Constructing the Perfect Custom Dump Truck
The world needs dump trucks. All around the world, dump trucks are used to eliminate the back-breaking, manual work of loading, transporting and unloading large quantities of heavy material. In the United States, the dump truck industry brought in 19 billion dollars in revenue in 2018, and has experienced an annual growth rate of 1.8% in recent years. Looking at these numbers, it’s clear that investing in a dump truck is a great business opportunity. The best way to position your business for success, efficiency and versatility is to design a custom dump truck from the ground up.
Introduction to Dump Trucks
Put simply, a dump truck is a truck with a body that tilts and/or opens at the back and/or sides for convenient loading, hauling and unloading. Dump trucks are divided into heavy-duty, medium-duty and light-duty classifications depending on their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which takes into account the weight of the truck itself and its load capacity. In order to determine which dump truck bed and body is best for your business, you should first consider how the truck will be used, and what it will be transporting.
Finding the Right Custom Dump Truck Beds
There are several key factors to consider when deciding between dump truck bodies and beds:
- Light, Medium or Heavy-Duty: First, calculate how much of each type of material you’ll be hauling in cubic yards to help determine your load requirements. Keep in mind that moisture level and compaction will affect the bulk weight. Generally speaking, for lighter materials like compost or soil, a class 3 dump truck will probably suffice, while heavier materials may require a class 5 or higher. You should consider that the heavier the truck itself, the less fuel-efficient it will likely be.
- Type of Metal: The two primary types of metal to choose from are steel and aluminum. Steel tends to be the preferred choice for heavier duty trucks that will be hauling heavy, more abrasive materials. There are many types of steel with many different gauges to choose from. Aluminum is increasingly the preferred choice for lighter, less abrasive materials due to its lighter weight, protection from corrosion and greater payload capacity. Studies show that aluminum can improve a vehicle’s fuel economy by as much as 29 percent. However, keep in mind that aluminum is generally more expensive up-front and can cost more to repair.
- Body Style: There are three main types of dump truck bodies to compare. First, drop side dump bodies are lighter-duty and does not include crossmembers. Rigid side bodies are usually made from double-panel steel for more strength and durability. Third, there are contractor bodies with heavy drop sides that can haul more material.
- Crossmembers: A crossmember is a structural section that is traverse to the main section. Crossmembers make a dump truck body more durable, but they can also reduce the maximum payload.
Complete the Look with a Custom Dump Truck Paint Job and Accessories
A custom paint job and custom accessories can give your dump truck a polished look and edge above the competition. If you’re looking for a fresh coat of paint or a touch-up, make sure to use a company with a DEQ approved flash dry paint booth that can accommodate the size of your truck. To finish off your custom dump truck, choose from popular accessories, such as: storage compartments, tool boxes, hitch plates, coal chutes, electric power units, ladders, LED lights, spreader aprons, tailgate bumpers and tarp hooks, to name a few.
Start Your Custom Dump Truck Build Today
Ready to customize your new dump truck? An expert from our Custom Truck Equipment Sales and Installation Department help you explore and weigh all of your options. Request a free quote today and we’ll walk you through each step of the process to ensure your dump truck is ready to meet all your business’s needs.
