Choosing your dump kit requires that you know information such as the make, model and year of your truck. You can read our "Which dump kit will fit my truck" article to determine whether the 2, 5, or 7.5 ton kit is best for you.
With the 2T kit raising your bed is unnecessary. With the PIERCE 5 and 7.5T hydraulic dump bed kits you will be using a flat bed or dump bed and this requires raising your bed 2.5 to 3 inches depending on the truck.
With the 2T kit, minimal welding is required. The hinges are welded and the rest of the installation process is bolt on. With the 5 and 7.5T dump hoist kits, 70% of the installation requires welding and the remainder is bolt on.
Pierce does not currently license installers. The dump kit comes with instructions and the brand provides instructional videos here. Please note: the 5 and 7.5T kit will require some welding skills. Pierce has found some best practices when choosing someone to install the dump kit."
You do not have to have overhang, but mounting the rear hinges is much easier when you have at least 6 inches of overhang. Also, REMEMBER less overhang = less capacity. The suggested overhangs in the manual are necessary to achieve the specified capacity.
The amount of overhang you choose directly affects your capacity. Refer to the chart in the manual for further information.
With experience a dump kit installation typically takes 12 to 16 hours. If this is your first time, expect to spend at least 16 to 24 hours of work to complete your dump kit conversion.
A gooseneck trailer SHOULD NOT be pulled with a truck that has a converted dump bed.
A bumper pulled trailer can be used; however, you will want to pin the front of the bed down (this is not currently supplied with the kit) with a Pierce twist lock plunger with threads works great for this. You can also find the weldable twist lock here.
NOTE: On the 2T kit you will have to both drop down and deepen the receiver 2 - 3 inches towards the cab.
Yes, the pieces are made extra long for a universal application. Be sure you do not cut into the brace of the hinge as this will compromise the integrity of the hinges.
The 2T kit comes with a fuel kit - a 90° elbow to redirect the fuel line (which is optional) and a fuel bracket that bolts to the side of the frame. You must ensure a downhill flow to avoid fuel spillage during fueling.
You can mount the pump at any location you desire as long as it is clear of any moving parts. Most installations have the pump mounted to the side of the frame behind the truck cab. Some people have even mounted it inside the cab.
The cross member should be closest to the cab and the scissor should run to the rear of the truck.