Dump trailer

[willretire@40]

I have a choice between 2 dump trailers. I have never owned one before.

2011 PJ Trailer New 5x10 single axle 5200 GVW $3k

2006 Bri-mar 6x10 tandem 7k GVW $2500

My current largest truck is a f-150 4.2l but getting an f250 before spring.

I only do lawn maintence and normally haul less then 5 yards of mulch. Anything larger I normally get delivered for $50.

I am buying this dump now for fall cleanups

Is there any advantage to a tandem or single axle besides payload?
What do I need to look out for when buying a used dump trailer?

[jbrockmann]

I had a 5x8 single axle dump for about a year, then went up in size to a 6x10 tandem 10k. Big difference in amount of stuff you can haul, obviously. Glad I did. Would have gone bigger, say 12' but I have a tight storage area. The 10' still turns pretty sharp like the 5x8 did, so not much difference there. Pulling it with both f250 and the Chevy 1500, which does a great job with about 4k payload.
Bought 6x10 new because used dumps don't loose much value. Bought 5x8 used and sold it for the same amount a year later. Leaky hydraulics is about the only thing I'm aware of to look for. Just be aware that if you need to install new tires and a new battery, that will add serious $$ to the purchase price of a used one.

[MDLawn]

You're always going to wish you had more room, more payload, more, more, more. If you're getting the F250 save the money and find a tandem with 12ft of bed length. I had a 6x10 that just ran out of room and payload too fast. I think I was able to squeeze 5 or 6 yards of mulch into it. It worked great but now with the 7x14 it just has so much more room. I can carry more product, two different products, haul the occasional small/medium size piece of equipment with room for materials too. Again get what you can afford and if you need bigger sell it. Look around they are more out there.

[KrayzKajun]

Always go bigger than u need. In the past 3yrs ive had a 12' sold for a 16fter then sold for the 18fter i have now. Plan to keep the 18' and add a 24fter for storm/disaster work.
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[dstifel]

I know a lot of guys say buy bigger then you need which is true for the most part but if your company is just a solo operator like myself who still works a full time job i disagree. If you know you can get away with a single axle for a couple years i would get that. Less breaks and tires to replace. Obviously won't be hauling as much so less wear and tear on your truck as well. For me i need everything to last for as long as absolutely possible. But if your business is rapidly growing then yes buy the biggest one you can. Myself will be looking for a 5x10 single axel next year.

[justanotherlawnguy]

you have already made up your mind about the 10 footer, so why did you ask?

get the 12 foot tandem, the 10 footer is too small.

I am solo and my 14 footer is too small sometimes, its 7 years old and the bed is completely shot.

[MDLawn]

Originally Posted by dstifel

I know a lot of guys say buy bigger then you need which is true for the most part but if your company is just a solo operator like myself who still works a full time job i disagree.

I work a full time and do this part time. Get whatever you want. I'm just speaking from experience.
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[dstifel]

Like I said its just my opinion if my company was growing at good rates I agree but it's not something I use much so I don't want a ton of money ties up in it. I understand what your saying and for a lot of people it makes sense just not me.
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[willretire@40]

I bought the tandem for $2500 it is a 2007 last night. great condtion also.
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[MDLawn]

Good choice!
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