How to Use a Dump Trailer – Safely Operating a Dump Trailer

This week in our continuing Trailer Safety Series, we discuss how to safely operate the hydraulic lift on your dump trailer and how to correctly use the standard two-way gate on most Dump models.

Typical contractor dump trailer operations are covered here on a standard hydraulic dump trailer.

The standard dump trailer used in the video below can also be used as an equipment trailers with loading ramps and enough strength to haul tractors, attachments, skid steers, bobcats, & lawn equipment. Regular bumper pull trailer used in the video has an 82″ wide bed x is 14′ long and includes a powder coat finish, EZ Lube hubs, sealed wiring harness, tongue-mounted hydraulic control box w/key lock, welded tubular steel frame, deep cycle marine grade battery, all-wheel brakes, single cylinder hydraulics, 7-way RV style electrical plug, body stiffeners, rubber mounted sealed lighting and LED tail lights.

In this 7 minute video, Matt gives some tips on using a Double Axle Dump Trailer.

This video is intended to be a brief operational video that supplements your rental equipment training and personal responsibility. Your safety and project success are important to us: be sure to pay close attention to manufacturer safety instructions.

Common Uses: • Demo work, hauling concrete to dump • Landscaping, hauling dirt, stones or other materials • Moving equipment

Dump Trailer Towing Requirements: • The 10,000 lb capacity dump trailer requires a 3/4 ton, full size pickup truck with electric braking system. • The 6,000 lb capacity dump trailer requires at least a 1/2 ton, full size pickup truck. Hydraulic surge brakes are built into the trailer (which are based on inertia instead of controlled electronically like the larger dump trailer).

A Common Mistake: • Too many customers have failed to latch the gates to the sides of the trailer when lifting it to dump, resulting in damage to the trailer’s gates. Be sure to hook trailer gates to the side of the trailer with the provided chains.

Trailer Operation & Safety Features: • Control box buttons allow you to move the trailer bed up and down. • Use the safety bar located beneath the trailer bed if you need to move around at all beneath the trailer, to avoid danger (in the case of hydraulic failure). • Always return the control box to the covered storage box above the hitch to protect it from damage. • Built-in ramps are accessible below the trailer gates for equipment loading.

Hitching up the trailer to your tow vehicle: • Connector hitch is a 2 5/16” ball for both trailer sizes. • Break-away safety cable engages trailer brakes in the case of detachment from your vehicle, helping to prevent damage to your tow vehicle and to other travelers. • The trailer’s electric brakes (10,000 lb capacity trailer) and lighting system (both trailers) connect with a 7-way plug. • Attach the safety chains to prevent break-away in the case of any issues while traveling.

Using the Electronic Braking System (10,000 lb capacity dump trailer): • Set brake sensitivity: set low and test, then adjust. • Each vehicle will be unique and there are many variables that factor in to brake controller settings. Be sure to test your vehicle’s braking system, with the dump trailer attached, before you leave the rental location.

Hauled 3 loads on a fall Saturday Morning. Then I swung by a property to pick up some fallen limbs to get ready for a bonfire.

Video of hauling gravel with a dump trailer with an onboard camera. Quick how-to video tutorial on hauling some gravel in a towable hydraulic dump trailer.