What Owning a Dump Trailer Is REALLY Like - Watch Before You Buy

Comparing profitability of owning a dump trailer compared to paying a 3rd party to haul materials in a dump truck. I hauled 4 tons of crushed limestone today in my 7x12 dump trailer, and I discussed how profitable it is to use a dump trailer in a tractor work business

It is really a question of dump truck vs dump trailer and which is more convenient and more cost effective

Here is my review of the weigh safe hitches and how they affect payload

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At Rock Hill Farm and Homes we upload new videos at least 3 times per week, about our 20 Acre hobby farm, our John Deere 2038R compact tractor and other equipment, and the businesses that we run.

These businesses include a manufacturing operation, a Christmas tree farm, real estate investing, a lawn care business, and an online retail store. I demonstrate how I am able to use these ventures to earn a good living without a traditional job.

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Thanks for watching

[arcadiaoutlaw]

I bought a dump trailer for doing tree work and junk hauling, I don’t regret it.

[ritterjon]

💥 My trailer has paid for itself vs having material delivered. Plus I could now sell it for 2k more than what I paid for it new 5 years ago. It’s a money saver.
*Keep on tractoring!*

[marvindiamonjr.]

I own a dump trailer, and there is one more detail that you may not have covered. That is driving your loaded dump trailer over rough terrain. Ruts, humps, potholes, slopes, etc. I had an incident when the pit loaded my trailer slightly heavy to one side. Not much of a problem, or so I thought. When I got to where I was going to dump, I had to turn around in a tight area. The area included a very slight slope, but some bumpy ground. I think that during that maneuver, the weight got transferred to a single tire on the heavy loaded downhill side. Most likely while going over uneven ground. The result was a slightly bent axle. That tire would occasionally rub on the frame. I noticed the mark while I was dumping the load. It wasn't enough to rub off the paint, just wipe the dirt off of the frame. The clearance between that tire and the frame was less than the others. I ordered a new axle but continued using the trailer. There were no signs of that tire rubbing when I stayed on level even ground, but the dirt would rub off the frame when I drove over uneven ground. The axle has since been replaced and there are no indications of tire/frame contact. It was a very expensive mistake on my part. I now pay very close attention to surface conditions when pulling a loaded trailer. I wish that had come up in a YouTube video or one of the comments before I damaged the axle. So, I'm adding it in the comments here today. Love your videos!

[kornesque]

This is one of the most helpful videos on this topic I have watched. Thanks.

[reciperesipe]

I want my stuff when I want it. Don't care about the cost savings my life only has so many moments in it.

[G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Brock, this is the exact question that I’ve been thinking about. Thanks for sharing your decision making process. It helped me a lot.

[BENNHENDRICKS]

Ive watched this video several times as i start my business. I have a good knowledge base as an equipment operator, but i pick up something each time. I’m starting with getting my CDL here in a couple weeks. I’m also buying a 7x16 with 4 foot side dump trailer. The higher sides will have its own drawbacks more weight of trailer less capacity, also more versatile on my farm. The process can be mind blowing with how man times you go back and forth and looking at numbers.

[FloridaDeere]

I think you laid out the positives and negatives, it will depend on the owner/user, your video wasn't here to answer our question of whether to own or not, you did good to consider the angles and let each of us decide for ourselves, good video, I didn't think you rambled on, I thought it was done well.

[billp]

Agree on the 14 foot. A goose neck trailer does handle better but there heavier which will decrease load captivity. For every pound you add you subtract from payload. I also have a half ton with the heavy payload package, intentional purchase. I agree, if you can afford it, get it, convenience is the best reason.

[PineyGroveHomestead]

Like you mentioned in your rental video, the cost of time is overlooked when people calculate the cost of owning versus renting. When you're developing property and don't live on it, your time is very limited (and valuable). As a weekend warrior, it would take me the better part of a Saturday to gather up rental equipment for a job on the farm leaving me only Sunday to use it....plus the return of the equipment. For example, I'm expecting delivery of a 12" trenching bucket for my excavator today that cost me $1000 but it saves me from renting a trencher multiple times for the hundreds of feet of water and electric I have to bury. I think I have my wife convinced I "need" a dump trailer, although I'd really rather have a dump truck!!

