Brand advise, hydraulic dump trailers

[Monster5601]

Looking for advice regarding the various brands of hydraulic dump trailers, specifically a 16-foot low profile in either bumper pull or goose neck. I'll be pulling with a one-ton diesel pickup.

Brands to stay away from, brands you would recommend?

Usages are topsoil/fill dirt, mulch, gravel, landscaping rocks, and my tractor (B3030 TLB). Mostly for personal use and lending neighborly help.

Thanks in advance for your information.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Looking for advice regarding the various brands of hydraulic dump trailers, specifically a 16-foot low profile in either bumper pull or goose neck. I'll be pulling with a one-ton diesel pickup.

Brands to stay away from, brands you would recommend?

Usages are topsoil/fill dirt, mulch, gravel, landscaping rocks, and my tractor (B3030 TLB). Mostly for personal use and lending neighborly help.

Thanks in advance for your information.

Ld1 had a thread about a brand to stay away from. I think it was forest river (mainly rv builders). I would recommend the GN and be sure it has the 7-8k axles under it. They can get overloaded quick

Brett

 

[Monster5601]

Ld1 had a thread about a brand to stay away from. I think it was forest river (mainly rv builders). I would recommend the GN and be sure it has the 7-8k axles under it. They can get overloaded quick

Brett

Why the gooseneck? If I get the bumper pull I can pull the dump with the tractor in areas the pickup wouldn't survive on my property. I'm wondering what the advantage of the goose-neck is over the bumper pull. I'm focusing on a dump with 14K GVWR.

I did read LD1's Forsestriver nightmare thread, the takeaway, do not assume a recognizable brand name equals quality and functionality.

 

[RyeThomas]

Depending on the hitch rating a gooseneck can generally tow more (when talking about the tow rating of the vehicle hitch) nowadays some of the trucks have a class V 2-1/2" reciever and that can negate this but a few years ago tow ratings between traditional hitch vs goose, the goose was always higher rated. The turning radius of the goose is far superior.
That said a goose will be heavier and take up a bit more room. They make 3point goose adapters for your 3 point so you can move them either way with your tractor. Not sure the weight rating on them though.

As far as brand this seems to differ greatly by location. Always get a little extra if you can. I'm not a huge fan of dumps for soil/stone/rock (it's amazing how heavy this material is and how little you can actually move at one time), yes they work but for the time and effort you can usually get a local dump truck to handle it for less. Now if you have the time and just like having and using equipment they sure are awesome.

Buy the biggest axles you can swing, make sure they are an easy lube style.
Check what coating/paint they use and warranty.
Check the tires and make sure they are quality (a big cost cutter on the cheaper versions)
Check the thickness of the deck and frame members
I'm a fan of power down models, some are gravity and that can be a pain.
Type of cylinder scissor vs dual
Gate type (3 way spreader, simple swing, etc)
Ramps and equipment package?
I can tell you if you get ramps I'd shoot for some that store to the rear under the trailer. Mine are high mounted on the sides and while I've always been strong and in shape I absolutely cannot stand using the ramps.
Anyway just a few thoughts, I'm sure you had considered them. Best of luck, Rye.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Depending on the hitch rating a gooseneck can generally tow more (when talking about the tow rating of the vehicle hitch) nowadays some of the trucks have a class V 2-1/2" reciever and that can negate this but a few years ago tow ratings between traditional hitch vs goose, the goose was always higher rated. The turning radius of the goose is far superior.
That said a goose will be heavier and take up a bit more room. They make 3point goose adapters for your 3 point so you can move them either way with your tractor. Not sure the weight rating on them though.

As far as brand this seems to differ greatly by location. Always get a little extra if you can. I'm not a huge fan of dumps for soil/stone/rock (it's amazing how heavy this material is and how little you can actually move at one time), yes they work but for the time and effort you can usually get a local dump truck to handle it for less. Now if you have the time and just like having and using equipment they sure are awesome.

Buy the biggest axles you can swing, make sure they are an easy lube style.
Check what coating/paint they use and warranty.
Check the tires and make sure they are quality (a big cost cutter on the cheaper versions)
Check the thickness of the deck and frame members
I'm a fan of power down models, some are gravity and that can be a pain.
Type of cylinder scissor vs dual
Gate type (3 way spreader, simple swing, etc)
Ramps and equipment package?
I can tell you if you get ramps I'd shoot for some that store to the rear under the trailer. Mine are high mounted on the sides and while I've always been strong and in shape I absolutely cannot stand using the ramps.
Anyway just a few thoughts, I'm sure you had considered them. Best of luck, Rye.

Great info

Why the gooseneck? If I get the bumper pull I can pull the dump with the tractor in areas the pickup wouldn't survive on my property. I'm wondering what the advantage of the goose-neck is over the bumper pull. I'm focusing on a dump with 14K GVWR.

I did read LD1's Forsestriver nightmare thread, the takeaway, do not assume a recognizable brand name equals quality and functionality.

Gooseneck pull better and ride better. Also able to turn much sharper. For my setup, I have a 14' dump with high sides. Easily load 7 yards of dirt and run and hyd line from the tractor to the cylinder and have quick cycle times. Bought a 3pt trailer mover with GN ball on top. Easy peasy. Makes it nice to be able to lift the hitch depending on the terrain instead of it being solid mounted to the draw bar.

Brett

 

[RichM752]

I have a PJ 14' low pro. Their quality control department must have had been on vacation when mine was built. The powder coat finish is peeling off. I previously had a 12' PJ dump for 10 yrs that held up quite well. I'm seriously considering unloading this PJ once summer is over and buying either Load Trail or Lamar.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Stay away from powder coated trailers.

