Dump Trailer Questions

[woody]

I believe the scissor lift is just fine for what we do, I seam to remember a YouTube demonstration on the different lifts.

 

[MOTractor]

I believe the scissor lift is just fine for what we do, I seam to remember a YouTube demonstration on the different lifts.

Excellent video! I think most of what I have been looking at online are the scissor lifts, the single ram would be hard to miss.

 

[Fixastuff]

I've had a 10k 6x12ft dump trailer since summer and use it a bunch for work. It has come in very handy and made me money but for large quantities of material it is cheaper to have a big truck bring it in.

It is a scissor lift and will easily dump double the rated capacity if loaded rear heavy. You can't go down the road like that for both legal and safety reasons but it is very nice it moving stuff around a property.

The two things I don't like about it are:

1) I wish the lift angle was steeper, 95% of the time dirt dumps smoothly but when it sticks it is very annoying having to "help" it out. I might try a plastic liner, I think the slipperyness will help.

2) When tilted up the end of the trailer is very close to the ground. This means very few materials are going to dump into a "pile". Most of the time you have to pull forward and the materials end up on the ground in the same dimensions they were in the trailer.

I also charge the trailer after every three dumps but plan to run 0 gauge wires back there I'm the future.

 

[nikerret]

2) When tilted up the end of the trailer is very close to the ground. This means very few materials are going to dump into a "pile". Most of the time you have to pull forward and the materials end up on the ground in the same dimensions they were in the trailer.

Good point. If you get a low profile trailer, you’ll have to pull forward more, to get the load out. Some trailers have the bottom of the rear of the box just above the ground. This can cause some issues. I’ve heard of some that even hit the ground, but haven’t seen that. I just bottomed mine out, for the first time, pulling out of a pile over an elevation change.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have 2 dump trailers… one I built and one bought new.

Its common here to buy new a de-rated trailer to keep it legal without being commercial…

As to the battery…

I ran welding cable from truck battery to rear bumper terminated in a single plug-in welding terminal…

Just to be safe I unplug the trailer light connector…

Never a problem using the hitch for negative path.

 

[nisaacs]

There seems to be some confusion on when a CDL is required. This guy spells it out pretty plain.

 

[nikerret]

There seems to be some confusion on when a CDL is required. This guy spells it out pretty plain.

Except, it’s not relevant to the OP. The OP isn’t commercial and his State doesn’t require it, for his stated uses.

 

[nisaacs]

Except, it’s not relevant to the OP. The OP isn’t commercial and his State doesn’t require it, for his stated uses.

It is if you go by some on here. I keep seeing, if the trailer is over 10k you need a CDL...not so.

 

[ultrarunner]

My post more geared to those dismissing smaller GVW trailers...

My 12,000 built trailer de-rated keeps me legal in my State and I have trailered in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

The market for used 10k trailers is very strong...

 

[3 Horse Ranch]

It is if you go by some on here. I keep seeing, if the trailer is over 10k you need a CDL...not so.

It only applies if the vehicle combination exceeds 26000. It's actually a little confusing in how It's worded and in the wording differences between the fed and Washington State.

However, when I increased the gvw of my pickup to 16,000 the vehicle license was changed from private to commercial. My previous pickup was also licensed for 16000 but didn't get the commercial designation.

 

[jaxs]

As to the batter...

Never a problem using the hitch for negative path.

Surly what you said isn't what you meant runner.

 

[LD1]

Arent CDL discussions fun. No one ever seems to know....and two people that are sure they are right have conflicting info.

ITs all BS. The very notion of a guy hauling a dually and a gooseneck needing the same license as a someone driving a tractor trailer is Ludacris. The whole CDL thing needs a massive revamp IMO.

The FIRST part of cdl is "commercial". So long as you are doing it for money. Doesnt sound like the OP will in this case....but heaven forbid he hauls a load of stone for his buddy for $100, or for his church or something. BAM....now you commercial.

IT has nothing to do with your safety blah blah blah. Its a money grab. If it was truly about safety they would do something about the RV'ers driving Class-A diesel pushers and towing a 30' enclosed trailer behind that.

Fortunately In my area they havent become sticklers yet. Otherwise just about every landscape/hardscape company would go out of business. Most of them are running duallys/14k trailers. Adding CDL-A to the requirement to be a landscaper/hardscaper.....no one could afford to hire them.

 

[Otgaugres]

Arent CDL discussions fun. No one ever seems to know....and two people that are sure they are right have conflicting info.

ITs all BS. The very notion of a guy hauling a dually and a gooseneck needing the same license as a someone driving a tractor trailer is Ludacris. The whole CDL thing needs a massive revamp IMO.

