[sandim]

Anyone have any plans for a nice professional box system for a dump trailer and vacuum system? We just picked up a 12' dump trailer and would like some ideas before fall is here and we're scratching our heads.

[Pelican]

Take a look at this thread. I built a box for my flatbed pictured in the thread from 1 1/2" square tubing with 1/16" walls and plywood. The first time around I used 3/8" CDX plywood and painted it to reduce weight, it lasted about 6 years before it rotted. This time I used 1/2" pressure treated plywood hoping it will last a little longer.

The vacuum is a Trac Vac, I just bought the vacuum and engine from my dealer and fabricated a mounting frame for it. I utilized the plow frame on my truck so I could still use the tow hitch for my trailer. In your case you might construct a mounting platform on your trailer tongue for the vacuum to blow into the box. If your trailer has pockets for sideboards you can use these to attach your box, or build right off the floor. I recommend a barn door type gate instead of the typical dump gate, the load will come out much easier with the barn door.

[Ax Man]

I did a similar deal to Pelican, with framing I can take off easily and luan, which I painted and stenciled leaves blowing down the sides.
My reasoning for the luan, was weight reduction, ease of assembly and removal.
My setup is truck mounted, with the blower on the trailer tongue. Most of my stuff has been picked up with the Walker, and dumped on the trailer, though I still have the hose kicking around somewhere...

[sandim]

Nice! Much thanks.

[ChestnutHillRd]

Think carefully about how you vent the box. Having a strong flow of air from the loader through the box increases the effectiveness of loader (less back-pressure) and prevents jams in the loader hose.

I built a box for the dump bed of a JD ProGator using a filter I purchased from Billy Goat. While I used it the for years it is not a good solution. Dust clogs the filter. The filter must be unzipped before dumping and you get covered with dust and leaf debris whenever you unload. Zipping and unzipping the filter cuts into productivity. It also created too much back pressure.

I would vent the box at the top at a point farthest away from the intake from the loader. This will give the heavier debris a chance to drop out of the flow. Small mesh hardware cloth works surprisingly well as a filter. I does not clog and takes care of debris. Don't make the filter area too small. Dust does get through but I have found that that is not a problem.

[Pelican]

I cut an 18" diameter hole in my roof just 2' behind where the fill pipe enters the box. I put 1/4" galvanized screen over the hole I picked up at my farm supply store. My theory is this allows the box to fill from rear to front (where my fill pipe enters) without blocking the vent. Fine dust can pass through but it hasn't really been a problem.