 Alternative Trailer Options
Tough Times Bring Creative Solutions like the Dump Trailer
By George Smith
With prices seemingly on the upswing for just about anything needed to make it through the work week, it may just be the right time to take a serious look at products that can save money right from the get-go. Let’s face it — any little savings we enjoy now may just keep our cash flowing in the right direction to help us ride out the storm.
Many contractors reading this publication use trailers on a daily basis to move compact equipment, hand tools, materials and even spoils, debris and products. And when it comes to potential cost savings, the dump trailer is an up-and-coming alternative for progressive professionals looking to become more efficient.
 Not unlike the employees we look to hire to help us get work done and make money, we also tend to search for products that offer more than one function (multi-taskers) and those who work harder and longer without complaint to get the job done (team players). The dump trailer fits that mold.
First, let us state that not all trailers are created equal. There are literally hundreds of backyard trailer manufacturers that crank them out onesy-twosy in their garages each year. A little welding, a little black paint and we’re good to go. Granted, these lesser quality trailers may have an attractive initial cost and quite possibly will get you through the day, but this is not the trailer we have in mind for the busy contractor looking to make a living.
When it comes to the opposite end of the spectrum (the premium grade hauler), a good solid dump trailer is worth its weight in gold. One, if you’re in the landscaping, renovation, roofing and siding or other type of construction business, it can haul equipment like a skid steer, mini excavator, tractor loader backhoe or compact utility loader. Two, it can bring a load of mulch, 2x4s or roofing shingles out to the jobsite, and three, it takes the old brush, lumber and other debris off to the landfill at the end of the day. And hey, if you’re into four-wheeling, biking or other outdoor weekend activities, you can enjoy bonding with this same great product in a non-work environment (that would be item four). Consider it a bonus.
Dump trailers come in a wide range of sizes and capacities to suit an equally wide range of applications. According to Sam Gayman, regional manager for Bri-Mar trailers of Chambersburg, Pa., there is a nice selection of dump trailers available in sizes up to 8 ft by 18 ft and capacities all the way up to 20,000 lbs GVWR.
Of course the nice thing about a dump trailer is the dump action. A 12v battery powers an electric-over-hydraulic pump unit, which drives the lift cylinder(s) under the trailer bed. With the hydraulic dump, crews can make loading and unloading a products or spoils a snap — especially with side walls.
Fueling the Future
Sterling Truck Corp. Takes National Gas Alternatives to the Next Level
In the fight for a green future, every manufacturer is laying the technology groundwork when it comes to fuel. Ahead of the pack, Sterling Truck Corp. has chosen to go au naturale with its Set-Back 113, powered by natural gas engine. And the Port of Los Angeles will serve as the truck’s proving ground, as the alternative-fuel chore truck is put through its paces on the docks.
 “Due to deterioration in air quality, the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have embraced the use of alternative fuels in commercial vehicles. At the same time, utility companies and municipalities throughout North America have shown increased interest in green transportation technology,” says Richard Shearing, manager of product strategy for Sterling. “By introducing the Set-Back 113 with natural gas, we’re giving our customers a hard-working truck that reduces both costs and environmental emissions.”
An OEM factory-built product, the truck is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G. The Cummins Westport ISL G, an 8.9-liter stoichiometric cooled-exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) engine, offers some of the lowest emissions available in the industry, without sacrificing top-level performance and efficiency. Available in ratings up to 320 hp, the ISL G already meets EPA 2010 standards with 85 percent lower NOx emissions than the C Gas Plus engine and features the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class with an optimized turbocharger.
“NG technology has come a long way. Buses have been using it for years, but these next-generation NG powertrains have more power because less air is needed for combustion,” says Shearing. “Plus, the technology simply burns cleaner.”
It’s estimated that natural gas technology can save around $6,000 in annual fuel and operating costs per truck. Customers in states such as California will also benefit from tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles. Fuel providers take advantage of these incentives, too, which means that accessibility to NG fuel is on the rise.
