Dump Insert Side Extensions: Boosting Volume Without Sacrificing Control
One of the biggest advantages of an EZ-Dumper® dump insert is the ability to turn your pickup into a fully functioning dump truck in just a few hours. But what if you could carry nearly twice the load without sacrificing performance or control? That’s exactly what EZ-Dumper® side extensions deliver.
By raising the height of your dump insert’s sides and tailgate, side extensions allow you to haul more mulch, brush, or lightweight bulk materials in a single trip. For landscapers, contractors, and municipal crews, this means greater efficiency and reduced operating costs.
In this guide, we’ll break down what side extensions are, how they work, and why they may be the next upgrade your dump insert needs.
What Are Side Extensions?
Side extensions, sometimes called sideboards, are add-ons that mount to the top of your dump insert’s sides and tailgate. They increase the vertical wall height, boosting the insert’s volume capacity while maintaining the same 6,000 lb lift rating.
EZ-Dumper® offers side extension bracket kits in both steel and stainless steel, available in multiple heights to fit different job requirements:
- 12” high bracket kit (holds 2x12 boards)
- 19” high bracket kit (holds 2x12 boards)
- 20” high full steel or stainless extensions
These options let you customize your dump insert for the work you do most often.
Why Side Extensions Matter
At first glance, side extensions may look like a simple add-on, but they provide significant advantages on the jobsite:
- Increased Volume Capacity: Standard 8’ inserts hold 2 cubic yards. With sideboards, capacity can be doubled to 4 cubic yards for lightweight loads.
- Reduced Trips: Fewer trips mean lower fuel costs, less wear on trucks, and more time saved.
- Jobsite Flexibility: Whether hauling brush from a cleanup project or mulch for landscaping, extensions help move more in one load.
- Easy Customization: Bolt-on design makes it simple to add or remove based on seasonal needs.
For operators working with bulky but light materials, side extensions can completely change workflow efficiency.
When Side Extensions Make the Most Sense
Not every workload requires extensions, but certain industries and tasks benefit the most:
Landscaping & Lawn Care
Mulch, leaves, and brush are light but take up large amounts of space. Sideboards allow landscapers to haul more at once, cutting back-and-forth trips in busy seasons.
Snow & Ice Management
Crews carrying salt often benefit from extensions, allowing them to increase load size without needing a second truck. Stainless steel kits are particularly popular here.
Municipal Crews
City maintenance teams often haul mixed debris. Extensions allow flexibility for seasonal needs, like leaf pickup in fall or brush cleanup after storms.
Contractors
Contractors hauling demolition debris, siding, or other bulk materials can extend productivity by increasing volume capacity while still staying within safe lift ratings.
Steel vs. Stainless Steel Side Extensions
EZ-Dumper® offers both steel and stainless steel extension kits. Choosing the right one depends on your environment and workload.
| Feature | Steel Side Extensions | Stainless Steel Side Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Powder-coated for rust resistance | Naturally corrosion-resistant |
| Best Use | General hauling, landscaping, construction | Salt, snow, wet environments, coastal use |
| Appearance | Black powder-coated finish | Natural stainless finish |
| Maintenance | May require touch-up paint | Low maintenance, easy to clean |
Both options are engineered to match EZ-Dumper® inserts, so whichever you choose, you’ll get rugged reliability and a seamless fit.
Installation of Side Extensions
Installing EZ-Dumper® side extensions is straightforward:
- Bolt-on bracket kits attach securely to the insert sides and tailgate.
- Brackets hold standard 2x12 boards, allowing you to easily swap or replace boards as needed.
- Full steel or stainless steel extensions are also available for a more permanent solution.
Most installations take less than an hour and require only basic tools.
Maintenance & Care
- Steel Extensions: Inspect periodically for scratches and touch up powder coating as needed.
- Stainless Extensions: Require minimal maintenance, a quick rinse after salt or debris exposure is usually enough.
- Boards: If using bracket kits with wood boards, replace boards as they wear to maintain safety.
FAQs About Side Extensions
Do side extensions increase weight capacity?
No. Sideboards increase volume, not payload rating. Your EZ-Dumper® insert still carries up to 6,000 lbs.
Are extensions available for both 6’ and 8’ inserts?
Yes. Kits are available for both short-bed and full-size models.
Can I install them myself?
Yes. Most side extensions install in under an hour with basic tools.
Which is better steel or stainless?
- Stainless: Best for corrosive environments or salt use.
- Steel: Durable, powder-coated, and ideal for most landscaping or construction.
Will adding sideboards void my warranty?
No. Side extensions are EZ-Dumper®-approved accessories and covered under warranty when installed properly.
Final Thoughts
EZ-Dumper® dump inserts already make unloading simple and efficient. But with side extensions, you gain the ability to haul more in fewer trips without compromising safety or control.
Whether you’re a landscaper looking to carry more mulch, a contractor managing brush debris, or a municipality handling seasonal work, sideboards are a simple upgrade that delivers big results.
Built to the same rugged standards as every EZ-Dumper® product, steel and stainless extensions are ready to handle tough jobs year after year.
Ready to boost your volume capacity? Find a Dealer today to order EZ-Dumper® side extensions for your insert.
