If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty dump trailer, Big Tex and Iron Bull are two of the top brands to consider. Both companies have been manufacturing high-quality trailers for decades and have earned reputations for durability, performance, and reliability.
But when it comes to choosing between Big Tex and Iron Bull, which one is the better option for your needs? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of Big Tex and Iron Bull dump trailers to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Big Tex | Iron Bull |
| Construction | C-channel steel frame, 10ga steel decking | All 3/16″ steel frame and decking |
| Frame Coating | Powder coated | Full-dip primer and polyurea coating |
| Weight Capacity | 5-40 tons | 7-40+ tons |
| Hydraulics | Smooth operation | Wireless remote control available |
| Options | Electrical jack, winches, tarps | Customizable height and lighting |
| Warranty | 5 year frame, 2 year hydraulic/decking | 1 year standard, extended available |
| Dealer Network | 100+ nationwide dealers | Smaller network concentrated in Midwest |
| Rust Resistance | Good with powder coating | Superior with full-dip coatings |
| Pricing | Great value on light models | Excellent heavy hauler pricing |
Overview of Big Tex Dump Trailers
Founded in 1977, Big Tex Trailers is one of the largest manufacturers of dump trailers in the United States. They offer a wide selection of single axle, tandem axle, and tri-axle dump trailers ranging in capacities from 5 tons up to 40 tons.
Big Tex prioritizes heavy-duty construction and innovative features. All of their dump trailers feature thick C-channel frames, Diamond Plate steel flooring, heavy-duty ramps,quality hydraulic components, and rugged suspension systems.
Some key advantages of Big Tex dump trailers include:
- Durable construction: Big Tex uses quality materials like 10-gauge steel for flooring and 3/16-inch steel for side walls. The trailers are built to handle heavy use and rough conditions at construction sites.
- Superior strength: The beefy I-beam frame and C-channel tongue provide tremendous torsional strength when hauling and dumping heavy loads. Big Tex trailers excellent stability and durability.
- Available options: Customers can choose from side-mount toolboxes, spare tire mounts, protective railings, LED lighting packages and more. You can customize your Big Tex trailer for your specific needs.
- Nationwide dealer network: With authorized dealers across the U.S., Big Tex trailers are easy to find and service no matter where you’re located.
Big Tex offers an excellent standard warranty: 5 years on the frame, 2 years on hydraulics and decking, and 1 year on components. Optional extended warranty packages are also available.
Overview of Iron Bull Dump Trailers
Iron Bull Trailers got its start in 1998 in Illinois, founded by a family with generations of agricultural equipment experience. Although not as large as Big Tex, Iron Bull has expanded over the past 20+ years and established itself as a leading dump trailer brand.
Iron Bull offers single axle, tandem axle, and tri-dem styles ranging from 7,000 lbs equipment haulers up to 35+ ton heavy hauling models. Their dump trailers are built using fully robotically welded frames and thick 3/16-inch decking steel.
Here are some of the benefits Iron Bull customers appreciate:
- All-steel construction: Iron Bull uses strong, high-quality steel for frames, side walls, flooring and ramps. No wood decking used. Provides durability and structural integrity.
- Coated frames: Iron Bull fully dips frames in primer then polyurea coating to prevent rust and corrosion. Enhances longevity.
- Quality components: Iron Bull installs premium hydraulic cylinders, wiring harnesses, lights, lifting chains and hardware. Gives reliable performance.
- Customization available: Options like toolboxes, tie-down points, trailer height and more can be added to create the perfect Iron Bull trailer configuration for your work.
- Excellent maneuverability: Low deck height and tight turning radius makes Iron Bull trailers easy to maneuver, even fully loaded.
Iron Bull provides a 1 year standard warranty on their dump trailers, with 2 year and 5 year extended warranty options.
Key Differences Between Big Tex And Iron Bull Dump Trailers
Now that we’ve provided an overview of Big Tex and Iron Bull’s backgrounds and capabilities, let’s compare the two brands across some key factors you should consider when buying a dump trailer.
- Construction Quality
The durability and longevity of a dump trailer depends heavily on its construction quality. Both Big Tex and Iron Bull build their trailers tough, but there are some differences in their methods and materials.
Big Tex fabricates their frames from strong C-channel steel. For decking, they use thick 10-gauge (about 1/4″) steel with a rugged diamond plate surface. Iron Bull takes a fully steel approach – their frames and decking are constructed from 3/16″ steel.
An advantage Iron Bull has is fully dipping their frames in protective primer and polyurea coating. This prevents rust and corrosion better than basic powder coating. However, Big Tex uses quality powder coating as well.
When it comes to sidewalls and ramps, both brands rely on sturdy 14-gauge steel. Big Tex uses bolt-in stake pockets for versatility while Iron Bull stakes the side pockets in place.
Overall, both brands are neck-and-neck when it comes to construction quality. The all-steel build of Iron Bull trailers gives them a slight edge, but Big Tex matches them in most areas while offering excellent quality in their own right.
- Weight Capacity
Dump trailers come in a wide range of weight capacities from small 5-ton landscape models up to enormous 50+ ton heavy haulers.
Big Tex offers dump trailers ranging from 5 tons up to 40 tons weight capacity.
This covers equipment hauling, construction, landscaping, agriculture, and other applications.
Iron Bull’s weight range is similar – they offer tandem axle dump trailers from 14,000 lbs up to 35,000 lbs.
They focus more on the heavy hauling end rather than light-duty models.
When maximizing hauling capacity for construction, mining, and other major jobs, Iron Bull’s 35+ ton tri-dem and 40+ ton quad-axle models are ideal. For more everyday 12-25 ton equipment and material hauling needs, Big Tex and Iron Bull both have you covered.
- Performance and Handling
Dump trailers need to perform well when towing and have solid stability when raising the bed and dumping loads. Big Tex and Iron Bull both deliver excellent performance, although there are some differences.
Big Tex dump trailers tend to have a lower deck height than Iron Bull’s models. This improves stability and handling when towing fully loaded. However, Iron Bull’s hydraulic systems operate very smoothly when lifting and lowering the bed.
Iron Bull offers upgraded wireless remote controllers on certain models – a handy feature Big Tex lacks. You don’t have to run back to the trailer tongue to activate the dump bed.
Going downhill, Big Tex’s Dexter torflex axles provide great sway control and braking. Iron Bull uses dependable Dexter or UFP axles as well.
Overall, Big Tex takes the edge for handling while Iron Bull is slightly ahead for hydraulic performance. But both brands clearly excel when it comes to hauling and dumping capabilities – you can’t go wrong.
- Options and Customization
One of the great benefits of both Big Tex and Iron Bull is the wide range of options and customizations they offer to create the perfect dump trailer for your work.
Common options like spare tire mounts, fenders, mesh tailgates, adjustable ball hitches and more are available from both brands. Big Tex offers choices like electrical jack landing legs, winches, and canvas tarps that Iron Bull lacks – but not vice versa.
Where Iron Bull pulls ahead is their upgraded wireless remote control, customizable heights, wider selection of flooring and sides options, and extensive lighting packages. With these choices you can dial in the perfect Iron Bull dump trailer configuration.
Big Tex still offers great customization – but the even more extensive options from Iron Bull give them an advantage here. The ability to fine-tune your dump trailer is a strong point.
- Rust Resistance
One of the top causes of dump trailer breakdowns is rust/corrosion. That’s why rust prevention through high-quality paint, coatings and other protection is so important.
Big Tex powder coats their frames and components for good rust resistance. However, Iron Bull goes a step further by fully dipping frames in protective primer then polyurea coating. This provides maximum corrosion resistance even in harsh conditions.
Iron Bull’s all-steel construction also prevents rust better compared to Big Tex’s mixed steel frame and wood decking approach. Overall, Iron Bull takes the clear lead when it comes to long-term rust prevention.
- Warranty Coverage
The warranty coverage provided on dump trailers gives important protection on your investment, just in case issues arise. The longer and more comprehensive the coverage, the better.
Big Tex provides one of the strongest standard warranties in the industry:
- 5 years on frame
- 2 years on hydraulic components
- 2 years on decking
- 1 year on remaining parts
Iron Bull’s standard coverage is more limited but can be extended:
- 1 year standard on all components
- 2 year extended warranty optional
- 5 year extended warranty optional
Big Tex gives you excellent warranty coverage right off the bat. Iron Bull starts lower but gives you the ability to upgrade for longer protection. This round goes to Big Tex for the strong out-of-the-box coverage.
- Dealer Network and Customer Support
Having access to local dealers for sales, parts, and service support is invaluable for dump trailer owners. Big Tex and Iron Bull both have strong dealer networks, but Big Tex has a clear advantage here.
Big Tex has been in business since 1977 and has over 100 authorized dealers throughout the U.S.
You’re assured of accessible sales and service support from their coast-to-coast coverage.
Iron Bull is a smaller company with dealers mostly concentrated in the Midwest region.
Their dealer network is growing but is still far short of Big Tex’s massive coverage.
When it comes to customer service and technical support, both Big Tex and Iron Bull aim to be responsive and helpful. However, Big Tex’s larger parts inventory provides an edge – common repair items should be readily available.
For sales and service support, Big Tex is the winner here with their expansive dealer network across the country.
- Common Customer Complaints
No dump trailer is perfect – all brands have pain points reported by customers. Looking at common complaints can reveal weaknesses to consider.
For Big Tex, hydraulic components like cylinders, valves and pumps seem to be a sore spot. Issues like failing cylinders, leaking hydraulics, and jerky lifting motion are not uncommon after some years of use.
Iron Bull also has its share of hydraulic complaints around leaking fittings, drifting valve spools, and poor welds around hydraulic mounts. Hydraulics require repair eventually on any dump trailer.
Aside from hydraulics, other Big Tex complaints mention unreliable electrical connections, peeling paint, and poor LP tire quality. Iron Bull sees complaints about weak fender mounting, warping floors, and sparse dealer network.
In summary, hydraulic systems require eventual maintenance no matter what dump trailer you buy. But Iron Bull seems to suffer fewer complaints overall beyond just hydraulics.
- Pricing and Value Comparison
When evaluating dump trailers, you want the best combination of quality, capability, and durability at the most reasonable price. How do Big Tex and Iron Bull stack up cost-wise?
Both brands are fairly aligned for pricing in the standard 12-25 ton equipment hauler range – around $15,000 – $25,000 nicely equipped. Big Tex starts lower for their light 5 ton models while Iron Bull excels pricing-wise for heavy 35+ ton dumps.
Spec’ing out trailers with similar features, Iron Bull actually seems to compete very well on cost for what you get. Their all-steel design and premium components add value that makes the pricing resonate.
Of course, pricing varies by region. But in general, Iron Bull appears to offer outstanding bang-for-your-buck that challenges Big Tex’s advantage as the giant of the industry. For pure value, Iron Bull gets the edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The top quality dump trailers come from established brands like Big Tex, Iron Bull, Bri-Mar, Load Trail, and PJ Trailers. Key signs of a high quality dump trailer are thick all-steel construction, robotically welded frames, hydraulic systems using top brands like Vickers/Eaton and Dynex/UFP, and premium powder coating/protective coatings. Choosing a reputable brand known for quality construction ensures the best dump trailer for heavy-duty work.
Iron Bull trailers are excellent quality and stand up to heavy use for equipment hauling, agriculture, construction, landscaping, and other demanding applications. Key reasons why Iron Bull trailers are recommended:
1. All-steel construction including robotically welded frames and 3/16” decking steel
2. Full-dip protective coatings on frames prevent rust and corrosion
3. Smooth-operating hydraulic systems lift and lower loads with ease
4. Customization options like wireless remote, adjustable heights, LED lighting packages
5. Reputation for durability with heavy-duty models up to 40+ tons
For long lasting dump trailers able to handle tough jobs, Iron Bull is a top choice. Their quality rivals the best brands while adding custom options.
Iron Bull Trailers are manufactured by Aspen Custom Trailers located in Wahpeton, Iowa. Aspen Custom Trailers was founded in 1998 originally making livestock trailers. In 2008, the Iron Bull dump trailer brand was launched to provide high-quality steel dump trailers. Although a smaller company compared to giants like Big Tex, Iron Bull has developed an excellent reputation in the dump trailer industry for their durable all-steel construction and reliability.
Some top manufacturers of belly dump trailers include Heil Trailer, Rayco Manufacturing, Truck Bodies & Equipment International (TBEI), MAC Trailer,Rogers Brothers, and Fearless Manufacturing. When selecting a quality belly dump, key traits to look for are:
1. All-steel or aluminum construction – avoids weaker wood floors
2. Full-width rear or side dump doors – prevent material sticking
3. Low body height – provides stability and easier loading
4. Hydraulic systems using quality brands – Vickers/Eaton, Dynex/UFP
5. Air ride suspension and lift axles – improve ride and stability
Leading brands like Heil and Rayco consistently produce belly dumps with the durability, capacity, and performance to handle earthworks, mining, road construction, and similar heavy hauling jobs. Focus on build quality and materials over “budget” trailers to get a long-lasting belly dump.
Verdict: Which is Better for You?
So in this battle between dump trailer heavyweights Big Tex vs Iron Bull, which comes out on top?
For light-duty dump trailers under 12 tons, Big Tex is hard to beat. They dominate that niche and offer tremendous quality trailers for landscapers, homeowners, and ranchers.
Once you move into heavier equipment hauling and construction dump trailers, the choice between Big Tex and Iron Bull becomes less obvious. Both offer excellent quality, performance, and capability in this range.
Really it comes down to your needs and preferences:
- For a coast-to-coast dealer network, Big Tex is the clear choice. Their support is expansive.
- If you want robust standard warranty coverage, again Big Tex is superior out of the gate.
- For the very best rust resistance, Iron Bull’s full dip coatings make them stand out.
- Customization is Iron Bull’s specialty – they offer endless options to dial in your perfect dump trailer.
- Looking for true heavy hauling beast above 25 tons? Iron Bull’s 40+ ton monsters are prime picks.
Either brand you choose, you can be confident in getting a durable, reliable dump trailer. We hope breaking down the pros, cons and differences helps you decide whether the well-rounded excellence of Big Tex or the premium customizability of Iron Bull is the right choice to handle your heavy hauling needs.