Costopedia / Automotive / How Much Does a Dump Trailer Cost?

How Much Does a Dump Trailer Cost?

$ Rental: $60-$150 Per Day. $ $ Single-Axle: $3,000-$5,000. $ $ $ Tandem: $5,000-$15,000.

Dump trailers are the ones typically used to move aggregate and many other things from one place to another.

These trailers have a hydraulic mechanism that lets them lift the trailer bed from the frame, making it easy to unload (or dump) the cargo easily and efficiently.

Many people prefer dump trailers to dump trucks due to their versatility and convenience.

Dump trailers come in many sizes, but the most common is 14-ft. due to it being a good size for hauling a skid steer while still being easy to maneuver.

What Can A Dump Trailer Transport?

Dump trailers can come in various sizes from 8-ft. to 30-ft. in length to fit the needs of any job or project.

Actually, depending on the purpose or the project,  people choose the size of the dump trailer.

According to Millroadtrailers.com, some common items that people transport in a dump trailer are:

  • Topsoil, gravel, scrap metal, and other construction materials.
  • Heavy equipment for the job site.
  • Recreational vehicles.
  • Camping gear.
  • Household items.
  • Yard debris and other garbage.

What Affects The Price Of A Dump Trailer?

Some factors will affect the final price of a dump trailer, like the type of hydraulic lift, total weight capacity, axle number, type of design and materials, the size, whether it’s a standard bumper pull or gooseneck hitch.

Small single-axle trailers of 5’x8′ to 6’x10′ can cost $3,000 to $5,000, while a larger tandem dump trailer can cost $5,000 to $15,000.

Trailers start depreciating as soon as they get out of the dealer’s, so it’s common to find a used dump trailer in good conditions for 15%-20% less than the original price after one or two years.

Many people also prefer to rent a dump trailer, which can cost $60 to $150 per day; sometimes, people must pay a security deposit of $500 to $600.

DIY experts can try to make their own dump trailer buying the plans for about $35 and kits for about $700-$3,300.

Top Companies

Some of the most known dump trailer manufacturers are PJ Trailers, BigTex Trailers, Lamar Trailers, Diamond Trailers, and Kaufman Trailers.

Typically, you can get a cargo trailer at online retailers like TrailerSuperStore.com, LookTrailers.com, and TrailerTrader.com; For used dump trailers, eBay, Craigslist, and NationwideTrailers.com are great options for price research.

Renting dump trailers is also a popular option, and there are trailer dealers and rental companies like Hertz Equipment Rental and United Rentals that rent them.

For building a dump trailer as a DIY project, you can get the blueprints at companies like TrailerPlans.com.

The following comparison shows price examples of dump trailers of different sizes from TrailerSuperStore.com:

Size Price
8’ $5,099 – $7,499
10’ $6,499 -$11,499
12’ $8,499 -$21,999
14’ $10,799 -$22,999
16’ $12,999 -$34,999
20’ $26,999

Things To Consider

Before Buying

  1. First, you need to decide the type of dump trailer that best fits your needs. This article made by Family Handyman shares tips and a dump trailer’s buying guide.
  2. It’s essential to check if your truck has the towing capacity to support the dump trailer you want. The truck and the dump trailer have to match.
  3. Keep in mind that towing a trailer, especially a loaded dump trailer, can reduce the tow vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
  4. Knowing how to operate a dump trailer is important. This video made by Trailers of the East Coast explains how to operate a dump trailer.

When Buying

  1. Typically, dump trailers include brakes, lighting, an electric breakaway kit, and safety chains and D-rings, but some dump trailers can also include slide-in ramps.
  2. This article made by Carry-OnTrailer.com will help you calculate how much the trailer’s total towing capacity is.

After Buying

  1. If the dump trailer is wider than the towing vehicle, installing extended side-view mirrors will be required, costing $4-$50 for clamp side-view mirrors and $150-$450 for permanent side-view mirrors.
  2. Check your state’s laws and regulations over trailers’ breaks. An electronic trailer brake controller can cost $40 to $200, and a breakaway system can cost $10-$40.
Giovanna Soto