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Dump Trailer suggestions

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Bradracer18

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey guys-

Looking for dump trailer suggestions. I'm looking in the 8'x12' range (negotiable) but am looking thus far at Finish line Trailers and H&H Trailers. Just wondering which trailers you suggest?


Also, I notice most of them (that I am looking at) are built fairly similar (10ga floor, 12 ga sides, ez lube hubs, etc etc). So, what sets them apart? What should I be looking for that makes one work better than the other?

One plus I liked about the Finish Line trailer was the dump angle was said to be 60 degrees where most are around 40-45. I also like the option of being able to open the gates off to the sides (barn door) or use the gate as a spreader gate for gravel.

Suggestions/advice is welcome!
 
#2 ·
I had a recent post concerning dump trailers. You didn't mention what load capacity you are considering and what you plan to be your tow vehicle. Personally, I want to keep my trailer 12K GVWR and under as my tow vehicle is a 1 ton van. 12K is a little over the rating for my van and it would be rare that I ever exceeded much over 9500#. I also prefer a deckover style in both dump and equipment trailers to keep the width down. I've had PJ, Gatormade, Big Tex, Texas Pride and a few other brands. IMHO, Gatormade probably makes the best engineered trailer around.
 
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#3 ·
I have had really good experience with "Titan" Brand trailers. Everything is heavy duty and built to last... I had a big tex and it was much flimsier in comparison. Mine is a 7/14 and good up to 5 Tons. I don't know what you have in your area but some things to look for are:

-strong hinges on the barn style door Also does it have a system to hold the doors open while you dump it? (seems dumb but my first trailer didnt and it was pain.)
-Solid wheel wells that you can stand on
-A heavy duty jack stand so that you can leave it unhooked while the guys fill it.
-Scissor Hoists tend to work better.
-Carring a lot of weight? Best to get a tortion suspension system.

Good luck with your purchase.
 
#4 ·
Jason-F said:
I have had really good experience with "Titan" Brand trailers. Everything is heavy duty and built to last... I had a big tex and it was much flimsier in comparison. Mine is a 7/14 and good up to 5 Tons. I don't know what you have in your area but some things to look for are:

-strong hinges on the barn style door Also does it have a system to hold the doors open while you dump it? (seems dumb but my first trailer didnt and it was pain.)
-Solid wheel wells that you can stand on
-A heavy duty jack stand so that you can leave it unhooked while the guys fill it.
-Scissor Hoists tend to work better.
-Carring a lot of weight? Best to get a tortion suspension system.

Good luck with your purchase.
Click to expand...
All very good points. A lot has to do with what your plans are for the dump trailer. I tend to "cube out" long before I "gross out" even with 4' high extensions. A roofer (like Jason-F) will have more issues with weight. Dirt and gravel are heavy also and you have to remember that it's a dump trailer and not a dump truck.
 
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#6 ·
I currently have 2 Carson dump trailers. 1 12' and 1 16'. I have owned the 12' for 9 years and best thing I ever bought. The 12' is ideal size with removeable 4' stake sides. Scissor hoist is key for heavy loads. I actually have the 16' pictured for sale and plan on buying a second 12'. Ideal dump trailer is the deckover PJ. Deckover is around $1200 upgrade. Key here is 10k gross so you dont need class a license.
 

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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Great info guys! Right now all I have for a tow vehicle is a 07 F150. I don't think power is an issue (I won't be in a huge hurry), but weight probably is. MY dad and 4 of my close friends (who will use this as much as me) all have F250's and F350's (which I can also use at anytime).

I guess the ones I have looked at are 8.5' x 12' and 14,000 GVW. Width doesn't seem to be an issue for me, and I'd rather not do the deck over as I like to keep the trailer lower. I'll be hauling a skid loader in there some, and it will keep the angle of the ramps to a smaller degree. I'll be hauling anything from dirt/gravel/sand to lawn clippings/leaves/tree debris. I'll probably also use it to haul some landscape block at one point or another....and also use it for roofing!

Keep the ideas coming, I'm going to look into those brands this afternoon!

Thank you!
 