“By introducing this new truck, we have helped shape the future of clean technology,” says Shearing. “And with an expanded line of Class 3 through 8 vehicles, including the Sterling 360 low-cab-over engine, Class 4-5 Bullet, Acterra and Set-Back and Set-Forward L-Line trucks, our customers can spec a Sterling for all their applications.”
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Why Try a Dump?
All of the above considered, a top quality dump trailer can make you money. But beyond that, there are other ways these trailers can save you in your day-to-day operations — by eliminating other equipment that by today’s standards is just too expensive to run.
Take a mason dump or other small truck you have purchased or are considering to purchase to haul materials to and from the jobsite. Even in the best of economies, that luxury will cost you extra money. Given the cost of fuel, oil, insurance and drive train maintenance, you could probably pay off a new trailer or two that will not only help get your primary job done cost effectively, but also let you multi-task into some of the other areas mentioned above.
 A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is most likely required to operate the truck, which means that anyone in your crew can’t just jump in the cab and go. So you may have to call on a key player in the middle of the day, just because he’s the guy with the CDL. With the dump trailer, it’s far less likely that a CDL is required; do check this out before you decide to buy, though, as the law may vary in your area. The dump trailer is a lot more convenient — and cost-effective — to move material on and off site. And its flexibility can save you in other areas (like equipment hauling) to boot.
And speaking of hauling debris, there’s another way you can save money with a dump trailer, depending on the size and scope of your normal daily tasks. Those of us who consider investment in a roll-off container or dumpster, know that there may be a CDL requirement to transport it. And similar convenience and cost savings, like fuel, oil and insurance, may be gained here.
Before investing in the roll-off, there’s another issue that may apply in your area. In some towns, the use of dumpsters in residential areas are not permitted by law. And those that do permit them may charge an overnight fee for leaving them on site. New Jersey renovation contractor Tally Construction, working in some upscale towns across the Hudson River from New York City, found out early on that the roll-off was out of the question. It now employs a fleet of seven Bri-Mar dump trailers and one dedicated employee to service its multiple jobsites. Sites are kept clean on a continuing basis, the local NIMBYs (Not in My Backyard) are happy and the company saves big money on debris removal.
Trailer Talk
Q+A with Shawn Myers, Technical Specialist with Bri-Mar Trailers
1. What types of trailers are available for contractors hauling equipment, spoils or products?
Myers: Trailers called equipment haulers have ramps to load and unload equipment and come in a wide variety of lengths, widths and weight capacities. Tilt trailers have no ramps, requiring less effort to load and unload. They also often have a more gradual load angle. Some tilt trailers are powered up and down, while others tilt and utilize gravity. Dump trailers also come in a wide variety of configurations to accommodate different needs.
2. How much do these trailers cost?
Myers: The range in price is dependent on many factors, but they start around $2,500 and can easily top $10,000.
3. Why would someone use a dump or tilt trailer — as opposed to a typical flatbed?
Myers: Ease of use or multi-purpose features. Various jobs may require various trailer capabilities. Obviously a typical flatbed trailer cannot both dump material and haul equipment like a dump trailer. Nor does it tilt to ease the loading and unloading process like a tilt trailer. New combination dump trailers also satisfy lift truck loading needs and do not require a loading dock.
4. What tips can you share about loading and unloading equipment and trailering?
Myers: Go slow. Be aware of the load center of gravity and never exceed weight capacities. Tow level with the load centered and secured properly. Stay well within DOT weight requirements and observe all speed limits.
5. What insights can share about purchasing a trailer for the right weights and size configurations of your equipment?
Myers: Trailers must accommodate length, width and weight safely. Height can be a concern occasionally as can load angle. Make sure that the trailer can handle the GVWR — trailer weight plus load — then go one size larger.
6. Detail the major options on these trailers.
Myers: Options may include various hitch types — ball couplers, pintle eyes — goosenecks, fifth wheels, spare tires and mounting kits, tarp systems, battery chargers, etc.
