At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we don’t only want you to have a great selection of new and used Kenworth dump trucks. We also want to see our customers operating them safely!  This is particularly true with so many new truck drivers entering the field.  It’s easy to underestimate how dangerous dump truck driving can potentially be.

Always stay safe when operating a dump truck, particularly when there are other people nearby!  We have some vital tips for safe dump truck driving.

Five Important Dump Truck Driving Safety Tips

1. Only load on solid, level ground.

It is very easy to tip over a dump truck that’s on uneven ground, particularly during the first initial “hit” from whatever substance is filling it.  There is a lot of force behind a flow of soil or gravel!  Always double check the ground beneath your dump truck, and don’t fill it unless the truck is as level as reasonably possible.

2. Don’t operate alone.

No matter how experienced a dump truck driver is, they should never attempt to operate the truck solo.  Always have a partner acting as a spotter when maneuvering around a work site and assisting with other procedures like loading.  So many accidents can be prevented this way.

3. Don’t forget the bed liner.

Some people assume a dump truck’s bed liner is only there to protect the interior from scratching.  That’s not true!  The bed liner is vital for ensuring a smooth flow of material out of the truck when it’s time to dump.  Without the liner, the load can get unbalanced.

4. Never, ever over-load

Your dump truck has a weight rating for a reason.  For best long-term care, you should try to avoid even hitting your maximum – but you should never exceed it.  You can quickly warp the frame, damage the hydraulics, or cause other harm which manifests as on-road incidents that put yourself and others at risk.

5. Always do a morning inspection

You shouldn’t take a dump truck on a job without first doing a walk-around and looking for the most common maintenance problems.  Check lights, hoses, tire pressure, your hydraulic/lift cylinders, and your pins and bushings.

Get the Parts You Need at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth

Maintenance is critical to successful dump truck driving.  Come to Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth for a huge assortment of parts and accessories!

Do you have an older dump truck you’re looking to sell?  There’s a booming market for used dump trucks, particularly when they’re in good shape.  They can hold their value surprisingly well.  The hard part is selling the truck in a way that helps you meet reliable buyers and allows you to demonstrate that your truck is still worth their money.

There’s no one sure-fire way to sell a dump truck and get maximum value, but here are some tips that should help.

Five Tips for Selling Dump Trucks

1. Have a written inspection prepared

Are you genuinely certain that your truck is in good shape?  Then pay a little extra to have it checked out by a professional licensed mechanic.  They can produce a report on the condition of your dump, which if positive enough, can be a major selling point.

2. Fix all the “little things”

Factors like scratches in the paint, or slightly-too-low tires might not seem like a big deal – but they’re a major turnoff for buyers.  People looking to buy used dump trucks will generally assume that a poorly-maintained exterior indicates poorly-maintained internals too.

And clean up the cab so it looks spotless!

3. Take plenty of photos and videos

A well-written advertisement helps, but most of the time, buyers will only be looking at two things:  The basic statistics on your truck, and the photos and videos you take of it.  If your visual aids look great, you’ll be well on your way towards selling.

4. Avoid general purpose sales sites

You’re not going to get top dollar from Craigslist or eBay.  Research for sales outlets which are focused on commercial trucks.  Try contacting local companies directly to see if they’re interested in a bargain.

5. Never take unverified payments                              

It’s easy to get scammed!  Only accept cash, cashier checks, or similar “cash on the barrel” payment methods.

Trade Your Truck at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth

Of course, there is an alternative here – trade in your old dump truck towards a newer model!  At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth we’re happy to take trade-ins on any still-running dump truck, and we’ll make you a great deal for any other truck in our stock. Above all, whether new or used, Kenworth is the way to go!

Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule a visit to look over your truck.