Dump truck trailers are widely used to transport bulk materials such as ore, coal, construction waste, sand, and gravel. With loading capacities ranging from 20 to 150 tons, they use hydraulic systems to enable automated dumping, greatly improving unloading efficiency. These vehicles offer advantages such as high load capacity, strong impact resistance, good road adaptability, and high transport efficiency.

Dump truck trailers usually there is a rectangular or U-shaped cargo bed, which helps make unloading easier. Based on how and where they unload, they can be divided into two main types: rear-dump trailers and side-dump trailers. Side-dump trailers are useful in tight spaces where there isn’t much room to unload. Rear-dump trailers, however, are the more common type you’ll see on the road today.

There are many different kinds of dump trailer and a lot of manufacturers out there, so choosing the right one can be tough. It’s something a lot of people are trying to figure out. Today, SINOHENG is going to walk you through how to pick the best Dump truck trailer for your needs.

So, let’s get started!

 

Quick Comparison Table

Before we begin, here’s a list of common dump trailer types, detailing their respective structures, applications, load capacities, features, advantages, and customization options to help you quickly make informed purchasing decisions.

Type	Structure	Application	Features	Advantages
Rear dump trailer	The cargo box is rectangular or U-shaped, and the bottom plate and rear door have strong sealing performance.	Widely used in highway construction, mines, construction sites, etc.	The cargo box is unloaded by tilting backward through a hydraulic cylinder.	High unloading efficiency,Mature structure and low maintenance cost.
Side dump trailer	Hydraulic lifting systems are installed on both sides of the cargo box, enabling tilting to the left or right.	Urban debris removal, water conservancy projects, and mountainous road construction.	Tilts the cargo box to one side for unloading, making it suitable for narrow or restricted areas.	Flexible unloading direction with minimal space requirements.
Heavy dump trailer	Reinforced, wear-resistant steel cargo bed. High-torque hydraulic lifting system.	Designed to tackle the harshest mining and earth moving challenges	Delivering superior performance where it matters most	High Capacity, built to Last and reliable power.
Container Dump trailer	The structure primarily consists of a container semi-trailer and a hydraulic lifting device.	Primarily used for the handling and unloading of containerized and bulk cargo at ports.	The onboard system lifts and tips the container, enabling direct, rapid unloading of bulk materials.	High efficiency in unloading bulk cargo

 

Rear Dump Trailers

This classic dump truck trailers unloads by tilting its cargo box backward with a hydraulic system. As the most common type, it comes in both light and heavy-duty semi-trailer versions with various axle options (3, 4, or 5). It’s built for challenging sites and can be customized to your specific needs.

Structure & Design

• Durable Cargo Box: Rectangular or U-shaped design, sealed tight to prevent leaks.
• Powerful Hydraulic System: Front or mid-mounted, lifts over 50° for complete, rapid dumping.
• Reinforced Frame: High-strength steel construction with fortified floor and beams to handle heavy impacts.

Key Advantages

• High Efficiency: Quickly unloads bulk materials like sand, gravel, and coal.
• Low Maintenance: Proven, reliable design keeps operating costs down.
• Superior Versatility: Adapts to a wide range of jobs and materials.

Ideal For

• Hauling bulk materials (sand, gravel, coal, earth).
• Demanding sites like highway projects, mines, and construction zones.

SINOHENG rear dump truck trailers are renowned for their high cost performance and durability.

 

Side Dump Trailers

The Side-Tilt Solution for Confined Sites

Tackle space-sensitive projects with our maneuverable side-dump trailer. It lifts and unloads laterally to fit where others can’t.

Key Features

• Dual-side hydraulic systems for left/right tip
• Stabilizing frame engineered for lateral loads
• Optional bidirectional tipping capability

Key Benefits

• Unloads in tight spaces, avoiding congestion
• Flexible operation minimizes repositioning
• Versatile for urban, agricultural, and rugged terrain use

Ideal for: Urban debris removal (low overhead), water conservancy projects, and mountainous road construction.

