Dump trailer mod

[Mighty Dodge]

I have a 6x12 dump trailer electric/hydraulic single cylinder lift. I usually don't leave a battery in it, can't see the point of having a good battery just sitting most of the time. When I do use it on the road I put a battery in of course. This weekend I used it with my compact to haul 3 cords of wood and I got to thinking what would be involved in converting it to use both the on board hydraulic system and adding a quick connect to hook it to the tractor as well. Is this possible?
Thanx

John

 

[Leejohn]

I see why it wouldn't work. Put a valve in to shut off the unit on the trailer and tee in for the tractor hookup. When using the tractor the valve well keep psi from the power unit and when on the power unit psi would be on the couplers.

 

[Redbug]

You will need to flush out the trailer's hydraulic system before anything is done, I would guess. You don't want to mix different fluids in your tractor. My dump trailer has transmission fluid, (atf), in it for oil which would need to be flushed. I wonder what the electric motor produces in terms of fluid psi verses the tractor? What you guys have is a good idea!

 

[Mighty Dodge]

Thanx for all the responses. I'll put this on my to-do list which means I'll probably never get a round tuit but ya never know.

 

[muddstopper]

I would also consider the fluid capacity of the tractor. The dump trailer probably has a 4 or 5 in bore cylinder and can use a lot of fluid when fully extended.

 

[nworcest]

If you don't want to keep a battery in it, why not just rune the electric lift pump from the towing vehicle electrical system?

Easier that trying to tie into the hydraulics.

Ned - TC29DA
Kent WA

I would also consider the fluid capacity of the tractor. The dump trailer probably has a 4 or 5 in bore cylinder and can use a lot of fluid when fully extended.

 

[Redbug]

Kent...I think you would have to run wiring from the vehicle's battery to the trailer. I don't think the pig tail going into the trailer lights would work. Have you done anything like this? I think that would be the best way to go.

 

[sparc]

Run some heavy cables back from the battery to rear of the tractor and use some Anderson Powerpoles or equivilant to make the connection. You could also put a pigtail on your battery with a Powerpole so when you want to use the battery you can just plug it in with no tools required. This also makes it easy to remove the battery when the trailer will not be used for extended periods. Iam looking at dping this with my trailers, two of which each have a battery. I could get down to one battery that I could swap between the trailers as needed.

Anderson Powerpoles: