Which Is Better For My Job: Frame Dump Trailer or Frameless Dump Trailer?

January 16th, 2025

Not all dump trailers are made the same. While some trailers are reinforced by a full frame, others are built longer and lighter without a frame, allowing you to move more materials over long distances. When your job calls for an end dump trailer, which one do you need? 

Both frame dump trailers and frameless dump trailers have specific work applications they are designed for. Using the wrong trailer can end up in more work at best, or catastrophic results at worst. Here’s what you need to know about using a frame dump trailer versus a frameless dump trailer.

What Is a Frame Dump Trailer? 

As the name would suggest, a frame dump trailer is reinforced by a full-length frame that runs along the bottom side of the trailer. Depending on the application, the frame is built out of aluminum or steel. 

With the additional reinforcement, frame dump trailers take on smaller, heavier loads compared to frameless dump trailers. Frame trailers can come in lengths up to 48 feet, but are more commonly found at around 34 feet in length. Between the size and strength, a frame dump is ideal for operating in smaller spaces or slightly unlevel ground.

Common Uses for Frame Dump Trailers

Frame dump trailers are most commonly used in industries working with heavy-duty materials, when you can’t afford to compromise the trailer from torsional twisting during dumping. Frame dump trailers are perfect for hauling materials like asphalt, rock, crushed concrete, limestone, and other heavy materials used in construction or mineral extraction. 

What Is a Frameless Dump Trailer?

Unlike the frame dump trailer, frameless dump trailers are not reinforced by steel or aluminum beams running underneath. Instead, frameless trailers are reinforced by ribs constructed on each side of the body, while the top rail is used as a support for the suspension bridge. Frameless trailers can come between 24 to 44 feet long, with the most common size at 40 feet, with a width between 96 and 102 inches. 

Because they are commonly made of aluminum instead of steel, the lighter weight and higher trailer walls mean they have a higher total payload capacity compared to frame trailers. While they can handle more materials, it also comes with some downsides: The larger trailer needs a larger area to dump their cargo, and is not recommended for usage on uneven ground or inclined terrain.

Common Uses for Frameless Dump Trailers

Frameless dump trailers are ideal when the job calls for moving more bulk materials in a single load. Some of the materials hauled with a frameless dump include construction or demolition debris, scrap metals, or other aggregate. Frameless dump trailers are also ideal for agricultural and landscaping work, as they can handle loose items such as soil and gravel. 

Let the Experts at Hale Help You Find the Perfect Dump Trailer

Finding the right dump trailer isn’t a matter of selecting one off a line. You need to have confidence that your frame dump trailer or frameless dump trailer is capable of handling the job from origin to destination. The experts at Hale Trailer understand what it takes to properly haul the load down the line, which is why we are capable of helping you find new dump trailers for sale, used dump trailers for sale, and dump trailer rentals

No matter where you’re moving materials, we’re here to help. With 15 locations across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, and Midwest, we are North America’s most comprehensive trailer dealer with the widest selection of both frame and frameless dump trailers. With one call, we’ll help you find the perfect option closest to you. 

Offering high-quality trailers with versatile financing options isn’t our only job. When you need service on your trailers, our maintenance and repairs team is ready to make your fleet like new at every location. Find your nearest location on our website

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