7. What are the major trailer maintenance items?
Myers: Anything related to highway safety: hitch and coupler components, running gear components — axles, suspension, tires — braking and lighting systems, cargo tie-down points and overall structural integrity of the trailer.
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Shopping the Trailer Park
And with the work you’ll be doing, you certainly want to rule the backyard garage variety trailer out of this decision. A good quality trailer will give you many years of service and will pay for itself many times over. If you plan to do a little trailer shopping, here are a few things to consider:
 1. Hitches — While many trailer applications and pickup trucks will lead you to the ball coupler hitch, know that there are choices in the way of pintle eye, goosenecks and even fifth wheels to get the job done. Select the one that is right for your primary application, weight you are hauling and the hitch options of the towing vehicle.
2. Axles and Wheels — This is an important difference in trailers and is one of the primary factors in determining the long-term reliability of the trailer. Find a name brand trailer with a name brand axle and wheels with a good warranty to support the product. As far as we know, there are no laws or guidelines controlling the number of axles used. Rule of thumb has always been with a 5,000-lb GVWR then a single axle design is appropriate and when you go over 7,000-lb GVWR it is tandem.
3. Capacity — The capacity you will need will depend on the job you intend to do and the size of the towing vehicle. According to Bri-Mar’s technical specialist Shawn Myers, “Determine the weight and volume of the materials you will most often want to haul. Calculate the GVWR — weight of the trailer plus the material being hauled — then invest in the next size up the ladder. In doing this,” Myers promises, “you will be covered both in a business sense and a safety sense. And as a bonus, the local police will leave you alone.”
4. Strength — A top-quality trailer will have oversized main rails and cross-members supporting the load. The backyard trailer most likely will not. Take the extra time to look underneath. Your health and the health of your books will depend on it.
5. Hydraulics — Your dump trailer needs to be able to do just that — dump — on a daily basis. Compare hydraulic power and size of the cylinders. Most manufacturers will offer both single axle and single cylinder or dual axle/dual cylinder models. Obviously, the dual component models are designed for the more demanding work.
6. Paint — You may not plan on bringing your truck and trailer to the next local car show, but paint is a key component of the dump trailer. Think about this: Unless you are in the heavy demolition business, your trailer probably takes more daily abuse, pound for pound, than the rest of the equipment you own. All trailers may look good in the dealer’s yard, but make it a point to ask about the paint process. A quality trailer will have to go through an acid bath and offer a powder-coated finish using quality, name brand paint. This quality process will last you a long time and will pay for itself in spades.
7. Bells and Whistles — From hitch to tailgates, OEMs offer a variety of standard components and accessories to make your day go easier and be more productive. Consider how items like tarp kits, LED lights, standard stake pockets and other items will work for you, and check to see which are standard fare.
8. Warranty — If your trailer dealer tells you it comes with a six-month, limited warranty, run, don’t walk to the next dealer. And be extra careful that even a one-year warranty doesn’t come loaded with fine print “exclusions for commercial” use.
9. Credibility — How can you tell the backyard manufacturer from the serious OEM? One broad stroke is to go to the Web site for NATM, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers: www.natm.org. These folks keep a pretty tight rein on manufacturer members and mandate that member’s trailers live up to all current DOT standards. When out shopping look for a compliance decal on the trailer itself. While that won’t get you all the way to your bottom line, it can help you rule out the minor league players in a hurry.
Dump trailer manufacturers include companies like PJ Trailers, Load Trail, Anderson Mfg. and Bri-Mar. Some even offer cool side walls. This simple feature will enable you to load 2x4s and pallets of pavers with a lift truck, saving even more time and money. If you are in it for the long haul, do yourself a favor and check out a dump trailer as your next cost-savings tool. And don’t be afraid to drive a few extra miles to get the one you want. Years down the road, you’ll be glad you did.
George Smith is chief creative officer at advantage Marketing Communications, based in Blairstown, N.J.
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