Dump Trailers for Sale

How a Dump Trailer Works

A hydraulic cylinder powered by an onboard battery and pump lifts the front of the bed, tilting the load out the rear through a tailgate that opens top-and-bottom or barn-door style. The scissor-lift geometry on heavier units provides more lifting force at lower angles, while single-cylinder designs are simpler and lighter for smaller trailers.

Sizing for Your Material

Estimate by cubic yards: a 5x8 dump holds about 2.5 yards, a 6x10 about 4 yards, and a 7x14 about 7 yards. A full cubic yard of gravel weighs roughly 2,800 lb, so a 7x14 loaded with gravel can approach 10 tons — make sure your tow vehicle and the trailer's GVWR can handle it.

Bumper Pull vs. Gooseneck Dump

Bumper-pull dumps up to about 14,000 lb GVWR are easy to hitch and work well behind a pickup. Gooseneck dumps carry more (often 14,000–25,000 lb GVWR), distribute weight better over the truck's rear axle, and are more stable at highway speeds — the right call for commercial haulers and farms moving big loads.

Features That Matter

• Scissor hoist — lifts heavier loads at a lower angle than a single cylinder.
• Double-walled steel body — resists dents from rocks and debris.
• Remote control — lets you operate the hoist from the cab or alongside the trailer.
• Tarp system — required by law in many states for uncovered loads on public roads.
• Stabilizer jacks — keep the trailer planted while dumping at an angle.