Trading hopper bottom off for an end dump. What do I want?

Discussion in 'Tanker, Bulk and Dump Trucking Forum' started by W Bench Farms, Dec 22, 2024.

  1. W Bench Farms

    W Bench Farms Light Load Member

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    I have a 40' hopper bottom I haul grain for the farm with. It is starting to need some more work than I want to put in to it, so I have a deposit from a buyer, and thinking I'm going to an end dump. I've considered doing this previously, but never went any farther. However, it looks like the hopper is sold, and I need to get my ducks in a row and get something lined up. It looks like I have lots of options, so looking for what you all recommend. I'll list some of the things that I'm leaning towards, but most of these options are not set in stone. The hopper I have now is a 40' steel. I weigh 34500 empty, so I can haul right at 800 bushels legally. I usually work a flatbed when I'm not farming, but have some opportunities to work an end dump when flatbed is slow. Mainly hauling grain, fertilizer, sand, gravel. Not really wanting to haul scrap, dirt, or big rock. Older isn't a turn off as long as it's something that's in pretty good shape. I want something better than just a farm trailer. Have seen some in the $15-20k range that seem like they may work.

    Grain door is a must
    Roll over tarp (side to side)
    40' trailer (want to be able to haul at least 800 bu. Pulling it with a 1995 FLD 120, about 18k lbs. Would go shorter if I can still get the bridge legal, but need to be able to put on about 45k lbs.)
    Frame or frameless? I know with a 40' frame is out. I've seen arguments for each.
    Liner?
    Spread or tandem?
    Would you be afraid to work a 1990's era trailer if it passed inspection? Don't want to go too old.

    I would appreciate any other opinions.
     
    Sons Hero and REO6205 Thank this.
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  3. Cat sdp

    Cat sdp . .

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    Short work you don’t want a spread
     
  4. REO6205

    REO6205 Road Train Member

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    The first thing you do is sight down the rails on top of each side of the box. If it
    s been turned over you'll see evidence of it there.
    The rest of it is just crawling under, over and around to check condition. Around here it's hard to find an end dump that hasn't been on it's side.
    What you're hauling determines what you want for a trailer.. It sounds like you might get away with aluminum. I've never pulled any kind of dump except a steel frameless and the aluminum trailers would make more money by the end of the day. By the end of a season it could really add up.
    If get aluminum, watch out for MRAs (multiple repair areas)...any place that's been fish plated or stop drilled time after time.
     
    Rugerfan Thanks this.
  5. Sons Hero

    Sons Hero Road Train Member

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    Definitely a liner, at least on the floor. Stuff doesn’t seem to freeze onto it as hard as bare aluminum. Also, slides out much nicer. I wouldn’t worry about it being old, I have one that’s a late 80s and it’s still great shape
     
  6. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    Frameless is the only way to go

    with a liner, you are better off spending a little more for something a little newer that hasn’t been rode hard and put up wet, 66” sides and a closed tandem 40’ or a half round should be right around 11k, a spread a little more
     
  7. W Bench Farms

    W Bench Farms Light Load Member

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    Oct 16, 2017
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    I appreciate all of the replies.
    Went and looked at a 1993 East 40 full frame all aluminum. Spread axle w/ lift. Aluminum wheels in and out. Hub pilot. Pretty straight for the year. Will need brakes on the rear axle eventually and probably a tire or 2. Good tarp and bows. 3 way gate. Can't really find anything to fault.
    Any major reasons to not pull the trigger? 20241223_173538.jpg
     
  8. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    yea, a full frame
     
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