This customer story is about how this one-of-a-kind Dumping Flatbed Trailer (deck-over dumper) came to be. This trailer is unique, his own design, with plenty of consideration. Here is the story, in the words of the builder.
Customer Story From Toby
This is my Dumping Flatbed trailer affectionately known as the Flimsy trailer that I built in 2022/2023. There is a reason we call it the “flimsy” trailer. One day my dad looked over my progress and said to me “It looks kinda flimsy,” even though the drawbar is made of 3/8″ thick steel and the frame rails are 5/16″ thick…
I even got a custom license plate for it that says FLIMSY. Anyway, I was looking for a dumping flatbed trailer and nobody really offered what I was looking for. My options were limited to A) A dedicated dump trailer with fold down sides, B) A deckover flatbed trailer that didn’t dump, or C) A tilting deckover flatbed trailer that only tilted to load equipment but wouldn’t actually dump. So I set out to build my own.
What you see here is the result.
A Deckover Dumping Flatbed Trailer
The deck is 16 feet long and 8 feet wide, the rub rails take the width to 8 foot 6 inches. I built everything including the scissor hoist myself as the hoists available for sale were priced well above my budget, or they didn’t have the capacity I was looking for.
The axles are quite far back for a number of reasons. First, I didn’t want the back of the truck to lift off the ground when dumping, something I noticed a LOT of dump trailers tend to do. Another was that I didn’t want to deal with stabilizers anytime I load a piece of equipment to prevent the same issue. Also, to provide space to install a third axle if I need the extra capacity. This does make the tongue load a bit heavier than optimal, but behind my one ton dually it really isn’t a problem.
I built a set of ramps that slide into pockets on the deck, and I can hook them anywhere on the sides or back of the trailer so I can load over the side or over the back as a situation may dictate. The hoist is powered by a 5.5 hp gas engine and there are a few reasons I chose gas over electric, one of the main reasons are that most dump trailers I used are good for 4 or 5 loads before they need recharging, even when wired into the truck’s charging circuit. It also dumps a LOT faster than most electric over hydraulic dump trailers. I also have a second hydraulic valve to run my log splitter or a winch.
I have built sides that are 2 feet high for hauling dirt/gravel/debris and a set of log bunks for hauling logs.
So far I’m really pleased with how this dumping flatbed trailer has turned out. It is a tad bit heavy, it weighs about 5500 lbs empty which leaves me with about 8500 lbs of capacity. It will comfortably haul this and also dump it without any hesitation. Attached are some pictures for your enjoyment. Thank you!
Thank You For The Story And Photos!
From the images, this looks like a great trailer. Thank you for sharing both the story and the cool photos. This is a unique trailer, and certainly one to be proud of, for sure.
I agree with your assessment of the axle position – back too far. Of course, it is only a problem if the overall balance or strength becomes a problem. Stresses in the tongue might be more than you think, but if you keep the heaviest loads back, it should be OK. Do be aware of the towing limits of your vehicle as it is pretty easy to exceed the tongue weight while being well under the max towing weight.
You have to be pretty brave to paint a work trailer white. It looks awesome! However, it will take some work to keep it looking clean and sharp!
I do like the deckover as a base for the dumping flatbed trailer. Also, I really like the removable sides. That is a great use of stake pockets, and I especially like that you used metal verticals. I see a lot of wood sides with wood verticals which do not last too long. Great job with doing that.
Unique Scissor Hoist
I have to comment on the unique scissor hoist. I have seen many cobbled contraptions – but this is not. It looks like you planned this out nicely. Also nice to see that you mounted the pivots forward of mid deck. That is good for the hoist and for the tilt deck beam stress.
The twin ram concept has a cool look to it. I suppose it saves vertical space, though the double cylinders do have a weight penalty. (Probably not a big deal with this rig.)
Keep an eye on the hoses to make sure they are not twisting too much or moving too much as the hoist opens. The images don’t show the final hose routing and anchoring, so I assume you have that nicely taken care of.
Good work on the scissor hoist for this dumper.
Great Trailer Build Project
Overall your Dumping Flatbed Trailer is impressive! It looks good, and according to you, it functions well. Bucking the trend and using a gas powered pump is an interesting idea, but your reasoning is sound. Good job.
Again, thank you for sharing Flimsy with us – all of us in the DIY build community. Long live Flimsy!
The Dumping Flatbed Trailer Photo Gallery
Here are a bunch of photos shared by Toby. I have arranged them in what appears to be some semblance of chronological order. They certainly tell a good story of a passion project of love, and persistence. Thank you, again, for sharing your project journey.
Get Into It!
For any of you / all of you enjoying these customer stories, now it is your turn. Please consider sending us your story and some photos. We love to see and share. Just like you enjoyed this story, someone will enjoy yours. Please share.
Have a wonderful day!
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