The FIRST part of cdl is "commercial". So long as you are doing it for money. Doesnt sound like the OP will in this case....but heaven forbid he hauls a load of stone for his buddy for $100, or for his church or something. BAM....now you commercial.

IT has nothing to do with your safety blah blah blah. Its a money grab. If it was truly about safety they would do something about the RV'ers driving Class-A diesel pushers and towing a 30' enclosed trailer behind that.

Fortunately In my area they havent become sticklers yet. Otherwise just about every landscape/hardscape company would go out of business. Most of them are running duallys/14k trailers. Adding CDL-A to the requirement to be a landscaper/hardscaper.....no one could afford to hire them.

Amen

 

[nisaacs]

The FIRST part of cdl is "commercial". So long as you are doing it for money. Doesnt sound like the OP will in this case....but heaven forbid he hauls a load of stone for his buddy for $100, or for his church or something. BAM....now you commercial.

Only if you are over 26k. If you stay under the 26k you can haul anywhere in the lower 48, for pay, with no CDL. If your truck or trailer is over 10k, you do need commercial registration but not a Commercial Drivers license.

 

[jaxs]

Arent CDL discussions fun. No one ever seems to know....and two people that are sure they are right have conflicting info.

ITs all BS. The very notion of a guy hauling a dually and a gooseneck needing the same license as a someone driving a tractor trailer is Ludacris. The whole CDL thing needs a massive revamp IMO.

Amen Brother Ben. Furthermore, Christopher Brian Bridges should stick with rapping and leave driver's license requirements to those better qualified.

 

[nikerret]

Arent CDL discussions fun. No one ever seems to know....and two people that are sure they are right have conflicting info.

Well, I posted the link to the relevant State provided information. I’m daft to think that would be helpful.

ITs all BS. The very notion of a guy hauling a dually and a gooseneck needing the same license as a someone driving a tractor trailer is Ludacris. The whole CDL thing needs a massive revamp IMO.

You got my vote.

The FIRST part of cdl is "commercial". So long as you are doing it for money. Doesnt sound like the OP will in this case....but heaven forbid he hauls a load of stone for his buddy for $100, or for his church or something. BAM....now you commercial.

I believe California is the only one who really took the “commercial” part and screwed with everyone.

IT has nothing to do with your safety blah blah blah. Its a money grab. If it was truly about safety they would do something about the RV'ers driving Class-A diesel pushers and towing a 30' enclosed trailer behind that.

If driving was about safety, motorcycles wouldn’t be allowed. As I’ve posted before, most of the DOT crap had a start in safety, but now is all just more taxation.

In most States the same ratings apply (over 26k, at least 10,001 being the tried unit), for a Class A license. Not a CDL, just a regular Class A. Some places call the “non-commercial class A” or choose a different letter, but the idea is the same. In my years of law enforcement, I never saw another LEO bring that up. It gets even more complicated when people cross State lines and their vehicle isn’t from the same State as their Driver’s License.

Fortunately In my area they havent become sticklers yet. Otherwise just about every landscape/hardscape company would go out of business. Most of them are running duallys/14k trailers. Adding CDL-A to the requirement to be a landscaper/hardscaper.....no one could afford to hire them.

I’m a prime example of that. My operating costs are much higher than all of my competitors. I wish I had never put the numbers on. Short of getting in a wreck, very few LEO’s will ever care. Most don’t have a clue about any commercial vehicle enforcement. I didn’t think it was right to have DOT enforcement as part of my full time LE career and knowingly break the laws, on my side gig. It seems not all of my coworkers feel the same way, though. I’m still the only one with a DOT number and a CDL, but I’m not the only one running a business with trucks that qualify.

 

[nikerret]

Only if you are over 26k. If you stay under the 26k you can haul anywhere in the lower 48, for pay, with no CDL. If your truck or trailer is over 10k, you do need commercial registration but not a Commercial Drivers license.

Good post, but when I was reading the Missouri driver’s license requirements, they do require a “commercial“ license for anyone driving for hire, it’s their Class E. There are exceptions; such as a taxi drivers with vehicles less than 12k GVW and/or delivery of prepared food.

Just another example of States being different.

At the risk of providing relevant information to a forum post:

https://dor.mo.gov/forms/Driver%20Guide.pdf

 

[Gord Baker]

Getting a load of stone delivered is much cheaper than buying, licencing and maintaining another trailer.
Dig up the potholes a bit so the new aggregate can knit in properly.

 

[LD1]

Well, I posted the link to the relevant State provided information. I’m daft to think that would be helpful.



