Double Tub 2 gallery

When choosing a trailer, there are two popular choices: end dumps and side dumps. This comparison chart highlights the differences between end dumps and side dumps so you can make the most appropriate selection for your operation.

Compare safety features, materials and placement, cylinder replacement costs, sidewall dimensions, cycle times and resale value.

End Dump Trailers: Standard Trailer Design with Several Disadvantages

End dumps have been on the market for a long time. When backing up or unloading, the operator’s view is obstructed by the tub. During the dump cycle, the front end of the tub must be lifted high enough to empty everything inside, fully exposing the cylinder. The unit can become unstable due to loads shifting or gaining momentum while dumping. End dumps are not watertight, limiting the type of materials that can be hauled.

Side Dump Trailers: More Stable and Versatile

Side dumps were first developed in the 1990s as a solution to tipover issues with end dumps. Side dumps unload by tilting to the side, hence their name. Rugged side dumps can haul almost any material from fine sand to boulders and debris to waste sludge, silage, and other agricultural products. They offer the added convenience of being able to dump from within the truck cab with clear sight lines. The side dump trailer’s design is watertight. When used with a tarp, this allows for an even wider variety of materials

Side Dumps versus End Dumps Comparison Chart

Side DumpEnd Dump
Special safety featuresBetter sight lines, no backing upNA
Meter flow rate?Yes, for longer smaller pileNo, material dumps start slowly and gains momentum
Placement of materialsWindrow or stockpile with ease, cleaner more consistent piles without having to leave the truck cab.Must chain rear gate to spread material behind. Otherwise stockpiling is the only choice.
WatertightYesNo
Breakaway kingpinsNot necessaryReduces damage in case of a tip over
Able to dump on uneven grades?YesNo
Cylinder exposed during dump cycle?Up to 3 feetUp to 35 feet
Average cylinder replacement costs$1,000$4.500
Ability to haul large boulders, debris?YesLarge boulders may puncture tub, debris may get hung up
Average height of sidewalls8' 6" allows different equipment to load. and operator to see load placement9-10 feet
Cycle times15-20 seconds120 seconds
Able to reduce weight without auxiliary equipment to meet payload limits?Yes. if load is over maximum allowed payload, operator can easily reduce the load and return for re-checkNo, end dump operator must work with equipment operator to remove a position of the load adding time
5-year Resale value - 10-year Resale valueSale Price:
5 year = $50 000
10 year = $45 500
Sale Price.
5 year = $36 500
10 year = $20.000

For a comparison of side dump, end dump and belly dump trailers, read more here.

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