Standard Dump Truck Size Chart: A Complete Guide

Standard Dump Truck Size Chart: A Complete Guide catdumptruck.com | Dump trucks are among the most important vehicles in construction, mining, and material transport industries. They are specially designed to carry and dump loose materials such as sand, gravel, demolition waste, and soil.

However, dump trucks are not one-size-fits-all. Their sizes and capacities vary widely depending on the job requirements.

In this article, we will explore the standard dump truck size chart in detail, explain the key dimensions, payload capacities, and help you understand how to choose the right dump truck for your project.

Standard Dump Truck Size Chart: A Complete Guide

What Determines?

Before diving into the size chart, it’s important to understand what factors define a dump truck’s size:

Payload Capacity: How much weight the truck can carry, usually measured in tons.
Bed Volume: How much space the dump body can hold, measured in cubic yards.
Truck Dimensions: The overall length, width, and height of the vehicle.
Axle Configuration: The number and type of axles determine weight limits and maneuverability.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum operating weight of the truck including the vehicle itself, passengers, fuel, and cargo.

These elements combined define how big a dump truck is and what type of projects it can handle.

Standard Dump Truck Size Chart

Here’s a breakdown of common standard dump truck sizes:

Truck Type	Payload Capacity	Bed Volume	Length	Width	Height
Small Dump Truck	5–6 tons	5–6 cubic yards	18–20 feet	7–8 feet	8–9 feet
Medium Dump Truck	7–12 tons	8–12 cubic yards	20–23 feet	8–8.5 feet	9–10 feet
Large Dump Truck	13–25 tons	16–20 cubic yards	24–26 feet	8.5 feet	10–11 feet
Super Dump Truck	26–32 tons	19–26 cubic yards	25–27 feet	8.5 feet	11–12 feet

Let’s break down each category further:

Small Dump Trucks

Payload: 5–6 tons
Volume: 5–6 cubic yards
Common Uses: Residential construction, small landscaping jobs, and light hauling.
Popular Models: Ford F-550, Chevrolet 6500HD.

Small dump trucks are ideal for sites with limited access and for transporting smaller loads.

Medium Dump Trucks

Payload: 7–12 tons
Volume: 8–12 cubic yards
Common Uses: Road construction, medium-sized excavation projects, and municipal work.
Popular Models: Mack Granite, Freightliner M2 106.

Medium dump trucks offer a balance between size, capacity, and maneuverability.

Large Dump Trucks

Payload: 13–25 tons
Volume: 16–20 cubic yards
Common Uses: Large construction projects, highway roadwork, and industrial hauling.
Popular Models: Peterbilt 567, Kenworth T880.

Large dump trucks are capable of carrying heavier loads, reducing the number of trips needed.

Super Dump Trucks

Payload: 26–32 tons
Volume: 19–26 cubic yards
Common Uses: Massive roadwork and highway construction, high-volume material transport.
Popular Models: Western Star 4900, Super Dump by Strong Industries.

Super dump trucks are engineered for maximum payload within legal limits and are equipped with additional axles to distribute weight.

Key Dimensions Explained

Here’s a closer look at the main dimensions that matter when considering a dump truck:

Length

Most standard dump trucks are between 18 and 27 feet long.
Longer trucks generally have larger beds and can carry more material.

Width

Widths range from 7 feet (for smaller trucks) up to 8.5 feet (standard legal limit without special permits).
Wider trucks are more stable but may struggle on narrow roads or job sites.

Height

The height from the ground to the top of the cab or dump bed usually ranges from 8 to 12 feet.
Higher trucks may face restrictions when operating under bridges, tunnels, or utility lines.

Bed Volume

Bed volume is crucial for understanding how much material a dump truck can carry.
One cubic yard equals about 0.76 cubic meters.
Materials such as gravel, sand, and dirt have different weights per cubic yard, affecting payload.

Why Dump Truck Size Matters

Choosing the right dump truck size is crucial for several reasons:

1. Efficiency

A properly sized dump truck can carry an optimal load, reducing the number of trips needed and saving time and fuel.

2. Site Access

Smaller trucks are needed for tight urban sites or residential areas, while larger trucks are best suited for expansive job sites.

3. Cost Management

Using a truck that is too small can increase transportation costs. Conversely, using a truck that’s too big can be inefficient in narrow spaces and increase operational expenses unnecessarily.

4. Legal Compliance

Each region has regulations on maximum vehicle weight and size. Overloading a truck can result in fines, accidents, and mechanical issues.

5. Safety

Overloaded or improperly sized trucks can lead to tipping, braking issues, and reduced maneuverability, posing safety risks to drivers and workers.

Dump Truck Size and Load Examples

Standard Dump Truck Size Chart — https://www.deere.com/

Here’s how much material common dump trucks can typically handle:

Small Dump Truck: Up to 6 tons or 5–6 cubic yards of dry gravel or sand.
Medium Dump Truck: Up to 12 tons or 8–12 cubic yards of crushed stone.
Large Dump Truck: Up to 25 tons or 16–20 cubic yards of dense material like wet clay or asphalt.
Super Dump Truck: Up to 32 tons or 19–26 cubic yards, often used for asphalt paving projects.

The type of material being hauled is just as important as the volume. Heavier materials will hit the truck’s weight limit faster than lighter materials.

Additional Dump Truck Configurations

There are also several specialized dump truck configurations that affect size:

Side Dump Trucks: Unload material by tipping to the side, usually wider but more stable.
Bottom Dump Trucks: Discharge material from the bottom, often used for roadwork.
Semi-Trailer End Dump Trucks: Larger capacity, but less maneuverable.
Articulated Dump Trucks: Used for off-road sites, highly maneuverable, with larger load capacities.

Each configuration affects overall size and operational functionality.

Choosing the Right Dump Truck Size

When selecting a dump truck, consider the following:

Project Size: How much material needs to be moved and how often.
Site Conditions: Narrow roads, soft ground, or steep inclines can all influence choice.
Material Type: Dense materials will require a different truck than lightweight aggregates.
Budget: Larger trucks cost more to operate but may reduce project duration.

Matching the truck to the project ensures maximum productivity and safety.

Conclusion

Understanding the standard dump truck size chart is essential when planning a construction, landscaping, or transportation project. Dump trucks range from small 5-ton units perfect for urban sites to super dumps capable of hauling 32 tons at once.

The right size truck improves efficiency, enhances safety, meets legal requirements, and saves money. Always take into account payload capacity, bed volume, dimensions, and project needs when selecting your equipment.

With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to choose the perfect dump truck for any job — big or small.