Instant O/O and Load boards

You don't have to clutch, but it might make it easier until you get a feel for it. Pre-select the splitter, feather the throttle a little and once the RPMs line up with the ground speed it'll slip right into gear. I find it smoother to do it without the clutch, but you may find it smother with the clutch.

Now when you go from 5 to 4, you'll have to put the splitter up before you move the shifter. Actually, every time you have to move the shifter, you should preselect the splitter position. The manual will tell you not to move the splitter while the gear shift is in the neutral position. I don't know why they recommend that, but I'm sure someone smarter than me could tell ya.

 

Take it for what its worth but I would watch the wheel base if your going to pull a dump I used to work for a construction company hauling asfault and gravel in a 10 wheel dump but there were some guys doing the same things with trailer dumps but their biggest problems were getting in and out of tight places and powerlines can be a problem as well with trailer dumps also they arent the most stable things in the world. I was running a dozer behind one that was dumping and he was going over I hit it and it came back down on the wheels luckily but rolling is a problem with all dumps. Goodluck with whatever you do.

 

The biggest problems are the people loading them and sticking if some of your load sticks high on one side it will roll thats what saved that guy when I bumped it it shook that sticking down and saved it he wasent real happy about me hitting his trailer but he knew it was on its way over. If I were wanting to dump truck again I would pick up a 10 wheel dump its alot easier to get work for them.From charlotte get on 85 south go to greenville and theres a big auction company down there with 100 acers full of tractors, trailers, dumps and everything else. Stuff has been going for nothing up there. Also the upkeep and insurance on a 10 wheel is alot cheaper and you get to sleep at home for the most part.

 

Yep thats the advantage of the trailer and if you can get steady work for it then it will be a good way to go. I like truck im running but if the money were the same I would drive me a 10wheel dump all day long and im thinking about going back to it even with the difference I can drive one as good as the other but nobody where u unload understands that its a very big pita to jackknife a loaded truck into a hole thats just big enough to squeeze it in straight with a spread axel that sounds like its going to fly out from under the thing but for me the biggest thing is not being with my family. Oh yea tarping and straping in subzero weather aint too fun either.

 

At most landfills we had spotters that would tell you it was leaning, If it leaned to much to one side they would dig you a hole to level it out. 40,ft in the air leaning is lots of fun. Oh yeah add this to your need to know list. Set your trailer brakes when dumping and leave you tractor brakes released.
Also you may want to buy a truck with an air dump valve for the tractor it makes it much more stable.
If you plan on pulling a frameless dump you need to plan on blocking the fifth wheel.
And keep your hand on the Up/Down lever when dumping. If its starts to lean you can catch it if your quick.
Want to save on weight with your pump set-up? split one of the fuel tanks any good welding shop can do this.
If i were you I would go with a smaller bunk If you were still going to pull a bucket.. Its just to much weight. I had A 02' columbia flattop with a 500 cat and I could come in under 30k With an aluminum tub
With the Combo I see your thinking about with a steel dump you might be up around 35k you have to be smart about it Money or Comfort? your call. Hell with it just haul heavy Like I use to and make a lil extra money

 

ok, i got to read much of this but not all of the pages on this thread,
volvo .... good on fuel but still a crappy truck .....NO NO NO NO on this 1 i have a 2008 (check my pic gallery) and LOTS of electircal type problemas!
now whats the other truck you're loooking at.... oh the KW T2000 good running motor, super10 tranny? crappy design lots of air ride not good for the dirt
and i cant member the 3rd truck.... but id go with a petercar (peterbuilt)if you can, eay to work on, reliable, great resale, etc.