You got my vote.



I believe California is the only one who really took the “commercial” part and screwed with everyone.



If driving was about safety, motorcycles wouldn’t be allowed. As I’ve posted before, most of the DOT crap had a start in safety, but now is all just more taxation.

In most States the same ratings apply (over 26k, at least 10,001 being the tried unit), for a Class A license. Not a CDL, just a regular Class A. Some places call the “non-commercial class A” or choose a different letter, but the idea is the same. In my years of law enforcement, I never saw another LEO bring that up. It gets even more complicated when people cross State lines and their vehicle isn’t from the same State as their Driver’s License.



I’m a prime example of that. My operating costs are much higher than all of my competitors. I wish I had never put the numbers on. Short of getting in a wreck, very few LEO’s will ever care. Most don’t have a clue about any commercial vehicle enforcement. I didn’t think it was right to have DOT enforcement as part of my full time LE career and knowingly break the laws, on my side gig. It seems not all of my coworkers feel the same way, though. I’m still the only one with a DOT number and a CDL, but I’m not the only one running a business with trucks that qualify.

Another thing I have heard mentioned whether it has merit or not I have no idea.

Is the notion of "commercial" on the license. Like discussing whether landscapers with a dually and trailer really need a CDL. Is commercial defined and doing anything to make money....or is it specifically engaging in commerce...and hauling for money.

IE:....landscapers primary business isnt hauling freight or equipment for money. Its simply their method of transportation to to get to the job that DOES make them money. In otherwords....a hotshot truckers primary business is towing and hauling, and that is how they make their money. A landscaper is NOT in the business of towing or hauling.

My good friends landscape company that employs about 20 people and I do contract maintenance work for him 2-3 days a week....he has 4 or 5 F450's. 16.5k GVWR trucks. And he has about 6-7 trailers all 10k-14k. I have cautioned him about CDL's.....but in 15 years he has never had an issue....including an occasional minor accidents and such. Never has a LEO or insurance questioned no one having a CDL-A. And frankly....someone who actually has a CDL-A isnt gonna wanna work a landscape job let alone do it for ~$15/hr.

Its sad though that you can tow a fully laden 14k trailer with a big skidloader or pallets of pavers with one of their 3/4-ton 6.0 trucks and be 100% legal.....yet same trailer behind a dually is all of the sudden a danger if someone with only a regular license is behind the wheel.

I know the laws can be interpreted as black and white, but when they arent enforced (thankfully), it adds to everyones confusion

 

[BeezFun]

I have heard that the towing vehicle can’t charge the dump battery fast enough for multiple dumps in a short time period. Is this correct?

I use my dump trailer in the field a lot behind the tractor, it doesn't get charged at all so I carry an extra battery. If it goes dead I switch. But that only happens if I'm picking up brush or something light that causes me to cycle the dump a lot. If you have to go to the quarry to get stone you'll be lucky to do 4 or 5 loads a day and the battery will easily do that.

My tips:

• Look at how the tailgate works. Most all of them have doors that open or a gate that swings like a dump truck. Make sure it's made in a way that works for your application. My doors swing open but because of the way the hinges were designed they don't fold flat against the side of the trailer. That's a problem if I have to drive through gates or down the highway because they stick out about a foot.
• The other design flaw on mine is that if the rear gates are closed and I pile long lumber on top of the gates, the hinges are taking the load, which causes them to bend over time. I've solved the problem by shoving a wood shim under the gates if I need to, but it would have been better if they were designed to take the load in the first place.
• Look at is the dump geometry when the bed is raised all the way. It shouldn't dig into the ground when you raise it all the way. The other problem on mine is there's a spot where the wiring for the rear lights is kind of exposed under the back edge of the trailer, so when I'm dumping there's a chance branches or rocks on the ground will snag the wiring. So make sure the wiring is internal in the rear area of the trailer.
• Make sure it has stake pockets and some way to attach tie down straps under the edge of the trailer.
• Make sure the bed is sufficiently thick, or is reinforced enough that it won't deform over time. If the bottom deforms it can get really hard to empty dirt and some fine gravel material because it sticks.
• Make sure the dump control cable will reach the driver's seat on your truck, you want to be able to control it while you're driving forward. I had to extend mine to get it long enough.

I bought mine directly from a place that manufacturers them (in Elkhart Indiana). If you're close to any manufacturers you might check out if they'll sell to you. I have a 6x10, 12K lift that I got for $3500 about 10 years ago. That was probably about $1000 cheaper than I would have paid from a dealer at the time so pretty good savings.