no more than 14,000 pounds when fully loaded.

Curb Weight: This is the weight of the trailer when it's empty.

Payload Capacity: This is the actual amount of weight you can carry. (Payload = GVWR - Curb Weight).

Key Takeaway: Don't just look at the payload. A 14,000-pound GVWR trailer is a common choice, but you must have a truck (typically a 3/4-ton or 1-ton) that is rated to tow at least that much. We have dump trailers that can support loads up to 25,000 pounds, but they require a heavy-duty truck to match.

This is the next major decision and depends on your truck and stability needs.

Bumper Pull Trailers:

How it works: Connects to a standard ball hitch on the back of your truck.

Pros: Easy to hook up, can be towed by any truck with a receiver hitch, and is generally less expensive.

Best for: Lighter-duty hauling, smaller trailers, and those who need to use their truck bed for other items.

Gooseneck Dump Trailers:

How it works: Connects to a ball hitch installed in the bed of your truck.

Pros: Offers superior stability and a tighter turning radius. The weight is placed over the truck's rear axle, allowing for a much higher and safer towing capacity.

Best for: Heavy-duty hauling, longer trailers (16ft+), and anyone towing maximum loads.

The axles are the foundation of your trailer. The right axle configuration is critical for handling your load correctly.

Single Axle: Typically rated around 3,500 to 7,000 pounds. These are excellent for light-duty hauling, landscaping, or as a "dump" upgrade to a standard utility trailer.

Tandem (Dual) Axle: This is the most common configuration for professional use. Two axles provide significantly better support, stability, and braking for heavier loads. Common ratings are two 7,000-pound axles (14,000-pound GVWR) or two 12,000-pound axles (24,000-pound GVWR).

Triple Axle: Reserved for the most extreme heavy-duty dump trailers.

Once you have the foundation, these features determine how you'll use the trailer.

Wall Height:

Low-Profile (e.g., DE, DG, DL models): Lower walls mean a lower center of gravity and, more importantly, an easier time loading with a skid steer or mini-excavator.

High Walls: Better for high-volume, low-density materials like mulch, scrap metal, or junk removal. Be careful not to overload with heavy materials like gravel.

Gates:

Spreader/Barn Door Gate: The most versatile option. You can swing the two doors open to dump large items (like concrete chunks) or use the spreader feature to evenly lay gravel.

Side Gates: Some models (like the D3) offer side gates for faster loading or unloading of materials from the side.

Ramps:

This is a critical option if you plan to haul equipment. Heavy-duty, slide-in ramps allow you to drive a skid steer, mini-excavator, or tracked loader into the dump bed, making it a dual-purpose equipment hauler.

Lift System:

Scissor Hoist (e.g., DM, DT, DX models): This is a heavy-duty lift mechanism known for its stability and power, as it lifts from a wider frame.

Telescopic Hoist: A single, multi-stage cylinder that provides a high-angle dump, perfect for getting sticky materials to slide out.

Our inventory is designed to meet specific needs. Here's a quick breakdown:

Roll-Off Dump Trailers: This is a different business model. The trailer itself is a frame designed to pick up and drop off separate dump bins or containers. Ideal for junk removal or construction site dumpster services.

Utility Dump Trailers (e.g., D5): A compact, all-purpose trailer. Perfect for homeowners, farmers, or landscapers who need more capability than a standard utility trailer.

Low-Profile Dump Trailers (e.g., DE, DG, DL): Built to be lower to the ground for easy loading of equipment and materials.

Deckover Dump Trailers (e.g., D8): The trailer bed is built entirely over the wheels. This means no interior fenders, giving you a wider, completely flat floor.