What I don't like about the gate is that when you're dumping, it will be very close to grade in the full up position. So if the load doesn't slide out all the way you're prevented from pulling the trailer forward to allow more room for the contents to get out. You would have to lower the trailer, pull forward, and raise it again.
I don't think you've used one of these because that is not the case...it will dump the same as a regular dump with similar clearances. Large tree branches are one of the only things that could be fun getting out.
The ramp is designed to hold the payload of the trailer, which is about 11500# including tongue weight. A 2nd generation ramp was offered after this video was taken to include a second lift cylinder (one on each side), 3'+ sides are required, and rear jackstands are a forced option.
I like the idea of not lugging hundred pound ramps around,,, unfortunately, Everytime you use the battery for anything but dumping it takes away it's charge,,I have watched the gas cylinder assist ramps, where the barn doors convert into the ramps,,, maybe some bigger manufacturer's will check it out too
We've sold some of the ramps like you are referring to. They are ok, but not even close to the same as this setup. We've had some commercial users tell us they've had to charge the battery as little as 1 time during the course of the entire season, so the battery draw may be ill-founded. It will depend on the amount of use, if the charge line on the truck is working, amount of driving, capacity of the battery, efficiency of the hoist, load on the dump, etc. Although my customers tell me they haven't had issues, I'd put a auxiliary wire harness on the truck/trailer if I had a dual function dump.
Pretty sure the chicken came before the hen. They've both had the design for several years now but I believe Bwise was the first to market by a short amount of time.
Joe, The hydraulic ramp upgrade runs about $1900, but taller 3' sides are a forced option that run about $650, along with rear jakcstands ($100-125 depending on style). The ramp can only be done on 14 or 16' trailers (not available on 12' trailers, too much junk in the trunk).
I'm not picturing how a side dump is going to make the trailer less funky as the rear would pretty much stay the same, it would just more complicated to build. A side dump also would need to be a deckover, which would somewhat defeat the purpose of the gate as a deckover isn't ideal for loading like this unit is.
John - I suppose "it depends" comes into play here. Depends on - Is that the exact size, hitch style, and features you want? Where are you located? We also don't post prices as they do vary - this video was probably shot 2 years ago. If you give us a ring with those details I'd be happy to get you a quote on a trailer that will work for you. Thanks, Greg
BTW - The trailer has changed spec since our original video - 3' sides are now required for a hydraulic gate, as are rear jackstands. It also now comes with a 4-button remote (4 coils ILO 2 with a diverter). It also now has dual rear gate cylinders.
