New Dump Trailer Questions

[Paperclips43]

I finally got a dump trailer and couldn't be more happy. It's changed the game and I can't imagine going back to work without it. I have a couple questions in making sure I take proper care of it. I watched a video on greasing the grease zerks and when I went to do mine I found that there are none at the pivots points where the hydraulic cylinder connects to the frame and to the bed. Is this going to be an issue and should I look into replacing them with grease-able connection points?


Also Id like to put a truck box up on the tongue as I have a couple spare ones. Right now the battery sits up there and sticks up about 5 inches above the frame. Rather than re weld the platform for it to lower it I thought about replacing the battery for one of the new LifePos or something similar. Are they just plug and play and will be charged through my trucks alternator the same way as a normal vehicle battery? It's currently a deep cycle marine @23 amps C5 part number 24-90DCY.

Thanks to anyone reading this for your time and consideration with offering your input and advice. You can find pictures on the Reddit post I made asking the same questions but didn’t get any replies but I did make it on a contractor subreddit maybe I’d of had better luck posting elsewhere.

 

[Nomoregears]

I am a welder by trade. I can't tell you how many dump trailer I repaired. Most issues were because of the lack of maintenance. Rusted beds, rusted battery boxes, rusted bed supports, bent tongues and crunched fenders always kept me busy.
When not in use, have the bed up a little so the water runs out. Wash the frame periodically. Don't overload them. Look for cracked welds often.
I had one guy asked me to undercoat his trailer. I used wool wax and the trailer is in great shape after 7 years of use. Have someone follow you pulling a load. Does your trailer track true?
Check your suspension often. Wheel bearings are easy to grease.

 

[Paperclips43]

I am a welder by trade. I can't tell you how many dump trailer I repaired. Most issues were because of the lack of maintenance. Rusted beds, rusted battery boxes, rusted bed supports, bent tongues and crunched fenders always kept me busy.
When not in use, have the bed up a little so the water runs out. Wash the frame periodically. Don't overload them. Look for cracked welds often.
I had one guy asked me to undercoat his trailer. I used wool wax and the trailer is in great shape after 7 years of use. Have someone follow you pulling a load. Does your trailer track true?
Check your suspension often. Wheel bearings are easy to grease.

Thanks so much. Please excuse such a late reply. I’m only now just seeing this. Being so busy elsewhere I’m only getting back to this just now.

Anyway, all great tips thank you. I’m wondering if fluid film would be good to spray underneath to protect against rust? I have a couple cans of it is the only reason I ask. Also being in Arizona I’m not as susceptible as many other places. I like the idea of leaving it parked with the bed tilted so water doesn’t pool in there and I’m able to park it on an incline so that’s what I’ll do from now on. Very smart and can’t believe I didn’t think of it seeing as how I learned that lesson with wheel barrows many years ago.

 

[Paperclips43]

Also I wanted to add my buddy/roomate added a remote control for the bed lift and it has been so nice. Didn’t think getting a dump trailer could get any better but thank god for my friends natural aptitude to tinkering I’d highly recommend it. Seemed a super easy install and well worth it.

 

[Nomoregears]

Thanks so much. Please excuse such a late reply. I'm only now just seeing this. Being so busy elsewhere I'm only getting back to this just now.

Anyway, all great tips thank you. I'm wondering if fluid film would be good to spray underneath to protect against rust? I have a couple cans of it is the only reason I ask. Also being in Arizona I'm not as susceptible as many other places. I like the idea of leaving it parked with the bed tilted so water doesn't pool in there and I'm able to park it on an incline so that's what I'll do from now on. Very smart and can't believe I didn't think of it seeing as how I learned that lesson with wheel barrows many years ago.

No worries on the late reply. Fluid film will work. I used wool wax because I had it. Most of the repairs I make are towards the front of the trailer and around the edges. This lead me to assume that pooling water and left over debris were the culprit. The bottom cross member tend to catch debris & road grime , this is another spot for rust. I live in the rust belt so the salt is always working. Your biggest threat may be the sun itself causing paint degrading.

The remote control dump is a great idea.

 

[hobbitman]

Nice pickup on the dump trailer!! Its normal for some pivot points to not have grease zerks, but adding greaseable joints can help them last longer. Switching to a LiFePO4 battery usually works fine as a plug-and-play replacement and charges off your truck's alternator like a regular battery, just make sure it fits your trailer's power needs. Youre thinking about the right stuff!

 

[cur1ouscat]

I'm wondering if fluid film would be good to spray underneath to protect against rust?

hi @Paperclips43 fluid Film is a good choice, and you should absolutely use it. I used it before, it's a non drying, self healing rust inhibitor that's great for undercarriages.
It will penetrate and protect in the tight spots. It might not last as long as Woolwax (which is often thicker), but for a couple of cans, it's a fantastic and effective way to get protection on your trailer. The Arizona climate is a huge advantage, but road grime and the occasional rain can still lead to rust, especially in the crevices