So you’re searching for a trailer that can haul a range of materials faster, safer, and more efficiently? Then a dump trailer may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Since there are many different trailers to choose from, this comprehensive guide will cover what dump trailers are, compare them to other trailer types, break down key features like size, weight, and hydraulics, and explore pros and cons so you can decide if investing in one is right for your needs.
What is a Dump Trailer?
A dump trailer is best known for its hydraulic lifting mechanism, which allows you to raise or lower the trailer bed to load and unload materials easily. It typically has an open-top box bed with enclosed sides, and when equipped with ramps, it is most often used to haul bulk materials or equipment.
Several other key features will be broken down in more depth below, so you can see how it compares to other trailer options available.
What to Know When Buying A Dump Trailer
Before buying a dump trailer, it’s important to evaluate the essentials: size, weight, capacity, lifting mechanisms, and add-on features. These features will help you determine if the trailer you plan to buy supports the loads you haul and will offer long-term value.
Size
Size is one of the most critical factors when selecting a dump trailer.
Ask yourself: How much material do you regularly haul, and will a longer bed save you trips? What kinds of materials will you haul, and will a dump trailer be wide and tall enough to contain them?
You want to ensure the trailer’s measurements are long, wide, and tall enough to accommodate all the materials you plan to haul.
At Arrow Trail, our heavy-duty dump trailer features various sizing options to fit your needs, including:
- Lengths: 12’, 14’, and 16’
- Deck Height: 29”
- Box Width: Bottom 82” – Top 86”
Pro Tip: Your trailer’s size must also comply with local laws, as some areas have sizing limitations. You can learn more about your area’s requirements on our state trailer laws page.
Weight & Capacity
When getting ready to haul materials in your trailer, you must also ensure that the trailer and towing vehicle are properly rated to handle towing a load of that weight.
At Arrow Trail, our heavy-duty dump trailer has a weight capacity between 10,720 lbs and 11,320 lbs.
Ensure the trailer capacity matches the materials you plan to haul (gravel, dirt, lumber, etc.). For example, an 11,320-pound trailer may be better for gravel or crushed stone as that tends to be heavier, while a 10,720-pound trailer may be better for smaller gardening or landscaping projects with dirt, soil, or mulch.
Pro Tip: It’s important to understand your towing vehicle’s weight limits as well as the weight your trailer can support. If you’re unsure how to calculate these key weight considerations, read our in-depth guide to trailer weights, which covers gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), payload, and towing safety in more detail.
Price
Of course, you must consider your budget when deciding which kind of trailer you want to buy. Dump trailer prices can vary depending on the size and features you select.
You only need to request a free quote if you want an exact estimate on one of our dump trailers. This allows you to select the size, tire, axle options, and colors you want and get an exact estimate on your heavy-duty dump trailer.
Lifting Mechanism
One of the main identifying features of a dump trailer is the hydraulic lifting mechanism. This allows you to lift the trailer bed up and down to dump materials at your job site.
Different types of hydraulic lifting mechanisms are often available, including dual piston, telescopic style, and scissor lift. Each option can affect the speed of lift, cost, and more.
Pro Tip: When looking at dump trailers, carefully inspect the hydraulic lift system. How quickly does it move? Will it make loading and unloading safer, faster, and less labor-intensive? Is it easy to operate? These are some key questions to ask when inspecting the hydraulic lift.
Additional Features
There are some additional features to keep an eye out for when searching for a dump trailer to buy, including:
- Ramps: Slide-in and out ramps make loading and unloading materials easier. You just pull them out when needed and tuck them back in when you don’t.
- Tires: Thicker tires can increase durability and support for heavier-duty materials. For example, 14-ply tires are excellent for hauling gravel and stone on a fully loaded dump trailer.
- Wheels: Different wheel materials can also offer added support. Steel wheels can handle heavier materials, but aluminium wheels are more rust-resistant, making them ideal for wetter climates.
- Axles: Axle weight capacity also supports different load weights. Between single and double axle options and different weight ratings, there are a couple of considerations to make when looking at your trailer’s axles.
Pro Tip: For a full breakdown of all these features, download our dump trailer spec sheet or contact us to match your hauling needs with the right options.
Is Buying a Dump Trailer a Good Investment?
A dump trailer can be an excellent investment for anyone who regularly hauls a range of materials and has to load/unload them frequently. This highly versatile trailer model can significantly reduce labor costs and time spent loading and unloading these materials.
Owning your own dump trailer can save thousands of dollars annually compared to renting, and many landscapers, contractors, and farmers often report that the time saved on jobs quickly offsets the upfront costs.
As with anything, there are pros and cons to selecting a dump trailer. Let’s explore them in more depth so you can better determine whether this is the right option for you.
Pros of Buying a Dump Trailer
- The hydraulic lifting mechanism makes it easier to load and unload materials.
- Versatile option for handling various materials, including gravel, dirt, mulch, building supplies, and more.
- They come in various sizes, making finding the right one for your needs easy.
- Cuts down on month-to-month rental costs and can increase productivity on job sites, saving you money in the long run.
Cons of Buying a Dump Trailer
- It can be more expensive to purchase at first, so it takes a while to see the payoff of this long-term investment.
- In addition to regular maintenance, the hydraulic lifting system is an added piece to ensure it is regularly maintained.
- There can be a learning curve to get used to all the features, controls, and safety protocols.
- Also requires a properly rated towing vehicle, which could introduce an additional cost if your current vehicle isn’t powerful enough.
How Dump Trailers Compare to Other Options
Still not sure? Here’s how dump trailers compare to other options:
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
| Dump Trailer | Frequent hauling, landscapers, contractors, and construction | Hydraulic lift, versatile sizes, long-term savings | Higher upfront cost, may need to upgrade towing vehicle |
| Utility Trailer | Light loads, occasional use, personal towing | Cheaper upfront, easy to tow, minimal legal requirements | No hydraulic lift, less efficient for bulk/heavier materials |
| Flatbed Trailer | Oversized equipment, pallets | Open design, flexible, easy to load/unload large equipment | No sides for loose materials, requires more manual labor |
| Renting | One-time projects | Low short-term cost | Costs add up quickly with frequent use, and it’s less convenient |
Buy A Dump Trailer Today
If you’ve reviewed all these features and decided that a dump trailer is right for you, it’s time to buy one! Arrow Trail offers a heavy-duty dump trailer in various sizes and weight capacities to support your hauling needs.
Our trailers are built with durable materials designed to last for decades. You can also customize your trailer with colors and additional features to make it your own.
Request a free quote today or talk to our team for personalized recommendations. A dump trailer is a long-lasting investment that’s more convenient and will support your needs for years to come.