#8 ·
Well I'm not gona say the F150 is bad but for the application it will be lacking. I believe a 1/2 truck usually have a tow weight around 6500-7000 lbs. a 8.5/ 12 trailer is around 3000 lbs empty. The heaviest load I had in my trailer was a load of gravel, and it just happened to be raining out and I got it stuck, bent a 16,000 lb hitch ball pulling it out.

Thats another good point, Make sure you buy solid steel ball mounts and ball rated for the max weight you intend to pull (just incase it happens) Forget about anything hollow or balls rated for 7000 lbs. I had one snap off while slowing for a traffic light b/c the brake controller was set to aggressive.

Just got to ask, Why do you like your deckover so much? I thought it would be a pain b/c then you lose all the storage in the box of the truck.
 
#9 ·
With the F150 you should add air bags in rear and brake controller for sure. The PJ deckover I mentioned is good for pallets and side loading. Also use it as a flatbed as the sides fold down. My 12' with wood sides around 3500# empty the 16'with wood sides 4500# empty.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Ok guys, thanks again!

I thought about, if the trailer allows and has an adjustable hitch, putting a pintle hitch on it. They are rated pretty high in terms of weight. I've also been thinking about adding air bags, though I don't know much about which brand or what it takes to add them. I've heard Firestone bags are decent. I do have a brake controller, and wouldn't attempt to put any trailer equipped with brakes without one!


I looked at the Titan trailers, and they seem to be nice ones too! It seems every trailer has something and then is lacking something else. Can't just find a perfect one!
 
#11 ·
Bradracer18 said:
... Width doesn't seem to be an issue for me, and I'd rather not do the deck over as I like to keep the trailer lower. I'll be hauling a skid loader in there some, and it will keep the angle of the ramps to a smaller degree...
Click to expand...
Whether deckover or not, always take advantage of the tilt capability of the trailer and raise it slightly to lower the ramp angle.
 
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#12 ·
I have a 14' 14k PJ I bought a couple years ago. Great trailer, I haul skid steer, gravel, and demo debris primarily. I pull it with a F350. The problem that I have with the larger trailers, is it is easy to overload weight wise. Mine has a 10k load capability, so 14k plus can be a little harry with a bumper pull.
 
#16 ·
I really regrett not getting a mesh tarp kit installed when I bought mine.... such a pain without one, considering everything needs to be tarped for transport anyways.

The Titan is King! I rent mine out all the time, and even with the idiocy of renters using it is still in good shape, and continues to be a strong trailer. I've never had a severe problem, even with some pretty looming "wtf were you thinking" incidents occuring. It has taken alot of abuse, and still stands up to the test of work and time. Get it and dont look back.

How do they compare price wise in your area?
 
#17 ·
Also another question, do many of you guys have tarp kits installed on yours? Did it come from the factory, or self-installed/purchased. Opinions?[/quote]


Dont have tarp kit due to added wood sides, Bought a Buyers dump tarp kit off Ebay for my Dump truck and best purchase ever for it. Made it so easy to cover and uncover. Very easy to install.
 
#20 ·
Bradracer18 said:
Hey guys-

Looking for dump trailer suggestions. I'm looking in the 8'x12' range (negotiable) but am looking thus far at Finish line Trailers and H&H Trailers. Just wondering which trailers you suggest?


Also, I notice most of them (that I am looking at) are built fairly similar (10ga floor, 12 ga sides, ez lube hubs, etc etc). So, what sets them apart? What should I be looking for that makes one work better than the other?

One plus I liked about the Finish Line trailer was the dump angle was said to be 60 degrees where most are around 40-45. I also like the option of being able to open the gates off to the sides (barn door) or use the gate as a spreader gate for gravel.

Suggestions/advice is welcome!
Click to expand...
txgencon said:
I had a recent post concerning dump trailers. You didn't mention what load capacity you are considering and what you plan to be your tow vehicle. Personally, I want to keep my trailer 12K GVWR and under as my tow vehicle is a 1 ton van. 12K is a little over the rating for my van and it would be rare that I ever exceeded much over 9500#. I also prefer a deckover style in both dump and equipment trailers to keep the width down. I've had PJ, Gatormade, Big Tex, Texas Pride and a few other brands. IMHO, Gatormade probably makes the best engineered trailer around.
Click to expand...
What about diamond c telescoping ir pj with rolloff dumpster trailer
 
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