Need Dumptruck advice

[Mountain Flyer]

Hey all-- awhile back, I think, if my brain is working, someone posted a "checklist" for things to look at/avoid, etc. when buying a dump truck. My cousin is in need of one and I told him I'd ask the board for advice. If anyone has advice or can steer me to some good pointers for him, I would be very much obliged. :wink:

[floored]

If you don't get the answers you need here maybe try dirthaulers.net

I'd help ya if I could but I don't have any checklist, I just buy what looks good, doesn't leak and runs/drives to my expectations.

[SoCal79]

My advice is to have a reputable mechanic look it over. There are usually two types of dumps for sale,used & abused, and dealer built ones that are former high mileage road trucks. The road trucks are built to drive down the highway so the air ride isn't the best choice for the dirt,of all the air ride Pete airtrac is the best but any leaf sprung suspension will be better in the dirt. I have seen air ride trucks stuck on flat ground (dirt) with one set of duals spinning in the air,not much up/down travel. The box,well what are you going to haul? You could get a demo box (AR400,T1 ect.) that can take abuse but will be way heavy to haul material. I say be safe and go demo, if you are buying the box seperate expect to pay $10-$20,000. I like a 230-240" max wheel base and a 15-16 foot box any bigger and you need drop axles and contractors love to fill up a huge box and that = overweight tickets. Power & trans is not critical to me just avoid big power it tends to break stuff off highway, I have had good luck with 400-450hp.

[Mountain Flyer]

Thanks fellas, I will pass on that information to him...

[tinman789]

i have a friend here in nc with a, i think, 04-05 quad axle sterling he wants to sell. it's in cherry condition. if you're interested i can put you in contact. but tell your friend to buy a quad. qunits are sometimes too big for the job, too long. furthermore, with a tandem or triaxle, you (a) can't make much money because of the rates, 45-55 per hour, and (B) you run an increased risk of being overloaded, especially on dirt hauls/site hauls, where there is no scale to check your weight. and when you are at a quarry, they won't LET you load heavy, so reduced revenue. i've owned all three so i'm not talking out of my ass. i currently have an 01 kw t800 quad and i actually make money. all of my good truck have come from the kansas city area. the others have all been peices of crap.just the way my luck has gone i'm sure. i don't get in here much anymore so my regular emil is b1c1e1@yahoo.com if your friend has questions.
speed safely!!!
tinman

[Mountain Flyer]

Thanks Tinman, I have copied and forwarded your post to my cousin... thanks for the help..... 8)

[Blind Driver]

i have a friend here in nc with a, i think, 04-05 quad axle sterling he wants to sell. it's in cherry condition. if you're interested i can put you in contact. but tell your friend to buy a quad. qunits are sometimes too big for the job, too long. furthermore, with a tandem or triaxle, you (a) can't make much money because of the rates, 45-55 per hour, and (B) you run an increased risk of being overloaded, especially on dirt hauls/site hauls, where there is no scale to check your weight. and when you are at a quarry, they won't LET you load heavy, so reduced revenue. i've owned all three so i'm not talking out of my ass. i currently have an 01 kw t800 quad and i actually make money. all of my good truck have come from the kansas city area. the others have all been peices of crap.just the way my luck has gone i'm sure. i don't get in here much anymore so my regular emil is b1c1e1@yahoo.com if your friend has questions.
speed safely!!!
tinman

The guy is in Idaho :wink: . Kinda a long drive in an empty dumpy truck.

Check everything. Pull the diff plugs and look for shavings. Be sure the truck is lubed on a regular basis. Many other things to look for.

Get maintenance records!!!