I am a bumper pull guy. GN limits your tow vehicle too much.

We have had a 14' 14K Bri-Mar dump for 10 plus years. Its a BP and has been behind everything from an Expedition to a F350.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Stay away from powder coated trailers.

I am a bumper pull guy. GN limits your tow vehicle too much.

We have had a 14' 14K Bri-Mar dump for 10 plus years. Its a BP and has been behind everything from an Expedition to a F350.

More importantly it limits who asks to borrow it. There's a reason all I have is goosenecks

Brett

 

[Diamondpilot]

More importantly it limits who asks to borrow it. There's a reason all I have is goosenecks

Brett

Man up and just say no.

I did this a couple of months ago with my 10' trailer. His response was "why, its just a trailer".

Yes, its mine! Was my response.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Man up and just say no.

I did this a couple of months ago with my 10' trailer. His response was "why, its just a trailer".

Yes, its mine! Was my response.

Haha. I've finally done that with my new deckover. $17k trailer that weights 10k unloaded is not one im going to let people borrow. It stays inside my shop away from the sun. Several friends are already butt hurt over not being able to use it. On my last deck over guys would secure their load by using screws thru the deck??? WTH? Atleast ask first

I've been so burnt lately letting people borrow stuff that this rental yard is closed with the exception of a few that genuinely return it better than they got it

Brett

 

[Monster5601]

Stay away from powder coated trailers.

Well, thanks, but without telling me why it is a useless advise!

Outside of the national brands like PJ and Big Tex, other brands are very regionalized, for example, Lamar, no dealers near Michigan. All of the brands I've reviewed and available at dealers around me brag about their Sherwin-Williams power coating. It doesn't look like I have a choice.

Anyway just a few thoughts, I'm sure you had considered them. Best of luck, Rye.

Thank you very much for the reply, you definitly brought to the table items I had not considered.


I'm not worried about folks wanting to borrow my trailer, I have a "do not lend policy" and the only exception is my oldest son. If I go with the gooseneck he will have to also borrow my truck since his Duramax isn't equipped with a gooseneck hitch. The bumper-pull worries me a bit, my Class V is rated for a gross trailer weight of 14,500 with a maximum tongue weight of 2,200 pounds. The gross trailer weight (14K) is close to the 14,500 hitch rating. The goose neck solution solves this worry but, Michigan is primarily a bumper-pull state and trying to find a 16 foot dump in gosseneck is difficult. None of the dealers I have talked with is willing to order one trailer. Seems they are better than half way through their selling season and have ample yard stock.

I'm going to be visiting three dealers today, if a dump comes home with me today, pictures tomorrow. I do appreciate all the advice, so thanks.

 

[rdinatal]

I can't tell you what brand but feature, function, price, warranty, location is always important...

What I can suggest would be good items to look for:

Power down hydraulics
Dual cylinder or scissor lift
Inside bed D-Rings
Heavy gauge floor
LED lights
Tailgate in the configuration you'll be using

What I ended up getting was very local to me. Right at the max my F150 is rated for.

Griffin Dump
6x12
Empty Weight 3580
Dexter Axles: 6000 lb x2 = 12K GVWR
Hydraulics: 4" (2), power down
10ga Floor
Gate: Spreader/Barn
Ramps
LED lights
D-Rings (5)

 

[Barnbuilder]

Midsotamfg.com
These are nice. Lots of options. In Michigan.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My experience with 25 years of trailers is powder coat is a chip leads to rust which leads to it coming off in sheets. That leads to a full disassembly, sand blast, and paint.

I prefer enamel that is easily repaired with a rattle can of Rust Olem Paint.

 

[TMGT]

I'm still a big fan of the B-wise trailers, really nice fit and finish. They have a 16ft low pro that I would love to have, they are powder coated but not all powder coat is created equal.
They are properly prepped and primed, I've seen one that was used by a contractor and pretty beat and the finish was wearing better then painted, no pealing etc. just worn like enamel.

 

[RichM752]

I had a 12ft 14k PJ dump for 10 yrs with powder coat that was in great shape when I sold it. This 1 yr old PJ I now have is a mess. PJ ill not answer my inquires, which leaves me to believe, that don't care.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I had a 12ft 14k PJ dump for 10 yrs with powder coat that was in great shape when I sold it. This 1 yr old PJ I now have is a mess. PJ ill not answer my inquires, which leaves me to believe, that don't care.

Were you in CA the whole time? I think most of the people with issues with powder coating are the guys in the northern states that have to deal with salted roads and rust

Brett

 

[Michael Aos]

I don't have anything to compare it to, but I've been happy with my Load Trail 5x10 7K dump trailer.
--

 

[RichM752]

Were you in CA the whole time? I think most of the people with issues with powder coating are the guys in the northern states that have to deal with salted roads and rust

Brett

Yep. I don't leave these mountains much. The new PJ, is just not the same. I'm sure the cleaning/treatment prior to powder coating was insufficient.
I kind of knew this trailer would be a dud. Stickers were all crooked, axles/hardware/brake housings were rusted when I picked it up. If it hadn't been a special build, I would have picked another. I tried contacting PJ by phone/email/and mail. No response. I warn everyone every chance I get. When I bought my equipment hauler I went with Diamond C.

 

[lexluther]

I bought an Iron Bull after looking at othwra for years. I found it to be the most stout construction and best execution / finishing touches and small stuff..,