PJ Dump Trailer Review

[@kyhamoge]

For anyone leaving comments, who in your opinion, makes the best dump trailer?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Wish I had more experience with other dump trailer brands.

[@cameronmcwhinney-holt3195]

Load Trail trailers has the best quality on the market. They sit about 4 inches higher but the quality and build is outstanding

[@coops5060]

I like my PJ alot

[@marcjudd3882]

I've had a PJ Low-Pro with gooseneck since 2014----it's a GREAT trailer....so many things you can do with it. Hauling dirt, gravel, lumber, tractor....this thing can do anything. Very satisfied

[@michaelsaucier5633]

Diamond C. Buy once, cry once.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Nice honest review. That’s definitely a scary situation with the loading. I’ve had a truck and trailer move a couple of feet when loading but never anything like that. Definitely a learning experience

[@genecoppedge5972]

Good video and good example of why we all should have rear jacks if loading equipment in our trailers.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I ordered a pair from PJ and they are the best upgrade I could have added! I'll have to do a future video showing it.

[@genecoppedge5972]

@@ThriftyGarage, nice, I need to get me some rear jacks too. Since I added my comment, I made a pair of Jack’s out of 2” square tubing and welded a receiver hitch on each side. I haven’t loaded anything yet but I have them now and you were the inspiration lol, thanks.

[@cowboymcq6711]

HOLY 💩 runaway trailer WOW 🤯🤯

[@bigds6692]

Great vid, awesome review! Scary situation with the runaway!

[@chrishendren2204]

Clear review! Great Job!

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks!

[@danrich9794]

That danged Sam hes always in the way lol

[@robfelts8076]

Could you pull your trailer brake safety line to set your trailer brakes when you load?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I think that’s a great idea. I actually ordered a set of stabilizer legs from PJ and they are AWESOME! Definitely a must have upgrade if you haul equipment.

[@davidkukanu3574]

Hello boss, is your truck 2500 or 3500 Chevy? How does it handle with the added weight?

[@ThriftyGarage]

2500hd and it’s a load. I have since added air bags and it’s a much improved ride. I recently purchased a 2015 Silverado 2500hd and stock it handles the weight about the same as the 2007 does with air bags. Eventually I want a 3500 but they are hard to find without dual rear wheels.

[@cameronmcwhinney-holt3195]

They should warranty fixing the tarp rod being out to far to the driver side which like you said causes the jack to hit the tarp. You could cut about 1 inch off the tarp rod and drill a new hole for the handle. That would drive me nuts

[@Chris-xv6bb]

Hi, can I tow this without a cdl? If so how much could I to before hitting the 26,001 limit??

[@ThriftyGarage]

The trailer can be rated for up to 15,900 lbs. Towing capacity will depend on the tow vehicle. You would need to look at the GVWR for both the tow vehicle and trailer as well as be under the GAWR for all the axles both on the tow vehicle and trailer. The gooseneck will push some weight forward. You also need to know how much the tow vehicle and trailer weigh dry to know what it is capable of towing. From the Cat Scale tickets I have you could likely tow 10,000-12,000 lbs with this trailer.

[@wasamarame]

What lock system is that

[@ThriftyGarage]

Fort Knox Locks: amzn.to/2Vtr11L

[@markzoned]

You are missing the drop down legs for the rear of the trailer when you load your skid steer. You can see where they should be at 7:25 of the vid. Same concept as the jack on the front of the trailer. Just a piece of tubing with holes drilled in it and a foot on the bottom.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yes, I’ve thought about making them. The tongue lift while loading isn’t that bad on this trailer compared to some I’ve used. Longer equipment trailers have a longer leverage point past the tires and lift the tow vehicle much higher.

[@stevemoore2616]

@@ThriftyGarage They sell them at your dealer. I just bought them 60 bux each so 120 bux total

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yea, I ended up ordering them online from PJ. Very nice!

[@gabrielsalazar6648]

Would you Recommend on going with the 4 foot sides on the trailer . Or your happy with what you have

[@ThriftyGarage]

No, but it totally depends on your use. If you plan to haul light materials (mulch, leaves, debris) then taller sides are best. We usually use it to haul rock, soil or equipment. We would exceed the weight capacity before we were flowing over the sides.

[@gabrielsalazar6648]

@@ThriftyGarage I do a lot of landscaping and concrete jobs so my jobs would change a lot you know . I just see a lot of people getting the low sides

[@gabrielsalazar6648]

What made you get a gooseneck instead a bumper pull.some people say bumper pull is better when having a company because anyone can use it

[@ThriftyGarage]

For most landscaping and concrete 2’ sides would be perfect. Only time I would use taller sides would be for bark mulch. But I could easily use the stake pockets and build wooden sides for added height and a little more capacity.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Gooseneck for added weight capacity, smoother ride and more agile. It does limit the potential tow vehicles. As far as the driver I have found good experienced operators capable of towing either trailer type hard to come by.

