It's important that the end dump controls are mounted in the best location for driver to use them. Some truck owners will let the mechanics mount the controls where ever the mechanics want to (which is usually on the left side of the driver's seat because it is easier to mount the controls there). That location will not always be the best for the driver that has to operate the end dump.

There are two main factors as to where the controls should be mounted. They are whether the cab is a day cab (with a window in the rear of the cab) or a sleeper cab.

With a day cab, the driver should turn to the right and look thru the back window to watch the trailer as it goes up. This gives the driver the best view of the trailer as it goes up. The driver's body will be leaning towards the center of the cab and the dump controls should be located between the seats. This allows easy access to the controls (the drivers hand resting on the down control as the trailer is going up). The controls would not be convenient on the left side of the driver's seat (the driver's body is leaning away from the controls). The ideal location for a day cab is between the driver and passenger seats.

With a sleeper cab, the driver will be looking thru the driver's side window and into the mirror to watch the trailer go up. It is very common for a driver to lean towards the mirror in order to get a better view of the trailer as it goes up. The best location for the controls is to the left of the driver's seat. The driver's left hand can very comfortable rest on the controls while dumping. If the controls were located between the seats, the driver would be leaning away from the controls.

It is not unusual for an experienced driver that is used to a sleeper cab for dumping to still use the mirrors if the driver is in a day cab.

The rule is simple, day cab with a window in the back, mount the dump controls between the seats. With a sleeper cab, mount the dump controls on the left side of the driver's seat.

Incorrectly mounted controls will increase the chance of a trailer turning over.

Do it right!

© Pat Maufrais 2004