Dumping Issue With Norstar 5'x10' Utility Trailer

[npalen]

I purchased this Norstar DUB 5'x10' dump trailer recently and am a bit disappointed by its dumping ability. The attached pic shows the landscape style gate swung open but only to a point that tends to prevent a light but bulky load such as leaves from sliding off. I'm considering modifying the gate to alleviate this problem but looking for recommendations. My first thought is a bell crank arrangement on each side of the trailer that the gate would attach to and make it swing up and over toward the front. The bell crank would attach to a cable that, when the trailer is raised, would cause the gate to open. The gate can be removed for dumping but is too heavy to be done easily.

I'm curious whether anyone else has run into this issue and other possible solutions.

Edit: This is a stock photo. I've added side boards to my trailer that tends to make the problem worse when overfilled.

 

[oldnslo]

Can you raise the hinge points on the tail gate so swings from the top like a dump truck body does?

 

[npalen]

Can you raise the hinge points on the tail gate so swings from the top like a dump truck body does?

Yes, that is a definite possibility also. The hinge point is already raised but could go up another 6" or so. The gate is balanced at the current hinge but that is not a huge advantage.

 

[nyone]

Looks like it also dumps really low to the ground making for next to no sliding action unless you pull forward.

 

[npalen]

Looks like it also dumps really low to the ground making for next to no sliding action unless you pull forward.

Yes, you're correct and I guess that's part of this "economy design". The dumping weight capacity is good, however, and that is a benefit of having the pivot point farther toward the front but at the expense of sliding action. Pulling forward is not a bad thing provided there is room to do so.

 

[npalen]

One reason for considering the "bell crank" method of raising the tailgate for dumping is that it would allow the tailgate to be pinned in the open position where it would lay horizontal above the trailer. This would eliminate/minimize the issue of wind resistance when towing at highway speed. The additional pull required when the tailgate is closed and sticking up 4 feet is significant even considering that most of the area in the gate is expanded metal.

 

[oldnslo]

I 100% agree on getting rid of the parachute while towing empty would be a big benefit. Would being raised to that point eliminate the unloading bulk materials problem?

Any structural concerns roading the trailer with tail gate raised?

 

[npalen]

I 100% agree on getting rid of the parachute while towing empty would be a big benefit. Would being raised to that point eliminate the unloading bulk materials problem?

Any structural concerns roading the trailer with tail gate raised?

Yes, being raised several inches above the side boards and forward of the rear end would definitely help the unloading and the trailer is hell for stout so that the structural shouldn't be an issue.

 

[npalen]

I 100% agree on getting rid of the parachute while towing empty would be a big benefit. Would being raised to that point eliminate the unloading bulk materials problem?

Any structural concerns roading the trailer with tail gate raised?

Sounds like you've experienced the "parachute effect".

 

[oldnslo]

Sounds like you've experienced the "parachute effect".

Yes I have with a 4’ fold up expanded metal ramp- tailgate on a utility trailer. Was very surprised how much parachute drag that expanded metal ramp created vs being laid down flat.