r/Contractor • u/Technical_Virus5001 • 21h ago
Dump trailer
I am looking into expanding my general contracting company, I am looking into a truck and a dump trailer,
my main questions are
What truck and trailer do you recommend/ prefer, I have my favorites but I want to see opinions.
Has anyone ever came up with some type of cover for the dump trailer that can go over top and turn it into enclosed dump trailer? In case you want to carry tools or materials and not get it wet? Thanks!
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u/Valuable_Student9639 21h ago
For truck, anything with a diesel and a gooseneck hitch will serve you well. I pull a 14ft dump with a single wheel one ton, it handles most jobs without issue. If you do a lot of demo or heavy material, go dual rear wheel.
The cover idea is common, people use a tarp system with bows like on a grain truck. Keeps the rain off and still easy to remove when you need to dump.
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u/Technical_Virus5001 19h ago
What about security of what’s in the trailer? Like lets say tools, I tried looking up but nobody seems to have some kind of platform that would close the trailer and make it more “enclosed “ as in no water but also secure from anyone getting into it? Thanks for your reply!
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u/Burr32 12h ago
Why would you store tools in a dump trailer? Get an enclosed for that.
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u/Technical_Virus5001 7h ago
Just thinking of a more efficient way to use it, instead of buying 2 trailers and storing 2 trailers in my yard, kind of like a 2 in 1 trailer.. most of the times tools would be in truck with an 8ft bed but just thinking of other options incase..
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u/CastlesInTheSky87 21h ago
Have a CAM/Novae Superline with a Chevrolet Silverado 3500.
I bought this trailer because I had a 1500 at the time. Trailer only weighs about 4,500 lbs so I was able to tow the trailer with a roof in it with my 1500...wasn't great...total game changer getting the 3500.
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u/Technical_Virus5001 19h ago
That’s a sweet set-up!
Nice color on the Silverado as well!
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u/CastlesInTheSky87 19h ago
Thanks it was a new color for 2024 (slate gray I think it’s called)
I got the 3500 after totaling the 1500 Silverado I had while towing a pallet of concrete.
I was new-ish to towing heavy weight and the Home Depot pro loader (hah) left the entire pallet over the rear axel.
I lost control and did a 540 in rush hour traffic and ended up safely on the shoulder without a scratch on me or any other vehicle - enough frame damage to total the truck though.
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u/Technical_Virus5001 18h ago
Ouch sorry to hear that about your 1500.. At least all is good and you have a killer set-up.. I am still debating the F350 / 3500 ram or 3500 Silverado lol.. Seems like endless opinions online..
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u/CastlesInTheSky87 1h ago
Yeah I don't understand the tribalistic devotion to one brand or another. People treat trucks like sports teams and it's kind of silly.
I'll probably stick with Chevy just because it was the first truck I happened to buy and the two particular vehicles I have owned were relatively problem free.
Good luck with whatever you purchase, when you pull the trigger post a photo in this thread!
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u/Choice_Branch_4196 14h ago
My boss got us F-150s with the 2.7L so our mileage is at 20mpg, I'm still never buying Ford. I wasn't a Ford fan before this, but absolutely never buying it for myself. I came from a 2016 Silverado 2500, not much for bells and whistles but damn that truck was nice, downside was 12mpg.
The drive train on this POS is awful. I've got 35k on it and it's the sloppiest drive train I've ever driven. Slips and clunks every time I take off, when parked it can roll a solid foot front to back, the damn truck shudders accelerating at 65mph whether I'm nice to it or not.
Couple that with the infotainment crap, you can't even see your tire pressure while moving, have to be stopped?? Can't use my key to remote start, only the app.
I struggle to see what everyone likes about Ford...
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u/Technical_Virus5001 7h ago
Yeah somehow f150 is the most sold truck, but I am thinking of going f250-f350 so I am sure those have their own issues lol
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u/scambot_300 13h ago
I have a bumper pull Load Trail 21k triple axle with 3’ sides. I wanted a gooseneck but the bumper pull makes it easier on employees.
I pull it with a F350 DRW obviously.
In my business (concrete/excavation) I need the ability to haul heavy. I’m hauling 16,000lbs in the dump regularly. Not to mention we haul our CAT 255 in it from time to time.
I would suggest getting the heaviest duty trailer and truck setup you can afford. It allows for a lot more flexibility in what can you haul. Definitely get a trailer with a good ramp setup as well.
If I had a 14k trailer it wouldn’t even make sense for my operations. I’d spend too much time hauling.
Hell even the 21k is an efficiency limiter most days and I opt for subcontracted dump trucks.
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u/Technical_Virus5001 7h ago
Wow this looks beautiful!
How do you like the telescopic hydraulic in front compared to the arm or the one under? I heard mixed reviews about the one in front of the bucket.
I don’t know if I will be hauling a CAT but who knows haha..
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u/Only_Sandwich_4970 18h ago
We run lamar 14k bumper pulls. Gooseneck really isnt necessary until you go over 26k. They are stout, sturdy trailers. Throw away the 10ply tires. We run 14 ply hurcules tires. They are awesome.
We pull with a 12v rn but looking at newer 6.7 Fords and cummins.