Dump Trailer Comparison
Why should you buy a PJ dump trailer?
PJ dump trailers are absolutely loaded with great standard features and benefits. Our dump trailer comparison checklist highlights over 40 features of our trailers. By using our comparison you can quickly compare the features of a PJ dump trailer to other brands. This list is extremely helpful when trailer shopping across multiple brands and see how they compare to a PJ.
After you finish comparing PJ Trailers to the other guys, be sure to check out our exclusive "Build & Quote" tool. Simply click on a trailer, or select "Build & Quote" next to your trailer category. With this tool, you can see all of the trailer lengths, standard features and available options for your trailer. You can select the options you want to build your trailer to your exact specifications. Once you submit your build, we will check availability and email you back with a quote.
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PJ Trailers
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Other Guys
3 Year Frame/1 Year Limited Warranty
The industry standard frame warranty for most equipment trailers is one (1) year. We believe so strongly in our frame strength that we offer a three (3) year frame warranty on all PJ equipment trailers and car haulers.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(1 Year Warranty)
Heavy Duty 10 Gauge Sides and Floors
Some manufacturers cut corners by using lighter gauge materials for the sides and floors. Lighter floors and sides leads to warping and the deformation of the bed. It is especially important to use heavy gauge floor materials for loading equipment into dump trailers due to the higher weight concentrations between cross-members. At PJ Trailers we use 10 gauge smooth plate (.1345" thickness) on all dump beds and fixed (non fold-down) sides.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(12 Gauge or Lighter)
Two Way Gates Standard
Most of our dump trailers feature a two way barn door and spreader gate standard. The spreader allows you to dump your material evenly when the bed is raised. This is great for sand, gravel, and other even flowing loads. The barn door function makes it easy to load equipment with no interference by pinning the doors to the side of the trailer. The barn doors are also great for dumping bulky loads like firewood, scrap metal, and brush that could get jammed when using the a spreader gate.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Spreader or Barn Door Only)
Scissor Hoist
All 14,000+ lbs PJ dump trailers include a scissor hoist as a standard feature. A scissor hoist is much stronger and has more lifting power than single or twin hydraulic cylinders. The scissor design also is much more stable for raising and lowering uneven or shifting loads.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Twin Cylinders)
Ramps Included
One of the greatest features of dump trailers that is often overlooked is their ability to haul equipment (skid steers, mini-excavators, tractors, etc). All PJ Trailers 7' wide dumps or larger include ramps as a standard features. Ramps add versatility to the use of the trailer and to its value.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Ramps)
Cross-member Spacing
We keep our cross-members spaced very tightly together (typically 16" or less). This combined with our heavy duty 10 gauge flooring makes for an extremely strong dump bed that will be able to handle years of heavy use without failing. Many manufacturers space their cross-members too far apart to try to cut costs.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(18-24" Spacing)
Sealed Wiring Harness Inside Steel Conduit
Trailer wiring issues are one of the top complaints for many dump trailer owners. This is why we use a sealed wiring harness to protect our wiring from water, dirt, and corrosion. The harness is enclosed in steel conduit throughout the frame of the trailer, to further protect the wiring from ice, road debris, and physical damage. This modular harness means each light is just simply plugged in, making replacement very easy.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Exposed Wiring)
Lifetime LED Lights
Every PJ dump trailer features Lifetime LED lights standard. LED lights are brighter, faster, draw less current, and last longer than incandescent lights. The lights are so reliable they feature a lifetime warranty.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Incandescent Lights)
The Professional's Choice
At PJ Trailers we think our best "advertising" comes from jobsites and coffee shops, not on billboards and television ads. We didn't "buy" our reputation for building great trailers, we built it — one trailer at a time. Building a great product and keeping our customers happy has made us the #1 professional grade open trailer manufacturer in the US.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(16-18" Wide Ramps)
Radial Tires
Radial tires are superior to bias ply tires in many ways. Radial tires feature better fuel economy, less vibration, a softer ride, and extended life due to less heat being generated by the tire. Radial tires are especially important for dump trailers due to some of the heavy loads they must handle.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Bias-ply tires)
Adjustable Bulldog Coupler
Both bumper pull and gooseneck PJ dump trailers receive a Bulldog™ coupler as a standard feature. These couplers are height adjustable to allow you to level the trailer with the towing vehicle. The Bulldog™ coupler has a well-earned reputation for being the toughest, most durable coupler in the trailer industry.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Stamped A-frame Non-adjustable Coupler)
Frame Strength
If you want a dump trailer that lasts, it has to be built on a solid foundation. Some manufacturers attempt to cut cost by skimping on frame materials (smaller channel & beam, fewer welds, less cross-members). Our dump trailers take frame strength to the next level and we have the warranty to prove it.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Lesser Quality Couplers)
Integrated Battery Charger
Every PJ dump trailer includes an integrated trickle battery charger. The charger is included inside the toolbox and is pre-wired to the battery. To charge your trailer plug in your 110v extension cord to the outlet on the exterior of the toolbox, that's it!
