Truck buyer's guide

Super Dump Truck: Payload, Cost, and Whether It's Worth It

A straight truck with retractable trailing axles that stretch the bridge formula to legally carry tri-axle-plus tonnage while still maneuvering like a straight truck.

Super Dump Truck specs and costs at a glance

Payload20–26 tons
Body volume16–20 cu yd
GVWR70,000–80,000 lb with trailing axles deployed
Used price (2026)$70,000–$135,000
New price (2026)$215,000–$280,000
Typical hourly rate$150–$210/hr
Typical per load$390–$650
Fuel economy5.0–6.0 blended
Insurance$6,500–$13,500/yr

Is it the right truck for you?

Super dumps are the answer when you want maximum payload without a trailer. The trailing-axle hardware adds cost and maintenance, so they only pay off with high annual tonnage.

Best for

  • Maximizing legal payload under the federal bridge formula
  • Long aggregate runs on a straight truck
  • Markets where trailers are impractical

Skip it if

  • You need frequent tight-site access
  • You aren't running enough tons to justify the premium

Compare every dump truck type

TypePayloadUsed priceHourly rate
Single-Axle Dump Truck6–8 tons$18,000–$45,000$85–$135/hr
Tandem-Axle Dump Truck12–15 tons$35,000–$85,000$105–$165/hr
Tri-Axle Dump Truck16–22 tons$50,000–$110,000$135–$195/hr
Quad-Axle Dump Truck20–26 tons$65,000–$130,000$155–$220/hr
End Dump Trailer22–26 tons$18,000–$45,000 (trailer only)$140–$200/hr
Side Dump Trailer22–28 tons$25,000–$55,000 (trailer only)$145–$205/hr
Super Dump Truck20–26 tons$70,000–$135,000$150–$210/hr
Transfer Dump Truck22–26 tons$60,000–$120,000 (truck + transfer)$140–$200/hr

Common questions

What makes a super dump different?

Retractable trailing axles extend the wheelbase, which under the federal bridge formula allows a legally higher gross weight than a conventional straight truck.

Is a super dump worth the extra cost?

Only at high annual tonnage. If you haul fewer than roughly 25,000 tons a year, a standard tri-axle usually nets more.

Buying your first truck?

Run the numbers before you sign anything — then get the full inspection checklist, financing playbook, and pricing math inside the course.