Which trailer do I need for my job?
Use a dump trailer for anything you'd rather not unload by hand: demo, roofing, soil and big cleanouts. Use a utility trailer for mulch bags, lumber and mowers, an enclosed trailer for moves and anything that must stay dry, a car hauler for vehicles, and a tilt trailer for skid steers and mini excavators. Your truck's tongue rating often decides between the 7x14 and the 6x12.
Key takeaways
- Heavy and messy: dump trailer.
- Light and bulky: utility trailer.
- Valuable or weather-sensitive: enclosed.
- Machines: tilt trailer, no ramps to wrestle.
Job-by-job picks
| Job | Best trailer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen or bath demo | 7x14 dump | Holds about 1.6 tons of mixed debris; dumps itself |
| Roof tear-off | 7x14 dump | About 18 squares per load |
| Garage or estate cleanout | 7x14 or 6x12 dump | Light debris fills by volume |
| 3 cu yd of gravel | 7x14 dump | 8,100 lb is over the 6x12's 6,800 lb payload |
| 5 cu yd of loose mulch | 6x12 dump | About 4,000 lb; dumping beats shoveling |
| Mulch bags, lumber, a mower | Utility | Low deck and ramp gate |
| Moving or storage run | Enclosed | Dry and lockable |
| Auction or project car | Car hauler | Ramps, tie-downs, brakes |
| Skid steer or mini excavator | 24' tilt | Deck tilts; drive straight on |
When does my truck decide for me?
A loaded 7x14 14K dump can put 1,400–2,100 lb on your hitch. If your truck's tongue rating is lower, rent the 6x12 for lighter loads, or have us deliver: $75 each way in Howard County, $125 in Anne Arundel and Baltimore County. Run your truck through the tow checker.
Pick dates, see the price
Eight trailer types on Berger Road in Columbia. Price with tax shown before you give us any details.
Check availabilityDump trailer or dumpster?
For a one- or two-day job, a dump trailer is often $90–200 cheaper than a 15-yard dumpster, and the debris is gone the same day. For slow jobs or three-plus loads, a dumpster usually wins. Our calculator shows which for your job.
Questions
What's the most popular trailer?
The 7x14 14K dump. We have four, so one is usually free.
Can I rent two trailers at once?
Yes. Contractors on account get 10% off three or more units.
Sources
- EPA, Volume-to-Weight Conversion Factors for solid waste (2016)