Single axle dump trucks might be your best option
Single axle dump trucks are the cure. At least the future for those looking to maximize certain hauls. Single axles bring a versatile range of power and fuel efficiency. For many reasons, drivers may want to add a single axle to their fleet, or for new drivers looking to break into the game.
Benefits of the single axle
Maneuverability
With a smaller wheelbase than larger dump trucks, single axle dump trucks can out maneuver and steer with greater ease than larger vehicles. This makes backup up, changing lanes, dropping a load, and getting up to speed on a highway easier.
The maneuverability is going to come in handy when you deliver to anywhere residential. For some dump truck owners, single axles allow business owners to diversify their services. A landscaping company can sell their own dirt or gravel, without being reliant on another company to make the delivery on time.
Fuel efficiency
Anybody that drives dumps knows fuel takes a big cut out of profits, especially if you’re working on your own. Rather than tossing $20s out the window every hour, take a look at the little guys. A single axle means you can take loads using less fuel. Of course you can’t haul as much as regular dump trucks, but you’ll find many times where the dump can has a sad amount of emptiness in it.
If you sell material in smaller quantities, you’ll find a single axle to your advantage. There’s no point in a tandem if you don’t fill it.
Cheaper price
FET taxes suck. That’s an extra 12% you pay on top the sales price. Single axles under 33,000 GVWR do not have to suffer that 12%. That will easily save you thousands of dollars.
You also won’t need a CDL for any truck with a GVWR below 26,000. If you are within the right GVWR, you can also tow a trailer less than 10,000 GVWR.
Greenhorns looking to get in the game will benefit from a vehicle that is cheaper and “less” regulated. Single axle offers amazing benefits that
Things to consider:
Some obvious yet important things to consider: When you’re buying, check for any cracked springs and a solid body. You’re going to be putting some serious weight on the little dump, so check it’s max weight. It can be easy to overload a single axle, but if you’re smart, you’ll be just fine.
Here’s what one expert had to say:
“For “home” use, I would stick to a single axle, 5/2spd, 10′ box, probably gas, dump truck. Not a stake, flatbed, or grain dump for hauling dirt and gravel. Going to a tandem exponentially increases maintenance, repair, insurance, and licensing costs and may require a fuel use tag. I had an excavating business for 10 years and used an F700 gas truck as my 3rd unit and it did ok. I had it registered just below CDL weight. It wasn’t a heavy hauler, but it was a peach to drive after running the triaxle and the big LN8000 single.”
What kind of loads?
Single axles serve their best purpose with smaller more frequent load. If it stays on location, delivering single batches to customers, or just hauling around the property, you’ll be glad you bought something as maneuverable as a single axle. Big loads for long distance is another thing. Tandems do best for these kinds of hauling for the fact there is more traction, support, and mechanics to allow a great deal more payload.