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Charger)
Grease Zerks
We are obsessed with making sure our dump trailers provide years of reliable service. We add grease zerks to just about everything that can move and needs grease. This includes the rear doors, fold-down sides, scissor hoist, toolbox lid, and even ramp pocket doors. While other manufacturers' moving parts will be seized or rusted, ours stay smooth and ready for years of work.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Grease Zerks)
Low Profile Designs
Plan on using your dump trailer to haul equipment like skidsteers, mini-excavators, tractors, and mowers? We have two models (DL & DJ) that feature a 24" deck height making it extremely easy to load equipment into the bed. Most other manufacturers only build traditional height dump trailers that have the higher 32"-36" deck heights.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Not Available)
D-rings Included
We mount d-rings in the dump bed which are great for securing equipment. Even if you don't use your dump trailer to haul equipment, they are great for strapping pallets and other bulky cargo.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(D-rings Optional)
Side Extensions
Need to haul bulky items that extend beyond the typical height of our sides? Every fixed side dump trailer we build has solid side extensions that can be added on. We also have expanded metal and 10 gauge heavy duty side extensions for many of these models.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Not Available from Factory)
Critical Frame Reinforcements
Dump trailers require special reinforcements throughout the entire trailer due to the massive amounts hydraulic power required to raise and lower the dump bed. We reinforce the high stress areas with techniques including double frames, gussets, and support plates. These reinforcements ensure years of reliable use.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Exposed Wiring)
Tarp Ready
We offer tarp brackets as a no charge option. This makes it very easy to add a tarp kit to your PJ dump trailer at any point in time. We also include tarp hooks around the perimeter of the trailer at no additional charge.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Not Tarp Ready)
Diamond Plate Fenders
Our fenders are made of 14 gauge diamond plate steel for increased durability. Not only are our diamond plate fenders tougher than the typical smooth plate, they look great too!
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(16 Gauge Smooth Fenders)
Interstate Deep Cycle Batteries
Every PJ dump trailer is equipped with an Interstate deep cycle battery. Deep cycle batteries are designed to be deeply discharged repeatedly, unlike an automotive battery. We use Interstate due to their stellar reputation for building top quality batteries and providing reliable service.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Optional)
Steel Locking Toolbox
We always mount our hydraulic pumps and batteries inside of a locking toolbox. This protects the hydraulic system from damage while also securing these high value components from theft. We also feature a gas assist shock that lifts and keeps the lid in the open position. Our gooseneck dump trailers feature a chain tray between the risers in addition to the locking toolbox.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Plastic Toolbox with No Lock)
Tube Rear Bumpers
Our rear bumpers are made of tubing instead of a c-channel to protect the lights and wiring from road debris, ice, and physical damage. Other manufacturers use a c-channel bumper to save a few dollars, leaving the wiring completely exposed to the elements.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Exposed C-channel)
Flush-mount Lighting
All of our dump trailer lights are "flush-mounted" inside the frame of the dump. Surface mounted lights are much more susceptible to damage, corrosion, and failure.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Surface Mount Lighting)
PJ Trailers Dealer Network
When shopping for a dump trailer one thing to consider is the size and quality of the dealer network that provides support for the manufacturer. Our network of over 250 dealers is well respected for offering excellent service and support.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Reinforced Dump Bed Sides
We reinforce our dump bed sides with heavy duty 10 gauge formed supports on the outside of the bed. This helps prevent the sides from becoming damaged and deformed over years of hard use.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Additional Reinforcement)
Wide Variety of Options
We don't believe a customer should have to settle for a dump trailer that isn't exactly what they want. That is why we offer a wide variety of options for our dumps including sides extensions, spare tire mounts, solar chargers, hydraulic jacks, cold weather wiring harness, and more. We literally have thousands of option combinations to make sure your trailer is suited for your type of work.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Few Options)
10 Gauge Heavy Duty Brake Wiring
We use 10 gauge wiring for our trailer brakes to make sure the brakes receive full power to stop the trailer. The best brake controller and electric brakes can quickly become inferior if the wire is too small to transmit full power to the brakes. This wiring is slightly more expensive than what others use but it is well worth it.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Light Gauge Brake Wiring)
