Dump Trailers

Archive for August, 2010

More and more people are buying dump trailers because of the benefits they provide. You just need a few extra feet to store this utility trailer. Even those who own a pickup will still find this utility useful especially if it is the hydraulic type.

Making Your Own Trailer

The typical trailer comes with one axle and sideboards two to three feet high. There is also a tailgate that can be slid out. It is possible to make your own trailer using wood. You also have to get an axle and tongue, a welder and an angle iron for the frame. Add a few 2 x 4s together by using screws.

You will end up with the trailer. A 4 x 6 trailer should be sufficient for light loads and other small tasks. The homemade trailer has its limitations however. The biggest is that everything is done manually. Whatever you place in the trailer manually has to be taken out manually too.

Hydraulic Trailers

For this reason, the commercially available dump trailers are preferred by most. (Strictly speaking, the homemade trailers are not dump, but rather utility trailers). The biggest benefit of these commercial available trailers is the addition of hydraulics.

This feature allows any payload to slide in and out of the unit. For many people, this convenience makes the purchase well worth it. After all, trying to load and empty a trailer can be an arduous task.

Arranging the Landscape

No matter what you place in the trailer, it will be able to slide out easily. The fact that the trailer bed is raised up means the material won’t come out in a rush. This fact will save you a lot of money and time.

This is especially true for those who need to put rocks around the RV. The trailer can also be used to get rid of dead trees and branches.

Other Uses

You can use the trailer to load that roto-tiller you are renting. This will ensure the unit does not get scratched in any way. Other objects like dryers, refrigerators, washers and furniture can be loaded on it too.

The trailer can also be used for camping. The costs of these trailers will vary but even the secondhand hydraulic
trailers will cost a few thousand at least.

Although the cost of dump trailers may be high, the benefits that you get make it a worthy investment. You can look at different manufacturers to get an idea of where the most affordable units are.

Deciding what used dump trailer to buy should not be hard provided you are aware of your needs and know what features to look for in the trailer. Some of the factors you will have to evaluate are the cost, material used, the capacity and if it has a hydraulic lift.

Cost of Purchase

The cost of the trailer will be influenced by numerous factors, not the least of which is the material used to create the trailer. Another factor that will affect the cost of the trailer is its condition.

Not all secondhand trailers are built the same way so the price will vary. Obviously you are buying the secondhand trailer to save money. However, you need to look for one that is still in good shape. A dilapidated, secondhand trailer will break down and cost you more.

Checking the Components

The biggest question when it comes to used dump trailers is reliability. You can avoid a lemon by checking the components of the unit. Pay close attention to the axle, tires, the hitch, hydraulic lifts and the other parts.

If any of these components are in poor condition, you will have to buy a replacement. This will definitely add to the cost in the long run.

Materials

The costs of these secondhand trailers are also affected by the materials used to make them. The material also has a direct effect on the maneuverability and weight of the structure. The cheapest is an aluminum trailer. It is also lighter compared to those made of stainless steel.

The drawback with aluminum trailers is that they are more susceptible to damage. Stainless steel is stronger but they are more costly. There are also trailers made from wood and plastic.

Suggestions for Buyers

If you intend to use the trailer extensively, make sure to get a unit that can withstand the rigors of everyday utilization. You should also look for a structure that is easy to clean up. Avoid trailers that are prone to rust; they will cost you headaches.

Also keep in mind that these models come in different sizes. Make sure to get a model that is truly fit for your requirements. The larger trailers are harder to maneuver however.

Finally, a used dump trailer with hydraulic lift can make the job of loading and unloading much easier. Without the hydraulics, placing materials and objects in the trailer will be very difficult if not backbreaking.

A used dump truck is the best option for those who need this vehicle but cannot afford to buy a new model. That being said, there are a few issues that need to be looked into when purchasing a secondhand model.

Double Frames

This means the truck has frames that double or overlap. This is typically from the cab to the back of the truck. This feature is what will keep the vehicle together. Without it, the truck might fall apart if it is carrying a heavy load and emerging from a pit. If you are looking for a heavy duty model, the double frames will be essential.

Trucks, not Tractors

Sometimes sellers will place a dump bed on to a road tractor and pass it off as a used dump truck. The problem with these tractors is they cannot handle the workload and duties of the real trucks. Because these tractors are not double framed, they will be unfit for construction and off-road work.

Tractors also have the rear ends high. This makes pulling from the pit difficult, if not impossible. This also makes spreading gravel impossible. In other words, a tractor is unfit for serious construction work.

Horsepower and Transmission

These two components are very important. These units have different kinds of horsepower. The best approach is to get a truck with as much horsepower as you can afford. The rule when it comes to dump trucks is to always overestimate your needs.

As long as the horsepower and transmission are in good condition, even a used truck should last for a long time. You also have to test the hoist and examine the dump bed.

Other Considerations

When it comes to secondhand trucks, their condition dictates the price. Get as much information about the age of the truck, how often it has been used and if any components have been replaced. Think twice about buying very old models as the spare parts may be hard to come by.

No matter how well maintained the truck is, it is still used, so be prepared for the day when parts have to be replaced. If the model is old and no spare parts are available, you will be forced to buy another truck.

Buying a used dump truck is something you should plan for. While getting an affordable model is the main goal, you should also focus on the other features of the truck.

There are several types of trailers available, but there are many that prefer aluminum dump trailers. Below are outlined some of the reasons why this material is being used in an increasingly great number of trailers.

Low Cost

The largest benefit that comes from buying these aluminum models is they are less expensive compared to other materials. For those on a budget, this is the only reason that matters. Many of the other trailers made from stainless steel, wood and plastic are expensive.

By contrast, you save a lot of money by going for these models instead. Whether you buy on the Net or from a local dealer, you will see that these trailers cost far less than the other units.

Maneuverability

The light weight of an aluminum dump trailer makes it easy to maneuver as well. Some of the other trailers are heavy, making movement awkward. The weight is particularly important when the time comes for you to tow it. The extra weight of the other materials is another reason why they are hard to maneuver.

Easy Maintenance

This is another aspect that makes aluminum models attractive. Aluminum is easy to clean and maintenance is easy. This is something you will appreciate if you use the structure regularly. For those who have to work with several trailers, the ease with which it can be cleaned will definitely be essential.

Dimensions

These trailers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The dimensions will depend on how you intend to use it. A small trailer is all that is needed if you will just take out the trash from the house every month or so.

On the other hand, you will need a far bigger trailer if it will be used for hauling dirt, rocks and other large objects. If you will be using the trailer for business, get an estimate of how much material you have to load and unload.

Tips for Buyers

If you can afford it, go for the units with the hydraulic lifts. They will make your tasks much easier. The extra amount you pay will be worth it. A trailer without hydraulics will make it very hard to haul things.

If you are going to buy aluminum dump trailers, look for the models online. This will allow you to examine several options easily. But if there is a local dealer near you, you should talk with them first.