When it comes to acreage life, having the right tools can make all the difference. And while the tractor often gets most of the attention, there’s another piece of equipment that has quickly become one of the most useful things I’ve got around here—my Big Tex 70SR dump trailer. After using it for about two months, I thought it was high time to share some thoughts on this small-but-mighty trailer and what it's been like working with it around the property.
Why I Chose the Big Tex 70SR
First off, let’s talk about why I went with this particular dump trailer. I’ve got an F-150, and the payload capacity on that truck is 7,000 pounds, so I wanted a trailer that matched that perfectly. The Big Tex 70SR has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 7,000 pounds, which leaves me with a payload capacity of 5,120 pounds, since the trailer itself weighs just under 1,900 pounds. That’s plenty for the kind of work I’m doing, whether it’s hauling crushed rock or dumping loads of junk I’ve cleared off the property.
One of the reasons I didn’t go for a larger dump trailer was because of the truck. A bigger trailer would require a 3/4-ton truck or larger, and I didn’t want to overdo it with my half-ton. Plus, with its dimensions of 5x10 feet, it’s the perfect size for pulling around the property without feeling cumbersome. Even if you’ve got a smaller truck like mine, this trailer fits right in without being too much for the truck to handle.
Build Quality and Durability
I’ve already put this thing through a decent amount of abuse—nothing crazy, but enough to test its limits. From hauling garbage to picking up limestone and even getting into some heavier road crush, the Big Tex 70SR has handled it all without complaint. The dual-axle setup gives it a nice balance, and the tandem axle means it can handle heavier loads with better stability.
The trailer’s steel body seems to be holding up pretty well so far, though I wouldn’t mind if the bed was a little thicker. After a few heavy loads, I’ve noticed a slight wave in the floor, but nothing that’s compromised its functionality. I’m not super gentle when dumping or loading it with the tractor, so the fact that it’s taken the beatings this well says a lot about the build quality. However, for long-term, heavy-duty commercial use, I could see how you might want something with a bit more heft to it.
The Ups and Downs
No piece of equipment is perfect, and the 70SR is no exception. One minor gripe I have is with the door latch. When you open the rear doors, there's a locking mechanism that slots into place, but because it faces upward, it tends to collect whatever you’re dumping—sand, gravel, dirt—making it a bit of a hassle to close the doors without clearing it out first. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s one of those little annoyances that, if tweaked, could make life a lot easier.
Another downside is that the trailer doesn’t come equipped with a tailgate function. That means if you’re planning to spread something like road crush or gravel, you won’t be able to do it while moving. Some larger dump trailers have a gate that lets you feather out the load, but with this one, you have to dump everything in one shot, which isn’t ideal for jobs where you want more control over material placement.
What I’ve Been Hauling
So far, I’ve used the trailer to haul all sorts of things around the acreage—garbage, construction debris, rock, you name it. I even toyed with the idea of building up the sides with plywood to carry more material in one go, especially lighter loads like yard waste or random garbage, but I haven’t done that yet. For heavier materials, like crushed rock, I find two yards is about the max I’d want to carry to avoid overstressing the trailer or the truck.
One of the best features is the built-in tarp that comes with the trailer. It’s great for keeping loose material from flying out, especially on windy days or when you’re hauling lightweight debris. Plus, it’s easy to use—you just pull it over the top and secure it down, and you’re good to go.
Dumping and Operating the Trailer
Let’s get to the fun part: dumping. The hydraulic system on the Big Tex works really well. The trailer lifts smoothly and doesn’t take too long to fully extend. I do wish the control cable was a little longer so I could stand farther away while operating it, but that’s something I can fix on my own if I really wanted to.
One thing I found interesting is that the hydraulic system recommends two types of oil depending on the temperature. Since I’m in Canada, where temperatures can fluctuate wildly, it’s a bit of a hassle to think about changing the oil based on the season. But so far, I haven’t had any issues, so maybe it’s something I’ll tackle down the road if needed.
Final Thoughts
After two months of use, I have to say this dump trailer has been an absolute game-changer for me. For an acreage owner with a half-ton truck, it’s hard to beat in terms of versatility. Whether I’m hauling aggregates, clearing out junk, or just moving random stuff around the property, the Big Tex 70SR has made those jobs a whole lot easier.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you’re in the same position I was—looking for a reliable, well-built dump trailer that works with your half-ton truck and handles a wide variety of tasks. Just don’t expect it to tailgate or haul heavy equipment like a skid steer, and you should be more than happy with it.
Now, I’m already thinking about what else I can get done with this thing next season!
This dump trailer has quickly become one of the most valuable tools on the acreage. If you’re an acreage owner or DIY enthusiast thinking about picking up a dump trailer, the Big Tex 70SR is definitely worth considering.
