A dump trailer is an essential hauler for job sites that require the transport of loose materials or heavy loads. If you need a new dump trailer for your worksite, it’s important to choose a model that can properly accommodate your needs for loading, unloading, towing, and more.
Our team at Factory Outlet Trailers can help you find a quality hauler from the industry’s top brands, including our in-house models. Below, we’ll discuss a few things you should consider when buying a new dump trailer so you can be fully prepared for your upcoming visit to one of our 12 locations!
Why Do You Need a Dump Trailer?
First things first: what do you need a dump trailer for? Are you hauling and pouring fertilizer on the family farm, moving demolition debris on an industrial site, or starting a snow removal business? Whatever your purpose, it’s vital to select a trailer that can handle your payload.
Don’t fall into the trap of buying a trailer with a heftier load capacity than you actually need. A trailer that’s too large can create unnecessary costs for your worksite.
On the other hand, choosing a trailer that’s too small can create inefficiencies, causing you to take smaller loads at a time and prolonging the jobs you need to complete. Our team can help you choose a trailer that fits your standard load size and weight.
What Are Your Load Capacity Requirements?
The types of loads you plan to haul will determine several specs for your trailer, including its dimensions, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and axle type.
Your GVWR is the maximum weight that your trailer and tow vehicle can safely haul. Dump trailers for big commercial and industrial jobs generally feature a GVWR between 14,0000 to 30,000, while a personal use or small commercial dump trailer will fall between 3,000 and 10,000 GVWR.
Single-axle trailers are easier to tow and are generally used for lighter loads, such as gardening and farming supplies. Tandem axles have two sets of wheels, providing greater stability for heavier loads. Finally, tri-axles have three sets of wheels and are intended for exceptionally heavy loads.
TLDR: The larger the load, the higher your trailer’s load capacity.
How Often Will You Use the Trailer?
Your trailer’s frequency of use is another important factor to consider for wear and tear and efficiency. If you plan to use your dump trailer daily, it’s important to select a model that’s easy to maintain and made from durable materials like reinforced steel.
Do You Want a Hydraulic or Mechanical Lifting System?
The most common dump trailers use hydraulic lifting mechanisms. The hydraulic lift is considered the most efficient and reliable, but it also requires regular maintenance to prevent the system from sustaining leaks and other damage. These dump trailers are ideal for worksites with a more intense load and usage, such as construction sites or commercial landscaping.
An alternative choice is the mechanical lift, which is usually found on smaller trailers and older or used models. This type of dump trailer uses gears and levers to raise and lower the trailer bed.
Hydraulic systems can be more expensive to buy outright and maintain, but this type of dump trailer is very reliable. Mechanical systems can be less expensive, but they don’t have the same lifting power as a hydraulic system. This type of trailer can be useful for jobs on personal property, such as farming and gardening.
Gooseneck or Pull Trailer?
There are two main types of dump trailers: gooseneck and bumper pull. A gooseneck trailer is attached to a gooseneck hitch in the bed of a truck, while a bumper pull trailer is attached to a ball hitch at the rear end of your vehicle.
Goosenecks are ideal for commercial worksites due to their stability, weight distribution, and enhanced pull control. They are great for carrying regular, heavy loads and generally provide more space than a pull trailer.
If you’re working with smaller loads, a pull trailer is a better way to go. These trailers require less towing skill and are generally more affordable. However, they are also known to sway more on the road, particularly when carrying heavy loads or driving at highway speeds.
What Are the Safety Features?
Safety features are paramount when selecting a dump trailer, regardless of its size or intended use. Some features you should look for include a high-quality braking system, a locking mechanism, an emergency shut-off, lighting and reflective strips, and a stable stance during the lift-and-dump mechanism.
These are just a few key points to keep in mind when looking for a dump trailer. At Factory Outlet, we offer a wide selection of dump trailers from industry-leading brands. Whether you want a small, 7,000 GVWR trailer or a triple-axle for oversized loads, we can help you locate the right hauler for your worksite!
Carry the Load with Factory Outlet Trailers
There are many factors to consider when buying a dump trailer, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Our team at Factory Outlet can help you narrow down your options and find a dump trailer that fits your needs and worksite requirements.
You can visit one of our 12 locations in Western Canada, including Calgary, Edmonton, Kamloops, Langley, and more, to find the right make and model. You can also contact us via our website for more information.