Finding the Right Dump Trailer Usage for Your Job
January 17th, 2025
Dump trailers can come in many different shapes and sizes, each designed for an intended line of work. That’s why it’s important to select the right trailer for your job and job site. Just as you wouldn’t use an end dump trailer on unstable ground, you wouldn’t use a belly dump trailer to move excavated material.
At Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, we’re the experts in dump trailers and can help you find the perfect match for your needs. Here’s what you need to know about dump trailer usage for end dump trailers, side dump trailers, and belly dump trailers.
Uses for End Dump Trailers

Arguably the most common type of dump trailer, end dump trailers are named for how they unload: The front of the trailer rises up, dumping everything out of the back of the trailer. These trailers are durable, easy to operate, and can handle a variety of different cargo loads. End dump trailers come in lengths between 26 and 42 feet long, with a maximum width of 102 inches.
Because of their large size, heavy-duty construction, and the ability to hold more cubic yards of materials, end dump trailers are most commonly used for construction and landscaping work. Because the trailer unloads at the end, it is perfect for transporting road construction materials such as gravel and asphalt. In landscaping, end dump trailers are used to transport large qualities of sand, soil, gravel, or rock.
Uses for Side Dump Trailers

Unlike end dump trailers, side dump trailers unload by tilting the hopper to the side — thus earning their apt name. With a hydraulic ram, cargo is dumped to the right or left side of the trailer, which can make them a better choice when working at inclines or unstable ground. Side dump trailers are as long as 48 feet, with a width of 102 inches.
Although they don’t hold as much as an end dump trailer, side dump trailers are often used in the construction and mining industries. Side dump trailers don’t require a special operator to run them, making them much more versatile for delivering loads directly to a worksite, moving debris out of a mining site or worksite, or stockpiling materials that will be needed in the future. Because they are watertight, they can also be used to transport semi-liquid loads or fine materials, like gravel and sand.
Uses for Belly Dump Trailers
Not to be confused with a hopper bottom trailer, belly dump trailers — also known as bottom dump trailers — are specifically designed to haul heavy loads directly to the worksite. Unloading from a bottom door, these trailers dump from the “belly” of the beast, making up in versatility and stability what they lack in cargo capacity. Belly dump trailers are available in lengths up to 40 feet, with a width of 96 inches.
Belly dump trailers are ideal for laying road construction materials like asphalt or gravel because they can quickly spread materials over a longer length of space than an end dump or side dump trailer. One 40-foot belly dump trailer can accommodate as much as 21 cubic yards of materials and lay it continually across a future road. These trailers are also great for moving materials including crushed rock, fly ash, and gypsum. Finally, these trailers are great for stockpiling, but you will need the assistance of a loader.
Choose the Right Dump Trailer with the Experts at Hale
No matter what work you need to get done, you can find the right trailer for your needs at Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel. We offer a variety of new dump trailers for sale, used dump trailers for sale, and dump trailer rentals. With our wide selection across all 15 Hale Trailer locations, we can help you find the right trailer nearest you. If you need an end dump trailer, side dump trailer, or belly dump trailer, make your first call to Hale Trailer — we’re here to help.
Finding trailers with versatile financing options isn’t the only thing we do. When it’s time for service, we also offer maintenance and repairs for your entire fleet of trailers. Trust North America’s most comprehensive trailer dealer to keep your team moving down the road at the speed of life. Find your nearest location on our website.
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