[@MotleyMethods]

Valid point about those welds digging into the I beam. You suggesting they have the c channel rest on the I beam instead would cause the deck height to raise 4 inches though. I am looking for the lowest deck height i can find. My tractors backhoe frame is very low to the ground. I like a lot of other brands better in my research but the low deck height of the PJ is a huge plus to me.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Longer ramps definitely help as well. With a dump trailer you can also raise the bed to lessen the angle. Check out my video on the stabilization legs for the PJ if you plan to haul equipment.

[@KINGSTONSPRIDE]

I always chock my tires and drop my jacks when loading my mini ex and skid.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Since this video I have installed the PJ drop legs for the rear of the trailer. Makes a huge difference!

[@KINGSTONSPRIDE]

@@ThriftyGarage Great content in video pointing out the flaws in this trailer. Thanks for posting it.

[@rk_digit3164]

@@ThriftyGarage how well do they work I just ordered them because I had the exact same thing happen to me unloading my machine

[@ThriftyGarage]

@@rk_digit3164 the only regret I have is not ordering them sooner! Well worth the money. When unloaded just set them 1 full notch higher than where they naturally lay for the proper suspension settling.

[@rk_digit3164]

@@ThriftyGarage do u have a review on the stabilizers? I’d like to see them in action. Sounds lame lol

[@Bphengvongsa]

Looks to have a lot of weight on the rear end of the trailer due to the Bobcat being loaded forward. Are you experiencing any trailer sway?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I have actually loaded it both ways and since it's only a 14' trailer there isn't much wiggle room, limiting weight distribution. Loading it this way is best for correct weight. No issues with trailer sway. Having a Gooseneck helps. Loading it the other way puts too much weight on the rear tires and takes away traction from the steering wheels.

[@Bphengvongsa]

@@ThriftyGarage I have a trailer identical in size, but bumper pull. I cant win. Loading backwards = too much tongue weight and a horrible ride. Loading forward = too much weight on rear end, more forgiving ride, but trailer sway at highway speeds 🤣🤣

[@ThriftyGarage]

You could try air bags on the tow vehicle. Overloaded is overloaded but it would prevent the squat ant keep your steering angle closer to stock. You could also try a load distribution hitch. I don't have personal experience with either, just going out on a limb for solutions. Like you say it's tricky when you don't have extra deck length to play with and adjust weight distribution.

[@waltoriley61]

I own 2 PJ trailers. 1-20' car hauler and 1-14' dump trailer. I like most everything about the trailers, except for the powder coating...it's extremely bad! One scratch, and it peels off in sheets! This exposes the bare metal and quickly starts to rust. Also, the undercarriage tends to rust quickly. For the money I spent purchasing these trailers, I expected the powder coat finish to be much more durable. If you buy a PJ trailer, be ready with primer and paint...you're going to need it!

[@ThriftyGarage]

I hear that in a lot of reviews about PJ trailers and fortunately for me that hasn’t been my experience. I believe the coating on my Diamond C trailer is a superior product and much more durable. However the coverage is much better on the PJ. Our 2 year old Diamond C equipment trailer has more rust than our 5 year old PJ dump trailer. Both are used weekly in our landscape business.

[@bear9923]

PJ TRAILER HAVE LOUSY PAINT. I'VE HAD 4 INCLUDING THE ONE I HAVE NOW. RUST AND PAINT FLAKING HAPPENED TO ALL AFTER ONE YEAR. INCIDENTLY...NEVER USED IN WINTER AND WASHED REGULARY. FOLD UP RAMP BARS BEND EASILY. DECKS AND ELECTRONICS ALWAYS HAVE BEEN GREAT

[@ThriftyGarage]

What years were your trailers? This is a 2018 and while the paint is perfect. I’ve heard so many horror stories about the paint on PJ. But that simply not my experience. It has been a great trailer. We did bend one of the ramps but that was due to an emergency exit with a skid steer and I’d place that in the abuse category. Noting some heat and reinforcement didn’t fix.

[@rene6351]

Any time you load your loader without a guy helping you hold the truck brakes you should engage 4 wheel drive on LOW and your truck won’t roll, also chocking the front wheels help. It’s happened to me and it’s the worse feeling.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yes, you can also pull your emergency brake on the trailer to engage the trailer brakes.

[@thirdstreettito]

It ran away because you didn't chock the wheels or put the truck in 4wd.

[@ThriftyGarage]

It would have helped to support the rear of the trailer so it didn't have as much leverage to lift the rear of the truck. Tire chalks are definitely on the need to get list. I'm curious if the truck was in 4wd if it would have instead planted the front tires and spun the truck sideways. Who really knows. It's all lessons learned and has changed my strategy of where I park to load and unload.

[@rk_digit3164]

@@ThriftyGarage had mine in 4x4 and wheels turned to the curb and still had my truck run away about 15ft. So 4x4 doesn’t always work

[@Bigmike3406E]

All you have to do is lift the box 6 inch’s and the handle clears the tarp crank .

