Belt Trailers

Belt trailers deliver durable performance as well as efficient self-unloading capability. Transwest sells and services belt trailers for the construction industry.

Shop All Belt Trailers

About Belt Trailers

A belt trailer utilizes a rubber conveyor belt that runs down the length of the trailer to grab onto and unload cargo. Typically, sloped plastic sides guide the material down onto the conveyor belt to make unloading an automatic task that the driver can complete from within the truck. Belt trailers are often referred to as “self-unloading” trailers and are able to unload an entire commercial trailer (40-53 ft. long) in as little as five minutes.

Companies that specialize in municipal waste hauling or recycling often make use of belt trailers, not only for efficiency but also because operators don’t need to get near potentially hazardous waste when unloading. Construction industries also employ belt trailers to haul road materials such as gravel and asphalt for the same reasons.

Transwest provides both sales and service of commercial-grade belt trailers. Our staff understands the industry and knows which brands to trust. We also know when and how to properly maintain your belt trailer. When you purchase a trailer with us, you can rest assured that you’ve got the right equipment for the job with one company you can count on from start to finish. We build relationships with our clients for the long haul.

FAQs

What are belt trailers used for?

A belt trailer has a built-in conveyor belt or chain-and-flap assembly in the floor of the trailer to assist with unloading. Another name for belt trailers is “self-unloading” trailers. The convenience of this design allows drivers to unload a trailer from within the truck. Some designs are so efficient that the entire load can be dumped into a pile at the rear of the trailer.

Belt trailers are quite durable, with most recognized brands in the industry lasting decades. Belt trailers are used to haul many different types of materials, including recycled products, grain, potatoes, seed, feed, and mining aggregate. In addition, belt trailers have a variety of add-on options for safety and performance, depending on the material being hauled.

How wide is the belt?

Different belt trailer manufacturers will offer varying widths of belts. The width of the belt often corresponds to the material being hauled. The belts are usually 24, 36, or 48 inches wide-respectively. Be sure to fully investigate all the options available for your fleet of trailers so you can find the size and price that fits your requirements.

What are belt trailers made of?

Most belt trailers are aluminum, but some trailers are steel or stainless steel in order to transport corrosive materials or to haul in demanding off-road conditions. Some manufacturers, such as Trail King, use a combination of steel and aluminum in their belt trailer construction.

What’s the difference between a belt trailer and a walking floor trailer?

A walking floor trailer uses a series of hydraulically-controlled slats that move forward and back to methodically unload one item or portion of the load at a time. A belt trailer uses a conveyor belt system that continuously rotates to unload commodities.

A walking floor can work in two directions – it can load and unload – whereas a belt trailer operates in only one direction: unloading. A walking floor trailer can also facilitate other kinds of loads, such as pallets, in addition to bulk commodities. Belt trailers are built to accommodate only bulk commodities.

The belt trailer can unload much faster than the walking floor trailer. But the design of a walking floor can increase trailer capacity by approximately 20 percent more than that of a belt trailer. Ultimately, your choice of the unloading system will be determined by the way you intend to use it.

Preview image of Transwest Trailers 2023 Trail King Live Bottom (OLB 236) youtube video

9:52 Featured

Walkthrough of 2023 Trail King OLB236NG

By Joe Bougher • 3 years ago 2k views

See All Videos

Transparency
Quality
Integrity

The Transwest Difference

Since 1994, Transwest Trailers has been a premier dealer in trailer rentals and sales, both new and used, from the industry’s leading manufacturers. We’re proud to serve customers at our five dealership locations across the U.S. in industries like agriculture, commercial, construction, propane, oil and gas, and refined fuel. We pride ourselves on our expertise and customer service, which is why our team members are trained to understand how to best assist you in choosing the ideal trailer for your specific needs.

We’re a one-stop-shop for trailer purchases and rentals with Parts & Service also available at each dealership location. Transwest Trailers also offers financing options to ensure that you’re investing in the trailer you need at the time you need it most. Whether you already know the exact trailer type and manufacturer you want, or you need help comparing different choices, we’re here to help. Shop our inventory online and then contact us with any questions or to schedule a visit.