Dump Trailers

[Jason05216]

I've got a 2025 Ram 2500 with the Cummins. GVWR is 11040. I'm looking to get a dump trailer. I'm going to go with a bumper hitch rather a gooseneck. Heaviest thing I would probably haul would be gravel. Probably also going to haul mulch, etc. I'm not planning to haul any vehicles in it, I've seen a few with ramps for that purpose. Looking for input on things I should consider. What size makes sense? Brands that you would recommend or stay away from?

 

[bigtiller]

My 5x10 is about the same tire track width as my ¾ ton GMC. I like that. If I was going to use it more often, I might look for a 7x14, but then I would have to be much more attentive to it, to stay in my own lane and around corners.

 

[jk96]

Any amount of gravel can get heavy quick at 2,500 to 3,000 lbs a yard. I would reconsider the gooseneck. The other benefit of a gooseneck is that it prevents a lot of friends from having the means to borrow it compared to a bumper hitch.

 

[steve tym]

I bought a Homesteader 6x10, #9900, with sides that open. I haven't even used it yet. I wanted the fold down sides so I could side load it with pallets.
So far, it looks pretty good. It does not come with ramps, I've yet to ask why, but I don't think they want you driving stuff into it. Maybe a liability thing.

 

[paulsharvey]

Not to try to talk you out of it, cause I would love to have a 9999# dump trailer.... Do you realize just how small 3.5T or even 5T of gravel really is? Heck, even 18T in a dump truck doesn't go far, and then think about that being 6 trips? Yes, I want a dump trailer, no it doesnt make $$$ sense for me to buy one.

 

[Hay Dude]

I've got a 2025 Ram 2500 with the Cummins. GVWR is 11040. I'm looking to get a dump trailer. I'm going to go with a bumper hitch rather a gooseneck.

May I ask why? GN is so much more balanced and utilizes your front axle more. It puts the weight further forward on your truck. Your Ram was literally built to pull a GN trailer.
As soon as I get my dump truck sold, I’m buying a 25,000lb dump trailer with a gooseneck hitch.

Heaviest thing I would probably haul would be gravel. Probably also going to haul mulch, etc. I'm not planning to haul any vehicles in it, I've seen a few with ramps for that purpose.

Most come with a basic set of slide out ramps that clip onto the rear of the trailer. They are designed for smaller tractors, excavators, etc.

Looking for input on things I should consider. What size makes sense?

Based on the brief description of what you are doing I would say 12’-16’ would be good.

Brands that you would recommend or stay away from?

I have a Kaufman 38,500LB gooseneck trailer that has been very, very good to me. I found it was priced real good for the value it has given me. 6 years in service, used weekly, loaded to max capacity and just one failed brake drum.

If you want to go top shelf, check out Diamond C.

 

[Jason05216]

May I ask why? GN is so much more balanced and utilizes your front axle more. It puts the weight further forward on your truck. Your Ram was literally built to pull a GN trailer.
As soon as I get my dump truck sold, I’m buying a 25,000lb dump trailer with a gooseneck hitch.

Mostly because I've got a bed cover and bed rug and didn't want to mess with having to get the bed set up for GN. I'll look into the GN, maybe it would work ok with my set up.

 

[Hay Dude]

Mostly because I've got a bed cover and bed rug and didn't want to mess with having to get the bed set up for GN. I'll look into the GN, maybe it would work ok with my set up.

A BP trailer puts all the weight behind your rear axle and really once you use a GN, you immediately unlock so much more potential from your truck.
You are correct that it takes up space in the bed, but you’ll quickly figure out ways around that.

 

[Rockbadchild]

spend the extra $ and get it galvanized, way better resell value and it wont get rusted out or paint flaking on you.

 

[ponytug]

If you are concerned about the ROI, I would do the math on how many loads of whatever you need against the cost of hiring someone with a big dump truck to do the work. Around here the trailer cost is way more than having someone else do it, for more gravel than I would ever use.

To me it pencils out only if you need a little bit at a whole series of dumpsites, like being a landscaper, with clients.

But if you do buy a trailer, I'd go with a gooseneck; better load distribution, more capacity, and a better behaving trailer. You can have hitches that are removable, if you really need the bed space for some reason.

All the best,

Peter