Buying a new trailer - help

jf

Member
I'm looking at a 14 foot dump trailer to haul manure, rock and skid loader- but also haul my MH Pony, MH GP. I know this is going to open up a whole bunch of comments like Ford v Chevy but please help me out and keep to the facts of what is good and why its not. I'm looking to spend $7000 to $8000 and expect to use it a couple months total per year. I have talked to a PJ Trailer Dealer, a Sure Trac Dealer and a Griffin (all within my price range)and they all trash the other. Any one own these trailers and are they worth the money? Thanks in advance. Jim
 
The griffin doesn't give much info and the pics suck, so I can't help there.

The pj trailers say they only go to a 40? dump angle, that will not unload some stuff cleanly. They do use a sissor hoist tho and that is good. I always recomend at least a 45? angle and then some stuff will still not slide. Most of the dumps I build get at least 45? and the ladt one got over 50?.

The sure trac claim 45? dump angle so that is good, but I'm not a fan of their lift with the 2 cylinders. I'm sure it will dump what they say, but I'll bet there is little or no extra. Their single cylinder in front lift is maybe the best on the market as far as I'm concerned, there is a reason that is what you see on dump trucks and end dumps. But they also offer a sissor lift and that is good too. If you can get that trailer with the front cylinder lift for the same price as the others that looks like the best made and strongest to me.

My advice on dumps is if you don't like kicking the load out, get at least 45? dump angle and a sissor or front post hoist. Other than that look for the features that suit you personally.
 
I bought a used PJ trailer that was less than a year old last year. Not impressed with it. The powder coat paint is chipping off. I'd never buy another one with that finish on it. The wiring had scotch locks for connectors and the previous owner must have had trouble cause some of the connecters were just twisted and taped. I had to rewire the whole thing. At the rear where the ramps slide in the frame they just bent diamond plate that was formed with the dove tail. It was actually cracked by the ramp openings and I had to reenforce it. The ramp holding structure under the trailer was also cracked and need to be rewelded. It might have been abused by the previous owner but I still wasn't impressed with it overall. The price was right though.
 
so far i am leaning towards finish line low pro 14ft dump with spread axle option . will also be renting a new big tex next week and will see how that unit works. finish line had the heavyist floor so far also and it is one piece.
 
I'd check with B&B Enterprises, Behnke Trailers, Farley, Iowa. They have a good website. Give them a call. Local trailer dealer used to stock & sell their trailers. Very good build quality.

Son worked for a local brick mason for a couple years. They used to have all the material delivered by the general contractor but the last year Son worked for them they had to pick up everything themselves. They bought a 14,000# 14 foot tandem dump trailer from Behnke. They'd haul two pallets of brick, couple yards of sand, pallet of sacked morter cement, every day, 5 days a week, all year long. Trailer had 3 ft tall sides, and the only thing I didn't care for was it was painted white.
 
I will agree with Jon on the dump angle. I do differ on the scissor hoist. I like a telescoping hoist. They don't work against themselves as much with the disadvantage of the leverage. The front post hoist will have the least work as it is on the front of the box. Do pay attention to the hinge for grease fittings and use them liberallly. I welded in a set of new hinges on one where it wasn't greased on a regular basis.
 

I have a big PJ. Avoid powder coat on a trailer. Wiring is scotchlocks so I am having to rewire it.
 

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