Your Guide to Buying or Renting Dump Trailers
Dump trailers are handy tools that are utilized by a variety of industries (landscaping, construction, maintenance, etc.) to store, transport, and dispose of things like waste, debris, and other materials. They allow companies to easily and effectively move large loads from one location to another, such as a dump site. More affordable than buying a full-size dump truck, dump trailers offer businesses a convenient alternative solution. But before you start shopping for new or used trailers, it’s important to understand the available styles and sizes and how they could serve your needs when buying or renting dump trailers.
This guide will provide essential information about what to consider when selecting the size and style of your dump trailer.
Size: The Pros and Cons of Small vs. Large Dump Trailers
The size of your trailer bed dictates the length and width of the materials you can transport as well as the total weight that it can support – both extremely important factors when moving certain types of materials. That means that, in order to choose a dump trailer, you must first know what you’ll be using it to haul. Are you moving steel beams? Grass clippings? Hurricane debris? Carefully consider what you’re moving and where you’re moving it to.
Small Dump Trailers. If your business is dealing with locations that have narrow paths or smaller loads, a 4×6 feet or 5×8 feet trailer will perfectly suit your needs. These trailers can generally transport around 1,800 pounds and are much easier to navigate, allowing you to easily maneuver around tight corners or small trails.
Large Dump Trailers. In order to accommodate for more weight and larger loads, large dump trailers are generally about 8×20 feet. They’re equipped with dual pistons and dual axles for extra support and can usually transport around 12,500 pounds. Larger trailers are ideal for bigger operations such as large construction companies or industrial plants.
Style: Straight Axles, Drop Axles, and Other Styles
Just like with sizes, different styles of trailers offer specific benefits. While you shop, two of the major styles you’ll encounter are straight and drop axle dump trailers. To decide between the two, you’ll need to decide what’s more important: ground clearance or ramp usage.
Straight Axle Dump Trailers. If you’re working at sites with a large amount of obstacles or ground debris, then having a low-riding trailer will make it difficult to maneuver through the site. A standard straight axle dump trailer keeps the trailer bed off the ground by about 30 or 33 inches, the same height or slightly above the wheels.
Drop Axle Dump Trailers. For workers that are handling extremely large or heavy pieces of equipment, a drop axle trailer would be preferred. Also called a lowrider, drop axles rest lower than other trailers, about 20 to 27 inches from the ground. This allows for the use of a ramp and helps ease the process of loading particularly hard to transport materials.
Other Styles. While shopping for dump trailers, you’ll also find gooseneck and deck-over styles available. Trailers with gooseneck hitches are generally bigger and able to support more weight while deck-over styles have a raised section of the trailer bed that overhangs the front tires.