Saturday, August 4, 2012

Dump Trailers Weight Information: The Things Owners Should Know

By Brittney H. Mittchell


Dump trailers, just like all other types of trailers, have weight ratings that owners need to keep in mind when loading the trailer. This is important both for the save operation of the trailer and hitch. All trailers come with tags that detail the weight of the trailer and the weights it is able to accommodate. Before the first use and periodically after that, owners should review this information.

The tag always includes information on the GVWR and GAWR as well as the empty weight of the trailer. The most the trailer can weigh is termed the gross vehicle weight rating or GVWR and this is established by the manufacturer. The reality for owners however is that the maximum that can be loaded into the trailer is the GVWR minus the weight of the trailer, since the GVWR includes the trailer's weight. Dump trailers are known for being much heavier than other types of trailers because of the way they are built, so owners should remember that they can be very heavy.

For trailer users of all types, GAWR is also a consideration during loading. When loading, owners need to look at the gross axle weight rating, GAWR, as much as the GVWR. For all trailers that have two or more axles, the GAWR is much more important than it is for owners of single axle trailers. The axles should be holding the weight as evenly as possible. Some trailers are designed with axles meant to handle different portions of the weight, so owners should become familiar with the requirements of their individual trailers.

Just like trailers used for dumping, motorcycle trailers also have tags about weight and axle ratings. Owners should load their motorcycle trailers according to this information just as carefully as dump truck trailer owners do. The trailer must be as balanced as possible, both over the axles and from side to side. Dump trailers and motorcycle trailers, and all other kinds too, will ride a lot more smoothly if the load is balanced.

When loading dump trailers or motorcycle trailers, owners should always remember to keep the weight rating of the trailer in mind. There is a possibility of damage to the trailer or the hitch if the weight ratings are exceeded. The best way to ensure that a trailer is loaded properly is to load it and then take it to a commercial scale where it can be professional weighed. This will give the most complete information on the gross vehicle weight.




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