[@ThriftyGarage]

If it was a one off trailer I’d get that. But this was an oversight and should have been thought of in the design process.

[@Bigmike3406E]

@@ThriftyGarage all my diamond c and load trail and big Tex and Lamar are exactly the same I have 6 dump trailers and just added another 2021 PJ gooseneck 83x12’ dump trailer 2 weeks ago to the fleet . you always on all of low pro trailers raise the box a little to use the landing gear handle correctly . It’s only 24” sides so the tarp crank will always be in the way of the landing gear crank . Think about it if it was a 4 ‘ side trailer the tarp crank handle would be another 2 ‘ higher . .

[@jamieclark7221]

Okay thanks.

[@jamieclark7221]

I think the biggest problem with PJ Trailers are Paint Finish and some poor designs.

[@julioangel1007]

Agree their paint is shit

[@bigmanoncampus150]

Agree mine is 2 yrs old and looks 10

[@DS-TRUCKS]

Interesting.

[@ThriftyGarage]

How so?

[@DS-TRUCKS]

@@ThriftyGarage my 14ft 14k has legs that drop in the back to load heavy equipment.

[@DS-TRUCKS]

how much pin weight do you think you have with the bob cat on?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yes, that certainly helps. This trailer does pretty good. I’ve used traditional equipment trailers that were longer and they would always lift the rear tires off the ground unless you used the drop legs.

[@DS-TRUCKS]

@@ThriftyGarage thanks for sharing. Ur helping alot of people.

[@smcm8467]

Bobcat is 7800lbs. 9400 way too much for that trailer. You get what you pay for though.

[@thomasbuss2728]

Try lifting bucket on top of gooseneck. Pull forward to equalize weight. DOT says one chain and binder per corner, one on bucket, total of five minimum. Also no loose items in truck or trailer, Spares, shovels, chains etc.

[@ThriftyGarage]

There’s not much wiggle room for adjusting weight distribution but the way it is loaded is just about perfect. Loading backwards puts too much weight front. Putting the bucket on top of the gooseneck would be even worse. All of the weight would be in front of the trailer axles. Not to mention the door on the Bobcat swings out so in order to load like that the door would need to be removed, which isn’t super difficult. As far as chaining down 4 anchor points is sufficient for this machine. There are two hooks on the rear and two more on the front loader arms. On a MiniEx you would certainly need 5; one additional for the arm. I don’t believe DOT requires one chain and binder per corner. Rather that the chains and binders should be sufficient for the weight of what is being secured.

[@codyk3881]

@@ThriftyGarage As Thomas Buss said skid steers are heavier in the rear it seems like you are still lifting the rear of the truck since thats behind the rear axles n i dont see squat on the truck. Any if it feels safe i guess you are ok. If you had 16ft version it would of gave you that twiggle room you dont have. As for time downs sin e you are under 10k you only need 2 on the machine. But would need one more for the attachment technically. This being said the towing i do is all back roads so i get away with less too. I only put 2 chains on anything from a 6k front end loader to a 12k mini x. To each there own. Just dont get caught by dot.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Trust me, I’ve been in a situation with incorrect tongue weight. Check out my “What happens when your trailer tongue weight is wrong?” video. I’ve loaded this track skid both ways and for weight distrust forward facing is best. Having a gooseneck dramatically helps as well. Plus dump trailers kick their axle further back to help with the dumping hinge point. Sounds like your very experienced as well so it’s not like you aren’t aware of what I’m saying. Thanks for your input.

[@codyk3881]

@@ThriftyGarage yeah i was just saying. Ill have to watch the videos for fun. Thanks

[@jamieclark7221]

I haven't seen a good review on a PJ trailer. They are mostly bad.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Do you consider this a good or bad review? I try my best to provide unbiased honest reviews. I want to point out the good and the bad. There are not many things that are perfect.

[@ThriftyGarage]

If your interested in trailers check out the Diamond C review.

[@kyhamoge]

Your review was fair. I own a three year old PJ dump trailer and can attest, there are some good features, and some REALLY bad features. As you stated, the PJ trailer is a mid to lower end trailer. Thanks for sharing this review! 👍🏽

[@julioangel1007]

My first dump trailer was a pj ...2 years in to it the power coat peeled off horribly. Called pj and they said oh well.. So got rid of that piece of shit and got a loadtrail..much better choice. Never again would I buy a pj

[@ThriftyGarage]

This one is 2 years old and still going strong with the powder coat. Hopefully they changed their process!

[@kyhamoge]

I have the same issue with my PJ trailer. Poor paint quality and very poor rear design! The frame below the ramp storage swing doors should NOT be an open channel, rather it should be tubular steel to prevent debris, sand, stone, etc. from settling. This design flaw has lead to a great deal of rust and deterioration! I’ll be selling and looking for a new high quality dump trailer.

[@pattersonlandscaping5621]

shitty welds...

[@JosephTurano-wy1zg]

Need to buy a small Miller flux core welding machine.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I’ve got a Lincoln. But the Miller machines are nice!