Frequently asked questions

How long to get a body ?

We are proud to say that we offer one of the best lead time in the industry. From the minute we receive your order, give us 3 weeks and it will be ready for you.

I would like to become a Brandon dealer, what should I do ?

Well, there’s a few steps to follow cause we try to make it easy for you.

Step 1. Give us a call at 450-835-2363, and let’s see if we have a dealer in you area.

Step 2. You will be receiving shortly after a package including literature, a dealer’s profile and a credit application form.

Step 3. Meanwhile, send us your specifications, we will quote you within 48 hours.

I have a problem with the cylinder I purchased with my body; what’s the warranty ?

We have a great deal with the hoist supplier which will give you a 2 years warranty on a defective cylinder.

How can I be sure my cylinder is locked secured in the cylinder bracket ?

Add a flat bar – to avoid loose bolts on the cylinder bracket, we recommend welding a piece of flat bar on the top of the two head bolts.

Why is the choice of steel so important in the composition of my dump body ?

The selection of steel you will need in the composition of your body will depend on the applications you will make of your dump. Here is a summary concerning the importants things to know about the type of steel that we offer you.

Brinell Hardness – A value determined by testing used to compare the hardness of different materials. A material with a high Brinell number will have a higher surface hardness, and therefore resists wear better than a material with a lower Brinell number. Likewise, a higher yield strength material will normally have a higher Brinell hardness number.

Yield strenght – A value determined through actual destructive testing that indicates the amount of resistance to permanent deformation (bending). A material that is stressed to a point below its yield strength, will return to its original state when the stress is removed. A material that is stressed to a point beyond its yield strength, will NOT return to its original state when the stress is removed. The higher the yield strength, the more resistance to bending a material exhibits.

Tensile strenght – This is another value determined through actual destructive testing. This value indicates the point at which a material will fail when under a tensile load (being pulled from each end of the material). This value should not be confused with yield strength. In a dump body application, with high impact loads and highly abrasive payloads, yield strength and Brinell hardness are more important factors.

High-Tensile Steel - AR 450 Steel At Brandon when we talk of High-Tensile Steel we don’t talk about 54 000 psi of yield strength. Our 450 Brinell (AR 450) is a steel with an even higher yield and tensile strength and it is more difficult to form than regular commercial steel. It has a tensile strength that goes up to 203,000 psi and a Brinell hardness of 425-475. Brandon uses this steel in flat plates on the floors, sides, fronts and tailgates of custom bodies.

How should I store my bodies ?

Very Important- For outside storage of the bodies, we ask that you sit the dump on the long sills, not on the side.

Are there any precautions to follow if I take my tailgate off ?

If you take the tailgate off the body, make sure before you reinstall the door to clean properly the old grease inside the bushing and on the surface of the pins with some thinner. Apply some new grease after cleaning up.

Too much is like not enough! Too much grease, is not good. If there is too much grease, dirt will stick and wear the parts in contact wicker. It’s better to grease many times in small quantities then to grease one big time once in a while.

What are the suggested hoist & body instructions to follow ?

1- Improper operation of this unit can result in serious injury. Do not operate unless you have been properly instructed, and are familiar with the operating instructions.

2- Do not dump on unlevel ground having insufficient footing to maintain the unit level, for example, ground that has been recently excavated and/or refilled, and which is soft and uncompacted.

3- Be certain the vehicle is properly and securely braked before using the hoist.

4- Be certain that adequate overhead clearance is assured before dumping (to clear power lines or any other overhead obstructions).

5- Never move the vehicle when the body is in a raised position.

6- Always inspect the hoist and body before using the unit. If there are signs of improper or lack of maintenance, damage to any part, or loose mounting, do not use the hoist. Do not attempt your own repair unless you are specifically trained.

7- Do not move the vehicle when the power take-off is engaged.

8- DO NOT OVERLOAD! The payload capacity of the completed vehicle will be controlled by one of the following criteria. The criteria which yelds the lowest permissible capacity dictates the maximum payload capacity of the completed vehicle:

       8.1- By the hoist capacity of body and payload, as established by the manufacturer’s literature and/or operations manual, if the hoist capacity is less than either the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

       8.2- By the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) as stated on the Certification Label, for any of the vehicles axles, even though the hoist, body and payload capacity or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) are greater.

       8.3- By the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) as stated on the Certification Label, even though the hoist, body and payload capacity or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for any of the axles may be greater.

9- Each load should be loaded in a stable position equally distributed through the body.

10- Do not leave the vehicle during the dumping cycle. Remain at the controls. Release the tailgate controls before lifting the body.

11- Never stand or move through or allow anyone else to stand or move through the area when the hoist operates, or into an area where an upset load, or the discharge from the body may fall.

12- Precautions should be taken to avoid slipping or falling while working in, on or around the dump unit.

13- When the body is stored or not in use, the body must be in full lowered position, and resting of the chassis or hoist frame. IGNITION KEY SHOULD BE REMOVED TO PREVENT TAMPERING BY UNAUTHORIZED PERSONNEL!

14- Whenever the body is in an elevated or raised position for any repairs, adjustments, service, or any other reason, it must be securely blocked or propped so that it cannot fall, however, under no circumstances should any repair, adjustments, or service be attempted on a loaded body when it is in a raised position.

15- Regularly inspect the vehicle to see that all safety equipment required by Federal, State, County, Municipal and/or Local regulations have been installed, are operable, and used.

Is there an Installation Guide ?

The Installation Guide is available online here: Installation Guide