Dump Truck Discuss

[cphillips0053]

I am itching to buy a dump truck but I just want to get a feel for how valuable they are. Also how much they are used on a daily basis.

I know myself, I hate unloading debris, mulch, dirt or whatever it may be. Flip of the switch and its done.

But WHY are there so many for sale? Lots have very low miles.

I guess I keep second guessing myself because of all the ones for sale...
I think I would run the piss out of one if I had it.

[stroker51]

I've had a 1 ton style dump since 07, and would not be without it. The first one I bought was an 89 Fsuperduty, now F450 with a 12' flatbed dump, upgraded in December of last year to a 96 F350 4x4 powerstroke with a 10' mason dump, and putting a 10' stainless salter on it this winter. A dump trailer would be nice, but a lot of the places we work, the truck will only fit in by itself, and I can't put a 10' salter on a dump trailer or a pickup with 8' bed. Anything that dumps, a truck, trailer, or insert will be a good investment. I believe a lot of these rather cheap trucks are that way because the demand isn't as high for them as it is for a regular pickup, across the board anyway, and there might be a few for sale from guys that bought them new when things were really booming a few years ago and can't afford to keep em now. If you can get a deal on one, go for it.

[J&R Landscaping]

The question is do you have the work to justify it? Just about any pick-up can pull a trailer. Do you do enough landscape work to truly justify the purchase.

The larger trucks (450's and 550's) with the higher 4:30 and 4:88 gears are thirsty. I hear the some of them like to eat tires a lot more then a covential truck as well.

You might be better off with a dump insert if your kinda on the border line. JMO

[mdlwn1]

85% of businesses fail....hence the trucks for sale. You are also witnessing a historic flushing of the un needed businesses and workers from the economy. My 02 w-3500 went 65,000 miles on it's first set of brakes pulling a trailer with no brakes and always overloaded with something. The tires were probably good for another 5-10k. That was with me driving it. I paid 28+tax with a grain dump.

[Hanau]

I bought a brand new F-650XLT w/ 5 yard dump and all the bells and whistles. I love it. Got rid of the dump trailer, I'll never go back. Heck I even drive this thing to the grocery store. It's awesome. Puts a big grin on my face every time I get behind the wheel. My only regret is waiting so long to get one.

[cphillips0053]

Thanks for the input. I don't think I would go after anything larger than a 1 ton.

I left out the part that I need a new work truck and Im trying to decide if it should be a dump. The truck I have now just will not pull big loads; suspension and engine wise.
Nothing wrong with it, just not big enough.

[White Gardens]

Thanks for the input. I don't think I would go after anything larger than a 1 ton.

I left out the part that I need a new work truck and Im trying to decide if it should be a dump. The truck I have now just will not pull big loads; suspension and engine wise.
Nothing wrong with it, just not big enough.

I have an 87 F-350 cab/chassis dump (little heavier payload over standard 350) that I've been re-building. It's been great to haul a lot of rock and mulch the last two seasons.

I went cheap and bought a well-used one knowing that it might sit for a month and turn around and use it everyday for a month.

My only regret is that I wish I would have held out for a F-450. Only reason being is that there is a two ton capacity difference than the 350. So instead of hauling 2.5 tons, I could haul 4.5 tons.

Something to consider if you plan on hauling any sort of stone or sand. It would definitively help minimize the trips.

Dump trailers are something to consider too. You can get more on the trailer than most trucks and still be in a good weight class.

[cphillips0053]

I still would need a larger work truck to pull the dump trailer. And from what I've seen, 3-4k for a trailer and you can buy a decent dump for 4-8k.

Anybody hauling their lawn equipment with a dump?