to all end dump haulers...

All ways get out and eyeball the terrain on where the trailer will be rolling when up in the air and check rear tires make sure arn't flat or low

 

Biggest thing to remember is dump your airbags, trailer and truck while dumping.

Make sure you put your power divider in as well while the box is up and you are trying to move. There isn't a whole lot of traction on the drives while unloading.

 

Just keep an eye on the trailer as it goes up. Terrain that can look good can turn out to be soft, you just never know until you start going up with it.

 

Yes dump the bags on your truck. Reason being when your load comes out it can cause the airbags to extend and you could ruin a set of shocks and it gets hard on the airbags. Another reason is it helps with stability.

No need to lock all wheels up, just make sure there is power going to both axles.

Like others said, the ground can be deceiving. It's best to double check your dumping grounds prior to your first unload.

 

For the most part, when dumping on flat ground and not into a bin or pit of some sort the truck will need to be advanced to eject the whole load... depending on what kind of rig you have. On hard terrains that don't have to much elevation, you'll more then likely need to apply the foot brakes so that the truck doesn't get pushed to fast from your load coming out. Otherwise on soft terrain you may need to move the rig forward with it's own power.

Regarding what to look for when hoisting your box up, it really depends again on your rig set up.
-Longer trailers or frameless trailers can be more sensitive to uneven terrain.
-What your load type is, whether it's very lose gravel or sticky clay.
-How your material has been loaded.
These all play into if the trailer can accept some tilting or you just shouldn't risk it.

There are many variables that only experience can really teach you. Most of all getting to know your rig. If you have the opportunity to drive near someone that has been driving a similar rig, watch and learn. Keep in mind the info we have said and take note of how the others guys with good records do it on the same haul as you.

Best of luck! Remember it isn't a race, take your time, pay attention 360 degrees.

 

I have some suggestions as well..

What to look for on pre-trip of a dump trailer..

- Check frame for any cracks if you have a dump trailer that has a frame

- Make sure your dump body goes up (before loading) and your tailgate opens (even more so if it is a hydraulic lift gate

- Check the back pivot point and make sure there is no damage or cracks this is very important the whole trailer is pivoting on that one spot (unless you have a frame less where the tandems move with the trailer)

- Make sure you have enough hydraulics otherwise you can burn out the pump


As for dumping

- Watch out of the load gets stuck on the nose while in the air.. This makes for it being very top heavy and dangerous.. So be CAREFUL !!!!

- Make sure your on level ground as possible, this can't not always be avoided in some areas but make sure it's as level as possible.. If you feel it is unsafe then tell the customer that you want to dump somewhere level.. They will have loaders or dozers that can move the material.. It's a lot cheaper for them to move it then to ruin a dump unit (and possibly the tractor)

- Make sure the ground is solid.. This can not always be avoided.. We have had a couple guys at work lift and the pavement as given out or the ground just sunk and next thing you know over she goes..

- If you ever get stuck and can't move forward.... DO NOT have a loader pull you out with the box in the air always put the box down and then get pulled out.. A guy just this last year at work and flipped the tractor and trailer.. Did lots of damage..

- If you dump in populated areas then make sure no one is too close to the unit... Cause you could kill someone if it flips overs.. When I am dumping compost in parking lots for events I tell everyone to move back far enough that way if it does go over they will not get killed..


Like the others have said... There is lots of variables when doing the end dumps.. You have different types of materials (I haul organic food waste, broken glass and compost)... If your in the construction industry then you can be hauling soil, dirt, rocks, crushed stone etc..... So this all makes a difference.. As well as the terrain which you need to watch out for...

Again just take it slow.. There is no rush... Dump the bags on the tractor (and if you end up with a trailer with bags dump them as well, but I know you said spring so not much you can do there)... When the load goes up it just makes is easier on the tractor bags as said before then will over extended as the body raises.. Plus it makes it more stable because the tractor is not basically like solid suspension...

Good luck with your new line of work...