My "new" end dump rig

[mowingman]

Well, I finally moved up to an 18 wheeler end dump rig. Hauling is just a part-time job for me, as I am supposed to be retired. I set a very low budget number and shopped a long time to find an older tractor and trailer in good shape at a fairly low price.
The truck is a 1993 FLD Freightliner with a 330 Cummins and a 9 speed Eaton. It has a wet kit on it. The trailer is an old 1971, steel, Hobbs trailer.
I had the dump gate modified into a pair of swing-out barn doors. I am hauling demolition debris and trees and brush.I might haul some broken up concrete now and then. I just had the rig DOT inspected on Friday. I was holding my breath the whole time, but it passed with no problems. now it is time to go make some money.
I tell folks it is just like me, old, but still has some life left in it.
Jeff

 

[Steve Frazier]

Nice looking truck. I don't often see Freightliners dragging dump trailers!

 

[RonG]

That looks like a Freuhauf tub but Freuhauf has a beefier frame under it.Those barn doors are a lot of work.Have fun.Ron G

 

[mowingman]

Steve,
Interesting comment about Freightliners and dump trailers. In this area, with the construction boom we have been in for years, there are probably a couple thousand 18 wheeler end dump rigs running daily. My guess is that almost 25% are pulled by Freightliners, 25% Peterbilts, 25% Internationals, and the the last 25% a mix of everything else. Freightliners are very popular here for 10 wheeler dump trucks also.
RonG,
I could not physically handle a single barn door like you see most of the time. So, my buddy, who owns a welding and fabrication shop, custom modified the old tailgate into double opening barn doors. They have a very sturdy, and easy to operate latch setup also. Each door has 3 large hinges with grease fittings on each hinge.
Jeff