1. Confirm payload & volume first (most critical)
Calculate based on material density, not just box size.
Dense materials (rock, ore, granite): Higher density → choose smaller volume with thicker plates.
Light bulk materials (coal, soil, grain, mulch): Lower density → larger body volume.
Must comply with chassis GVW and local road weight regulations.
Avoid two common mistakes:
Oversized body → overload risk, higher center of gravity, rollover hazard.
Undersized body → more transport cycles, low efficiency.
2. Choose body shape
U-shaped body
✅ Advantages: Round bottom, no dead corners; materials slide off fully with little residue; lower gravity, better stability; less shovel collision. ✅ Best for: Ore, rock, gravel, sticky clay, mining & quarry transport.
Rectangular (square) body
✅ Advantages: Higher effective volume; simple manufacturing; flexible tailgate modification. ✅ Best for: Sand, construction waste, municipal earthmoving, general highway hauling.
Side-tipping body
✅ Advantages: Unload on either side; suitable for narrow sites. ⚠️ Higher rollover risk when tipping on uneven ground. ✅ Best for farm bulk goods, road paving materials.
3. Select body material & plate thickness
(1) Material options
Ordinary carbon steel (Q235 / Q355) Low initial cost; heavier tare weight; poor abrasion resistance. Fit: Light-duty, short-distance transport of soil, sand, loose dirt.
High-strength low-alloy steel (T700, 610L) Balanced strength and weight; widely used for standard construction tippers.
Wear-resistant steel (Hardox 400 / 450 / AR450) Excellent impact & wear resistance; can use thinner plates to reduce dead weight and increase payload. Higher purchase price, far longer service life. Fit: Mining, quarry, sharp rock, heavy abrasive loads.
Aluminum alloy body Great weight reduction, corrosion resistance; high cost; weak impact resistance. Fit: Light bulk cargo, agriculture, municipal clean materials; not for rock.
(2) Recommended plate thickness reference
Earth, sand: Floor 6–8 mm, side wall 4–5 mm
Gravel, construction debris: Floor 8–10 mm, side wall 5–6 mm
Rock, ore, quarry work: Floor 10–12 mm, side wall 6–8 mm
Reinforce front bulkhead, bottom corners and hinge areas as standard.
4. Tipping / Hydraulic lifting mechanism
Rear tipping (most common)
Front-mounted cylinder (single/double cylinder): Simple structure, low maintenance; mainstream for 6×4 / 8×4 highway dump trucks.
Middle-mounted telescopic cylinder: Stable lifting, low gravity; widely used for mining bodies.
Check points:
Hydraulic cylinder brand (HYVA, domestic reliable brands)
Maximum tipping angle (normally ≥47° for complete unloading)
Lifting speed, anti-explosion safety valve, limit protection
5. Tailgate design
Swing tailgate: Standard for general bulk materials.
Bottom-opening tailgate: Fast unloading for large stones; prevent jamming.
Double-door tailgate: Good sealing to avoid leakage of sand and mud.
Optional: Pneumatic tailgate control for easier operation.
6. Structural reinforcement details to inspect
Full subframe firmly connected to chassis main beam; avoid local stress concentration.
Reinforced cross beams and longitudinal beams under the floor.
Thickened wear strips at loading impact positions.
Smooth inner welding; reduce welding spatter that causes material sticking.
Anti-corrosion treatment: Shot blasting + epoxy primer + top paint.
7. Match working environment
Mining / quarry (rough roads, sharp rocks): U-shaped Hardox body, thickened floor, heavy-duty subframe.
Urban construction (soil, muck): Rectangular high-strength steel body, sealed tailgate to prevent spillage.
Agriculture (grain, fertilizer): Lightweight body, smooth inner surface for easy cleaning.
Corrosive materials (saline, wet sludge): Anti-rust coating or partial liner protection.
8. Total cost of ownership (not only purchase price)
Light-weight high-strength / wear-resistant steel → higher payload, lower fuel consumption, fewer repairs.
Cheap mild steel bodies often need frequent patching and replacement, leading to higher downtime cost.
Quick Selection Checklist you can use
Material to transport: ____________ Density: ____________
Target payload: ____________ Chassis model & GVW: ____________
Main working site: Highway / construction / mine / farm
Preferred shape: U-type / rectangular / side tipper
Budget & expected service life
Local transport dimension & weight limits