More Axle, Brakes, and Suspension Options
If there is an axle, brake, or suspension combination you would like on a dump trailer, we probably have it. We work very closely with our vendors to provide a wide variety of axles and suspensions. These include hydraulic disc, hydraulic drum, surge brakes, drop axles, torsion suspension, 8k, Hutch suspension, air ride, air brakes, and more.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Limited Axle Options)
One Piece Sides & Floor
The majority of our dump trailers use a single piece side and floor with a seam that runs down the center of the trailer. This makes for just single weld that runs in the same direction that material dumps out of the trailer. This keeps your material flowing smoothly without hanging up on welded floor plates that run opposite to the direction of flow.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Multiple Sheets and Seams)
Deckover Dumps with Fold-down Sides
Our sides on the 84" DN and 96" D8 dumps fold down to allow for easy side loading of pallets and other cargo. To lower the sides, simply pull the two spring loaded pins and slowly lower the side. We even have added grease zerks to the hinges for years of smooth, hassle-free operation.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Fold-down Sides)
Better by Design
Great materials, components, and build quality are irrelevant if the trailer is poorly designed. When you have built tens of thousands of dump trailers you receive ample feedback about your product (both good and bad). We have used this valuable information to refine our product, making both major innovations and minor improvements over the years. We continue to develop new ideas and solutions to keep our dump trailers at the top of industry.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Poor & Outdated Design)
Visual Appeal
Having a great looking trailer adds professionalism to your business and gives your customer extra confidence. Our customers often make a large investment in their truck and expect their trailer to compliment the vehicle towing it. We believe you should be proud of your trailer, not embarrassed!
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Self-contained KTI Hydraulic Units
Our dump trailers are equipped with a self-contained hydraulic unit manufactured by KTI Hydraulics (Costa Mesa, CA). Our pumps are specifically designed for trailer use and only need the deep cycle battery (contained in the toolbox) to operate.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Off-brand Hydraulic Pump)
NATM Compliant
Our dump trailers are built in compliance with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers trailer safety regulations. Be very wary of any manufacturer that does not comply with NATM safety standards
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Poor & Outdated Design)
Bargman 7-Way Plugs
All PJ dump trailers include a Bargman 7-way plug. These plugs are designed with dual contacts for a more reliable connection. They also include an auxiliary wire that can be used to operate work lights, reverse lights, & charging. View our optional Cold Weather Plugs.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Poor Fitting, Single Contact, 7-Way Plugs)
I-beam Goosenecks
When you order a PJ Gooseneck Dump it comes with an 8" - 12" I-beam neck standard. Our I-beam necks are simply stronger and last longer than the commonly used 6"-8" c-channel necks. At PJ Trailers we feel that an I-beam gooseneck should be standard, not an "upgrade".
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Smaller Channel Gooseneck)
West Craft Hydraulic Cylinders
Our dump trailers feature West Craft hydraulic cylinders. West Craft Manufacturing, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Alto, Texas that builds top quality and reliable cylinders.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Low Quality, Imported Cylinders)
Resale Value
If you have ever shopped for a used PJ dump trailer you might be surprised how close the price can be to a new trailer. Our premium components and overall build quality makes for a trailer that ages well and will retain much of its original value.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Low Quality, Imported Cylinders)
Premium Hydraulic Hose and Fittings
One place other manufacturers try to save a few bucks is by using cheap hydraulic hoses and hardware. At PJ Trailers we use high quality Parker hoses and fittings on every dump trailer we build. This ensure years of safe and reliable operation.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Cheap Fittings and Hoses)
Tow Vehicle Maintains the Battery
Our dump trailers are pre-wired through the 7-way plug to maintain the battery when connected to the towing vehicle. To completely recharge the battery, you will need to use the integrated battery charger.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
Easy Rear Gate Removal
Our barn door/spreader tail gates can be easily removed by pulling two pins at the top of the gate and unlatching the bottom of the gate. This allows you to haul cargo or equipment that would extend past the bed of the dump trailer.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(Gate Not Removable)
Stake Pockets Standard
Our fixed side (non fold-down) dump trailers include stake pockets standard. This allows you to easily add or even build side extensions for almost every model. They can also be used to secure loads and add aftermarket accessories.
PJ Trailers
Yes
Other Guys
No
(No Stake Pockets)