Buying a Dump Truck

For all your projects that need a little extra elbow grease, you’ll want to make sure you have a dump truck to help you move large quantities of material. Whether you’re moving it to your work site or away from it, trying to do it all with a trusty pickup isn’t always going to cut it. These vehicles can streamline your project and make your work a whole lot easier.

Read on for an overview of how to choose a dump truck, then visit DTI Trucks in Wheat Ridge or Denver, CO to browse our fine selection. 

Body and Box Type

Before you start looking at dump trucks, you’ll want to have an idea of the kind of work you expect it to do. First, think about the material you’ll be transferring. The weight and sheer bulk of this material might dictate how big or small the dump bed needs to be. You’ll also want to consider where most of your projects are located. If you have lots of open space, then the size of your truck won’t matter, but you’ll be more constricted in confined areas like cities and townships. 

With this in mind, it’s time to start looking at dump trucks and the first place you’ll want to look is the body. The body will set your capacity, which is why you need to know the kind of material you’ll be moving. Overwhelming your dump truck can lead to sagging and even broken parts and can create long-term maintenance problems for you. And it’ll need to fit where it needs to go. For those who need a higher payload but don’t have a lot of room to work with, you might need to consider making multiple trips with a smaller dump truck.

You’ll also want to consider the material your bed is made out of. The two most common materials are aluminum and steel. Aluminum is the lighter weight material and rustproof. This can make your dump truck more fuel efficient and lower upkeep costs. If you go steel, you’ll probably get a more durable material that will be helpful with rougher material transport, like rocks or scrap. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but one might be more helpful for your budget and your operations. 

Vehicle Condition

Even if you’re getting a brand new dump truck, you’ll want to consider performing a vehicle inspection. You don’t want to find out the hard way that your model rolled out of the factory with a problem spot. This will also be important when looking at dump truck rentals. Maybe you’re not looking for signs of damage, but simply checking to see what you’ll be working with. You can never be too careful when this kind of money is in play. Check out the entire frame to ensure they’re in peak working condition to avoid worrisome incidents on the job. 

You may also want to check out the engine and transmission for odd sounds, leaks and anything else that might signal problems down the road. If you’re not sure what to look for, then consider bringing along a friend or colleague that’s worked with dump trucks before. They might have a better idea of what to look for. 

Now that you’re informed, the next step is to go look at what’s available at DTI Trucks. We’ll help you choose the best vehicle for your needs.