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View Full Version : Dump Trailer Advice



John Halsted
07-15-2018, 4:45 PM
Ok, so this isn't purely a woodworking question, but I'm getting more and more interested in collecting trees and turning them into lumber, so I've been shopping for trucks and trailers. This dump trailer just popped up in my area: https://chambana.craigslist.org/tro/d/9990-poundaelectric-brakes/6643969497.html

My first thought is that this is a ridiculously good deal and I should jump on it. However, not knowing too much about such trailers I thought I'd ask somewhere, and I figured the sawmillcreek people would have helpful things to say.

Besides hauling tree trunks, I'd use the trailer for gravel, concrete chunks, etc... I own rental properties and do about one renovation per year. I do own a cheap 5x8 utility trailer for plywood and hauling branches and such, but it just can't handle much weight.

Another reason I may need a heavier trailer is to transport large woodworking machines. I'm deep in the buying process now and having better transport would really help.

Jim Becker
07-15-2018, 5:19 PM
That's a pretty nice deal if it's for real. Do you have an appropriate tow vehicle? For something with that weight capacity, you'll want a 3/4 ton or better to handle that, especially with the heavier stuff you intend to haul with it.

Jamie Buxton
07-15-2018, 5:19 PM
That's amazingly inexpensive. But it doesn't look to me like a good tool for transporting big woodworking machinery. The bed's real high. And removing the tailgate won't be easy.

John Halsted
07-15-2018, 7:06 PM
Transporting machinery would be a once in a blue moon activity. Hauling and dumping loads would be a many times a year activity, for the rest of my foreseeable future.

I don't have a truck yet, but I'm shopping. I have a honda civic with a hitch that has already caused damage to the back end of the car...woops.

Seller is just a couple miles away and says in the ad they don't mind delivering. If I really had to, I could probably borrow a truck or go really really easy with my civic.

Unfortunately I haven't gotten a reply from the seller to email or text yet.

I'm just hoping I'm the only buyer who can come up with $1600 in cash on a Sunday ;)

John Halsted
07-15-2018, 8:23 PM
That's a pretty nice deal if it's for real. Do you have an appropriate tow vehicle? For something with that weight capacity, you'll want a 3/4 ton or better to handle that, especially with the heavier stuff you intend to haul with it.

I wonder for what purpose someone would fake a trailer listing and be so specific about the specs, then specifically say they won't take anything but cash. To rob someone at the show up? I told the guy I have cash in-hand and I still haven't gotten a reply...

I'm open ears to truck suggestions. Definitely used, and not terribly loud or unreasonably wide. I'm in a residential area and frequently need to get through alleys and smaller driveways. Would probably put very few miles on it except for the rare times when I'd need to drive somewhere to pickup a machine (already thinking about a trip to Wood-Mizer in Indianapolis).

Jim Becker
07-15-2018, 8:36 PM
I agree that the cash thing is likely legit. It's an impressive price for something like that, however.

You'll want a truck that has "250" or "2500" in the name, minimum to be able to tow that trailer with it's rated load. Ford, RAM, Chevy/GMC...pick your favorite brand name and preferably with "factory towing" to have the best setup. You'll need a brake controller, too, if it's not an integrated part of the factory towing package for the model year(s) you consider.

Tom M King
07-15-2018, 8:45 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if that trailer is gone already. If it's still there, don't dally.

Bill Orbine
07-15-2018, 10:07 PM
It's a phony listing. There are several variations of the ad in all of Craigslist search.

John Halsted
07-15-2018, 11:10 PM
It's a phony listing. There are several variations of the ad in all of Craigslist search.

I did notice it is also posted in the Chicago area. He lists a 312 phone number, which is Chicago.

It wouldn't be unreasonably for someone to post in multiple places where they travel.

Edit: after a real search now I see all the other listings. Huh, never seen someone go so far as to have many different photo variations on all their fake listings. What's the game here, collecting telephone numbers, or harassing someone else by posting their number?

Jim Becker
07-16-2018, 8:55 AM
Sad that this is not legit, but then again, the listed price is a bit low for something like that which sells for a lot of money normally. Strange on the cash thing, unless it's a group of folks looking to shake down someone locally when the money is supposed to change hands, or they "suddenly change their mind" once they have someone responding and ask for a different payment method.

One thing that can be helpful in the searching thing is that you can also do an image search on photos in ads like this. It's not uncommon for a nefarious posts to steal a legitimate photo and reuse it multiple times, especially for trailers including horse trailers, campers, etc.

Tom M King
07-16-2018, 7:17 PM
I guess the Sawstop CL scam finally hit a dead end, so they found something for a bit different target audience.

John Stankus
07-16-2018, 8:23 PM
Shows up in the San Antonio Craigslist and the Tulsa Craigslist as well.
Ad copy varies slightly, but claims it was fabricated in a city shop of Plant City (which according to google is in Florida).
Can't figure the angle on the scam though.

Bill Orbine
07-17-2018, 1:34 AM
The scam could be email address for spammers an telephone numbers for telemarketers.

Jim Becker
07-17-2018, 8:51 AM
The scam could be email address for spammers an telephone numbers for telemarketers.

That's certainly possible, but unlikely since it would collect a very limited number of contact information items as compared to other methods more commonly used for this. I'd be more concerned about either robbery when a payment appointment was set or the sudden change of payment method at the last minute to something untraceable.

Al Launier
07-17-2018, 9:52 AM
if it's only a couple miles away why don't you go look at it. If the owner is there ask to see the original bill of sale & title. If all is good write up a legal BOS with signatures, including witness & IDs. Then buy it to secure the deal & worry about the truck later.

Robert Engel
07-17-2018, 10:19 AM
+1 on "if its for real". That's a $6000 trailer around me.

I have my doubts that trailer weighs 9900 lbs. That is most likely the rated load range.

Regardless, I would be looking at a 1 ton truck. Class V bumper hitch.

As an aside, I'm always just a bit suspicious about posts like this just looking at the wording.

I know one guy who bought a cattle trailer one of "too good to be true deals". Well he drove 250 miles down state to pick it up & when he got home went to register it, it turned out to be stolen. When they contacted the owner he said the trailer was parked front of his property with a for sale sign & somebody stole it.

So they made a deal and he paid for it twice still did OK on it. Police were talking about "receiving stolen property" but they dropped it.

Bottom line: you need to check this out. I strongly suggest you get the VIN number and check it out with your DOT- just in case.

Jim Becker
07-17-2018, 11:48 AM
It's already been established that it's a scam...