Pre-delivery testing of side-tipping dump trailers in the production workshop

 

Heavy Dump Trailer

Power & Durability for Extreme Environments

This heavy-duty dump truck trailer is designed to tackle the harshest mining and earthmoving challenges, delivering superior performance where it matters most.

Rugged Construction

• Reinforced, wear-resistant steel cargo bed
• Heavy-duty chassis & suspension built for off-road terrain
• High-torque hydraulic lifting system

Unmatched Performance

• High Capacity: Handles payloads of 80 to 100+ tons
• Built to Last: Exceptional impact resistance and service life
• Reliable Power: Engineered for continuous, demanding cycles

Primary Applications: Open-pit mining (ore/overburden), large-scale infrastructure and water conservancy projects.

 

Container Dump Trailer

Designed to handle containerized bulk cargo—from coal and ore to grain and feed—with unmatched speed at port facilities.

Built For Speed

This specialized trailer combines a container dump truck trailer with an integrated hydraulic lifting mechanism, powered by its own engine or PTO.

How It Works

The onboard system lifts and tips the container, enabling direct, rapid unloading of bulk materials without waiting for separate equipment.

Key Advantage

Significantly higher unloading efficiency compared to standard container trailers, cutting downtime and keeping your operations moving.

 

Technology Trends & How to Choose

• Lightweight & Strong

High-strength steel and aluminum alloys reduce empty weight, so you can carry more payload—legally and profitably.

• Clean & Compliant

For urban projects, optional tarpaulin covers or fully enclosed systems keep dust contained and meet environmental standards.

• Connected & Smart

Integrated sensors provide real-time data on load weight, lift status, and more—helping you operate smarter and safer.

How to Pick the Right Trailer

• Match the body to your material. A U-shaped body prevents sticky loads from clinging.
• Choose the dump direction that fits your site. Rear-dump needs clear space behind; side-dump works in tight spots.
• Don’t compromise on strength. In mining and heavy-duty use, prioritize reinforced frames and heavy-duty suspension systems.

 

Conclusion

In addition to standard models, dump truck trailer are designed for various applications, including:

• Folding Dump Trailers with movable side panels
• Low-Bed Dump Trailers
• Urban Construction Models
• Compact Agricultural Vehicles
• Special-Purpose Work Vehicles

Folding dump trailers offer foldable or removable side panels for greater unloading flexibility. Low-bed dump trailers feature a lowered deck for easy loading and unloading of machinery, while keeping full dump functionality. Urban construction models come with sealed covers to transport construction waste cleanly and in compliance with environmental regulations. Compact agricultural units are built on light-truck chassis—able to access underground parking and handle loads of 2 to 4 tons with agility. Specialized models, such as four-wheel-drive off-road versions, are built to tackle muddy and rough terrain on job sites.

Important Safety & Maintenance Notes

Always operate within the rated load capacity—overloading is prohibited. Never drive with the dump bed raised. After unloading, disengage the power take-off (PTO) before moving the vehicle, and ensure it remains disengaged while driving. Regular oil changes for the lifting mechanism are required to maintain performance and longevity.

Have questions? We’re here to help—contact us anytime, day or night.

 

Why Choose SINOHENG?

We don’t just build dump trucks—we deliver reliability, innovation, and solutions backed by global experience.

• Proven Quality: We use top-tier components from trusted international and domestic brands, ensuring lasting performance in the toughest conditions.
• Built on Innovation: Our trucks are powered by advanced core technologies and supported by multiple national patents.
• Industry Leadership: With 14 years of expertise, we rank among China’s top 3 dump truck trailer manufacturers—exporting to over 40 countries and earning trust worldwide.
• Made for Your Market: Every truck can be customized to meet local regulations, terrain, and job requirements.

 

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These are some of the recommended readings. They should come in handy, we think.

• ‌SINOHENG: The Top 3 China Semi Trailer Manufacturers
• Procurement Guide for 6 Cost Effective Chinese Side Loader Semi Trailers
• How to Choose a Semi-Trailer: 8 Types of High-Cost-Performance Semi-Trailers

And yet you have not discovered what you need? Don’t hesitate tocontact us. We have 24 hours of assisting you.