When it comes to hauling, not all dump trailers are created equal. The right trailer can make the difference between finishing a job efficiently and spending extra hours dealing with equipment that isn’t up to the task. Whether you’re a contractor, landscaper, farmer, or construction pro, choosing the best dump trailer comes down to understanding your hauling needs and knowing which features matter most.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider when selecting a dump trailer that can keep up with your business.

Know Your Load Requirements (GVWR)

One of the first and most important things to evaluate when shopping for a dump trailer is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), the maximum weight your trailer can carry, including its own weight. Choosing a trailer with the wrong GVWR can lead to overloading, which is not only unsafe but can also cause long-term damage to your equipment. For instance, light-duty trailers, like the EZ7, are perfect for smaller-scale jobs such as hauling mulch, brush, soil, or other lighter materials. With a 14,000 lb GVWR, the EZ7 is built for reliable performance in everyday tasks, making it an ideal fit for landscapers, light construction crews, or farm work.

For heavier-duty projects, where dense materials or large machinery are the norm, the HZ7 is a better match. With GVWR options ranging from 15,200 lbs up to 21,000 lbs, the HZ7 can handle significantly tougher loads without compromising on safety or performance. If your work demands maximum payload and rugged durability, the HZ7 is the heavy-duty solution.

Choose the Right Bed Size

The bed size of your dump trailer will have a direct impact on its efficiency and versatility. A bed that’s too small can lead to extra trips and wasted time, while a bed that’s too large might be more difficult to maneuver in tighter spaces. Most dump trailer beds range between 72" to 96" wide and come in multiple lengths. For smaller-scale jobs, a 12’ bed might work perfectly for hauling materials like soil or landscaping waste. For larger jobs, especially when transporting bulky equipment or significant volumes of gravel or sand, a 14’ or 16’ bed is often the better choice.

The EZ7 offers a bed width of 83" with length options of 12', 14', or 16', giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your business. The HZ7, however, provides the same 83" width but with side height options up to 4', making it ideal for bulkier loads and high-capacity hauling needs. Whether you run a landscaping crew or a construction team, the right bed size, paired with the correct side height, ensures every haul is efficient and cost-effective.

Look at the Frame and Build Quality

The durability of your trailer starts with its frame. If the frame isn’t strong enough to support heavy loads, the entire trailer becomes a weak link in your operations. When comparing options, look for trailers built with I-Beam frames, as they provide exceptional strength and resist bending or twisting under pressure.

The EZ7 features a heavy-duty 8” I-Beam frame (13 lbs/ft), which means it can endure rigorous use on job sites without warping or weakening over time. On the other hand, the HZ7 uses a similar 8” I-Beam but can be upgraded to a 15 lbs/ft version on higher GVWR models, offering additional structural strength for heavier loads. Both trailers feature a steel grit blast preparation combined with a powder-coated finish, ensuring superior corrosion resistance and long-term durability, even in harsh environments.

Don’t Overlook the Hoist System

The hoist system is the beating heart of any dump trailer. A poor-quality or underpowered hoist can make dumping loads a frustrating, time-consuming process. Look for a trailer with a hydraulic system designed for smooth, powerful lifts that can handle full loads without strain. There are different styles of hoists, such as scissor, telescopic, and dual ram, but the key is reliability.

The EZ7 comes equipped with a 5" x 16" or 5" x 21" single push cylinder hoist (15,000 lbs capacity), which is powerful and efficient for standard jobs. The HZ7, however, steps it up with 6" x 21" single push cylinders (20,000 lbs) or optional telescopic cylinders rated up to 12 tons, providing superior lifting power and dump angles of up to 49°. If heavy or dense materials are part of your daily operations, the HZ7’s hoist system offers that extra muscle.

Safety and Convenience Features

When you’re moving heavy loads, safety can’t be an afterthought. A well-designed dump trailer should include features that protect both the operator and the cargo. DOT-approved LED lighting is critical for visibility and road safety, especially when transporting loads early in the morning or late at night. A manual tarp kit keeps materials secure during transit, reducing cleanup time and preventing road hazards.

The EZ7 includes a mega lockable toolbox, 4 welded D-rings inside the bed, and ramp pockets w/ 6' 4" long slide In 3" channel ramps for easy equipment loading. The HZ7 adds extra touches like side steps on both sides for easier access, ramp pockets w/ 6' 4" long heavy duty slide in 4" channel ramps and optional tridem axles for improved stability on larger models. These thoughtful features make both trailers versatile, but the HZ7 is designed with demanding contractors in mind.

Consider Long-Term Value

It’s tempting to focus on upfront costs when buying a dump trailer, but true value lies in the long-term performance and reliability of your equipment. A cheaper trailer might save you a few dollars today, but if it requires constant maintenance, replacement parts, or early replacement, it ends up costing more in the long run.

The EZ7 is an economical choice with all the essentials for light-duty hauling, while the HZ7 is engineered for heavier payloads (GVWR up to 21,000 lbs) and longer service life. Both models benefit from Horizon’s 6-year axle warranty, 3-year frame warranty, and 1-year parts warranty, but the HZ7’s beefed-up components make it the better pick for extreme, high-demand work environments.