Tips for Driving a Dump Truck

The size of dump trucks allows them to handle large loads, but it also makes them more challenging to drive. Fortunately, there are some tricks of the trade to make driving a dump truck easier. We've gathered up our favorite strategies below. If you want more advice or want to explore dump trucks for sale, head over to RECO Equipment. We run dealerships in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

Maintain Your Dump Truck

Your dump truck won't be able to safely operate on the road if it is riddled with mechanical issues and broken parts. Keep up with your various maintenance tasks to ensure your dump truck is ready for a safe trip. Your owner's manual will provide information about the various tasks and how often they need to be done, but they usually include things such as oil changes, brake pad inspections, and tire pressure checks. 

It's also important to regularly inspect your dump truck. The sooner you can catch an issue, the sooner you can get it fixed. Some problems manifest into more expensive issues or lead to other problems down the road when they are left unaddressed for too long. Plus, you never want to get to a project site only to uncover an issue that could have been fixed in advance. 

Know Your Dump Truck

Before you hit the road, it's important to understand the specs of your dump trump. Specifically, you need to know your rig's height clearance. Your route may potentially involve a tunnel, bridge, or other obstacle with a height restriction. If you don't pay attention to the height restrictions, you can end up with severe damage to your truck, the infrastructure, and yourself.

Stay Alert

The best way to stay safe while driving your dump truck is to stay focused. Make sure you get enough sleep, water, and food before you hit the road. A lack of sleep, being dehydrated, and being hungry can all make brains foggy and alertness more elusive. Take care of your physical health to keep your brain sharp. You'll also want to get rid of any distractions, such as putting your cell phone on silent while driving or making sure not to drive when emotions are highly elevated.

Drive Defensively

When you drive your dump truck, you are sharing the road with other motorists who may not always be paying attention. They drive drunk, drive drowsy, text and drive, and so on. Always leave plenty of space between your dump truck and other vehicles. If someone suddenly slams on their brakes, you will have the time and distance you need to bring your dump truck to a stop without colliding with the person in front of you. 

Whenever you need to back up your dump truck, you will want to get the help of a spotter. They can let you know how much distance you have until your destination and can alert you to obstacles in your blind spot. Back out as slowly as you can and pay attention to your spotter.

Practice Safe Dumping Habits

Safe dumping starts with safe loading. Pack the material low and evenly throughout the box. A tarp is helpful to further contain the load (and is legally required in most states). Avoid filling the upper portion of the dump box since this will hurt your ability to drive and the increased center of gravity puts the dump truck at risk of tipping over.

When it comes time to dump your material, try to do so on solid and flat land. This reduces the chance of anything rolling or sliding away out of your control. Be hyper-aware of the environment around you to ensure it's free of people and vehicles before you begin dumping.

We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions or want to shop dump trucks for sale, visit RECO Equipment. Our expert staff is happy to chat with you and help you with whatever you need, so stop by our dealership today. We have multiple dealerships in many states, including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio.