Roll Off Trucks for Sale: A Buyer’s Guide

Here’s everything you need to know about roll off trucks for sale.

Running a dumpster rental business comes down to two things: the dumpsters and the trucks they’re mounted on. You can’t have one without the other, and both are equally important to a well-run and profitable business. 

This is a significant purchase, so you’ll want to take it seriously and do your research to ensure you’re making the best possible choice. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about roll off trucks; from the details and different brands of trucks to what they cost and where to buy them. 

The Basics: What Makes a Good Roll Off Truck?

A good quality roll off truck will serve you well for years to come. While a poorer quality model might be cheaper, it can end up costing you thousands of dollars in repairs and lost efficiency over time. The most important thing to focus on when buying a roll off truck is the engine — this is the driving force behind the whole machine and it’s crucial to be able to handle heavy loads of scrap and garbage. Look for an engine of at least 425 horsepower, with a rear axle rating of at least 46,000 pounds and a front axle rating of at least 18,000 to 20,000 pounds. 

The cables, winches, and hoists are another important component — you need to go high quality here to save yourself major headaches. Look for a heavy-duty cable roll off hoist that can handle 75,000 pounds and you’ll be set for even the biggest jobs. 

Finally, don’t forget about the size of your roll off truck — make sure your dumpsters will actually fit! Look for a cab-to-axle measurement between 185 and 205 inches depending the size of your container. Common roll off dumpster sizes are 22 and 24 feet, so plan accordingly. To learn more about roll off dumpsters for sale, read our buyer’s guide.

Who Are the Best Roll Off Truck Manufacturers? 

Roll off trucks are a serious business investment, so you’ll want to make sure to choose a reputable brand. There are many manufacturers, but three of the most popular are Mack, Peterbilt, and Hino trucks. Mack is a high-end brand with a strong engine that will make hauling even the heaviest dumpsters effortless. Peterbilt is known for efficiency; they make affordable trucks that will run well for a long time. Hino trucks are not only good quality, but they are also smooth and quiet on the road, improving the driving experience. If you want the added bonus of being maneuverable in tight spaces, go for a “cab-over” model, which offers great visibility and nimble handling.

You’re not limited to these three companies. Other reliable brands include Kenworth, Ford, and Freightliner.

How Much Does a Roll Off Truck Cost?

You’re looking at roughly $50,000 to buy a decent new roll off truck. If you’re buying a truck that is state-of-the-art, you can easily double that figure. 

But you don’t have to buy brand new. If you’re a savvy shopper and do your homework, buying used roll off trucks can be a great option. For older models, such as trucks from the 90s and early 2000s, you’ll be able to find something for $25,000 and well below. If you choose something slightly newer, it’ll likely be between $35,000 and $55,000.

Buying a roll off truck isn’t that different from buying any other kind of vehicle. Carefully examine the truck’s every detail, from the model and manufacturer to the engine, cab design, axles and hoists. The only way to know you’re making a smart decision is to really understand the ins and outs of the truck you’re buying.

Where to Buy Roll Off Trucks

You have many options when it comes to where you purchase your roll off truck. Buying used is extremely common, and you can look on specialty marketplaces focused on heavy equipment, as well as on local classified websites like Craigslist and Kijiji. There are also auction sites and professional truck traders to check out. Another option is contacting local dumpster rental businesses directly and seeing if they’re looking to sell part of their fleet.

What Other Tools Can Help With My Dumpster Rental Business? 

Well, if you’ve finished this article and our buying guide to roll off dumpsters, you understand the importance of good equipment. That’s an important piece of the puzzle — but it’s not the only one. If you want to learn about how the right software can transform your dumpster rental business, read our article about the benefits of dumpster rental software, or download a copy of our ebook, ‘How to Book More Jobs, Save Time and Money with the Right Tools.”

In addition to delivering an efficient and reliable service on you’re onsite, you need to ensure a great experience from the very first contact customers have with your company. Vonigo is a tool to streamline this side of your business, helping you with online booking and every step of the service delivery process so you can keep providing the same incredible service — no matter how much your company grows.