[rvdawg]

I agree on all counts. A dump trailer is invaluable. The old days of driving in reverse at 20 mph and slamming on the brakes to unload a trailer are over. Thanks for sharing

[Muzzleblast-]

Yeah, i have a 16 foot dump trailer and I have to take my bucket off, put it in backwards, then load my tractor with box blade and I only have about an inch of clearance. I use my trailer SO much. Besides my truck, best investment ever.

[mauricemcloughlin]

Hey thanks a lot man. I pick my trailer up tomorrow. I really appreciate the safety tips.

[macdaddymac]

I've developed my own perspective regarding the pros and cons of having a dump trailer. So I came here for a different perspective. Yours is pretty much the same as mine. So we must both be pretty smart guys! LOL. But seriously, thanks for putting this out there. Concise and well organized information. I wouldn't otherwise leave a comment but your content about weight displacement as well as weight rating consideration is excellent and a breath of fresh air. It blows my mind, not only on "the Tube" but in real life to see (homeowners and some "contractors" for lack of a better term) think that just because these two things will hook together and this thing fits in it, that it's somehow an automatically safe or smart thing to do. Those people won't even know what happened if and when that dangerous combination suddenly fails. (And I mean suddenly, as you mentioned). I also have a 1/2 ton truck and have also hauled several different combinations including dumps with it. I've also driven semi and hauled heavy equipment extensively. I can't stress enough how important load placement is and how dangerous it is when it's wrong. As far as the 1/2 ton goes, it may be rated for the weight, BUT IT ISN'T EVEN CLOSE TO OPTIMAL. Even if a guy knows what he's doing, running these things at or even near their weight capacity but not necessarily recommended. Today's engines, sure they can get the load going, pretty well in fact. There's the danger! However, it's the chassis and breaks that you need to worry about. A 1/2 ton truck doesn't have what it takes at 80-100% of its rating to manage that load in any kind of evasive or unexpected maneuver or in inclement conditions, including rain. Occasionally, sure. But you'd better be selective (as you mentioned), on the ball at all times, and cautious, particularly with your speed. The fact that you were inching up your speed to "feel out" that load is exactly what I'm talking about. Nicely done. Me, I'd love a 3/4 or 1 ton! Absolutely. Until that lucky day of taking out another mortgage (even for a used one) to get one, I'm picky about where and what I do, and how much I really "need" to do whatever I might do. Great video, I was just amazed that you "got" the concept of the logistics of actually hauling stuff and how sketchy it "can" be. So many people on here do just crazy things and aren't even aware that they're messing with time bombs. Thanks.

[Therealkevink]

I find your insight very helpful, thank you. Also seemed very honest and non bias and weren’t a jerkoff like some people can be. Well done. Subscribed.

[timmcmurray]

I have watched a lot of videos on dump trailers and dump trailer businesses recently. This one I really enjoyed as you bring up some things I should have considered before buying my dump trailer. I purchased a 7X16 14K Goose Neck back in August. I haven't used it a lot yet but I will use it more when I retire. The one thing I would suggest to new dump trailer owners when loading rock the first few times is take it to a Cat scale before loading and after. This will show you your weights on your axles. You can get a much better feel for what you can really load in the trailer and stay legal. My truck is a 06 Ram 3500 and I know I am legal in Texas with 5 tons on. I haven't tried it yet but I think I can get 6 tons on and still be within legal limits on all axles.

[probmxjona]

My h&h gooseneck dump 2020 model bought brand new, i really took a long time to think about buying one. But now i am glad i did, i am currently working on building a new house and currently have 2-300+ft driveways i was quoted 13600 to have my rock delivered, i usually haul 6 1/2-7 tons of rock on my trailer no problem. And i have done my project in only 3000 bucks. I am now about to haul another 130 yards for my foundation in a 90x40 home so this trailer will do the job. It does take a few trips but nothing compared to the price they charge for delivery. Plus they charge another 8 dollars per ton when its delivered.

[BS.-.-]

I use to own a mason dump. I'm a former mechanic and work on everything my self..that thing was a money pit and expensive to insure. I now just pay some one when I need stone..now that's convenient. Here there is very very little money in moving/delivering material. Last year I was paying $2 more per ton than the quarry was selling it for.

[Dyneemadrone]

Sooo glad my truck has the brake controller option. Only had a problem once but it could’ve gone pear shaped in seconds.