Dump Truck Size Chart in Feet: A Complete Guide

Dump Truck Size Chart in Feet: A Complete Guide catdumptruck.com | Dump trucks are essential vehicles in construction, mining, and landscaping. They come in various sizes and configurations, each designed for specific types of tasks.

Understanding dump truck dimensions—especially in feet—is crucial when choosing the right one for your project. This guide offers a detailed dump truck size chart in feet, and explores the types, capacity, and dimensions that matter most.

Read More: Dump Truck Size Comparison Chart

Dump Truck Size Chart in Feet: A Complete Guide

Why Size Matters in Dump Trucks

The size of a dump truck affects its carrying capacity, maneuverability, and accessibility on a job site. If the truck is too small, multiple trips might be needed, increasing fuel and labor costs. If it’s too large, it may not fit within a tight construction site or comply with road regulations.

For project managers, contractors, and truck drivers, knowing the size of a dump truck in feet helps ensure efficient material handling and cost management.

Dump Truck Types and Their Sizes

Dump trucks come in various designs, each suited for specific jobs. Here’s a breakdown of common dump truck types and their general size ranges:

1. Standard Dump Truck

Length: 20 to 26 feet
Width: 8 to 8.5 feet
Height: 10 to 12 feet
Bed Length: 10 to 20 feet

Standard dump trucks have a truck chassis with a hydraulic hoist to lift the bed. They are widely used in construction and roadwork due to their balance between capacity and mobility.

2. Super Dump Truck

Length: 30 to 35 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 12 to 14 feet
Bed Length: 18 to 24 feet

Super dumps have additional axles, allowing them to carry heavier loads. They are ideal for large-scale construction projects or when long hauling distances are involved.

3. Transfer Dump Truck

Truck Length: 25 to 30 feet
Pup Trailer Length: 15 to 20 feet
Total Length: Up to 50 feet
Width: 8.5 feet

This type features a standard dump truck pulling a separate trailer (pup) with its own dump bed. It allows for high capacity without sacrificing maneuverability.

4. Articulated Dump Truck (ADT)

Length: 30 to 36 feet
Width: 10 to 12 feet
Height: 12 to 13 feet
Bed Length: 16 to 22 feet

Used mainly in mining and rough terrain jobs, articulated dump trucks have pivot joints between the cab and the dump box, giving them better off-road handling.

5. Side Dump Truck

Length: 30 to 35 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: 12 feet
Bed Length: 20 to 26 feet

Instead of lifting the bed vertically, side dumps release the material to the side. They are used when vertical clearance is limited or when dumping speed is critical.

6. Off-Highway Dump Truck

Length: 40 to 50 feet
Width: 12 to 15 feet
Height: 15 to 20 feet
Bed Length: 25 to 35 feet

Massive trucks used in mining and heavy-duty earthmoving projects. Due to their size, they’re not street-legal and must operate on-site.

Dump Truck Size Chart in Feet

Here is a summarized size chart for quick reference:

Dump Truck Type	Length (ft)	Width (ft)	Height (ft)	Bed Length (ft)
Standard Dump Truck	20 – 26	8 – 8.5	10 – 12	10 – 20
Super Dump Truck	30 – 35	8.5	12 – 14	18 – 24
Transfer Dump Truck	Up to 50 (total)	8.5	12	15 – 20 (pup trailer)
Articulated Dump Truck	30 – 36	10 – 12	12 – 13	16 – 22
Side Dump Truck	30 – 35	8.5	12	20 – 26
Off-Highway Dump Truck	40 – 50	12 – 15	15 – 20	25 – 35

Factors That Affect Dump Truck Dimensions

Several factors influence the size of a dump truck:

1. Chassis and Axle Configuration

The number of axles and wheelbase length determine both load capacity and vehicle size. More axles typically mean a longer, heavier truck.

2. Material Type and Load

Different materials (e.g., gravel, sand, boulders) require different bed capacities. Larger beds usually mean longer beds and higher side walls.

3. Legal Limits

DOT regulations restrict dump truck dimensions for road safety. Widths are typically limited to 8.5 feet, while lengths vary by state and use.

4. Job Site Conditions

Tight job sites might need shorter dump trucks, while expansive, open terrains can accommodate longer and wider trucks.

Choosing the Right Dump Truck Size

Here are some tips for picking the right size dump truck for your needs:

For Residential Projects: A standard dump truck (20–26 ft long) is ideal. It fits in suburban streets and driveways.
For Commercial Jobs: Super dumps or transfer trucks are great for hauling large volumes over longer distances.
For Mining or Off-Road Use: Off-highway or articulated dump trucks are the best, thanks to their massive capacity and terrain handling.
For Limited Clearance Areas: Consider side dump trucks, which don’t require overhead lifting clearance.

Conclusion

Dump trucks are not one-size-fits-all. From compact residential trucks to giant mining haulers, dump trucks vary significantly in dimensions. Understanding these sizes in feet helps you plan job logistics, comply with road laws, and improve overall efficiency.

The dump truck size chart in feet provided in this guide offers a handy reference for contractors, site managers, and logistics planners. Always match the truck size with the project’s volume, space, and terrain for the best results.