CAT CLASS: HQ-11028

Up to 500 gal Water Trailer

Up to 500 gal water trailers are light-duty mobile water supply units designed for dust control and washdown applications pulled behind a pickup truck or utility vehicle. With tank capacities ranging from 25 to 460 gallons and load capacities from 320 to 5,443 kg, these trailers serve small to medium-sized sites where portability and maneuverability matter more than volume. For applications requiring more than 500 gallons of on-site water storage, larger tank trailers are classified separately.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Tank capacity	25–460 gal	Total water storage volume; smaller units suit UTV towing, while 400+ gallon models require pickup trucks.
Load capacity	705–12,000 lb (320–5,443 kg)	Maximum combined weight of water, tank, and spray equipment the chassis is rated to carry.
Tow vehicle	Pickup or UTV	Light chassis design allows towing with half-ton trucks or utility vehicles depending on loaded weight.

How to choose

This size class is appropriate for dust suppression on small grading sites, equipment washdown at light construction zones, and potable water delivery to remote work areas accessible by pickup or UTV. The category spans compact 25-gallon models suitable for ATV towing up to 460-gallon units requiring a full-size pickup. When daily water consumption exceeds 500 gallons, continuous refilling becomes impractical and a 500-1,000 gal Water Trailer provides better efficiency and fewer trips to the fill station.

What this size handles

Dust control during residential lot grading with a skid steer
Washdown station for concrete tools and mixers on a small pour
Potable water supply for remote utility trenching crews
Trail maintenance and dust abatement in parks or recreational areas
Temporary water source for landscape irrigation during installation
Equipment cleaning at outdoor events or fairgrounds

Safety & operation

Verify tow vehicle capacity exceeds loaded trailer weight; water adds approximately 3.8 kg per gallon
Trailer brakes required on models exceeding local gross weight thresholds, typically 1,500–3,000 kg depending on jurisdiction
Secure tank baffles reduce water surge during transport, especially critical on sloped or uneven terrain
Check coupler latch and safety chains before each tow; dynamic load shifts differ significantly from empty trailer handling

Transport & logistics

Towed to site behind a pickup truck, with smaller models (under 200 gallons loaded) compatible with UTVs or light-duty vehicles
Standard ball hitch coupling, typically 2-inch or 2-5/16-inch depending on gross trailer weight
No special licensing required in most jurisdictions when loaded weight remains below 4,500 kg combined with tow vehicle

Power & supply

Gravity-fed discharge on basic models; no external power required for passive watering
Electric spray pumps on equipped models draw from 12V vehicle battery or onboard battery pack
Gasoline or diesel-powered pumps available on larger units for pressurized spraying independent of tow vehicle

Frequently asked

What tow vehicle is needed for a 400-gallon water trailer when full?

A fully loaded 400-gallon trailer weighs approximately 1,800 kg (tank plus 1,500 kg of water), requiring a half-ton or larger pickup truck with appropriate hitch rating and trailer brakes in most regions.

How long does a 300-gallon trailer supply dust control on a grading site?

Duration depends on spray rate and area covered, but typical dust suppression consumes 15–30 gallons per hour, providing 10–20 hours of intermittent spraying before refill.

Can these trailers be filled from a standard hydrant?

Most models include a quick-fill inlet compatible with garden hose threading or cam-lock fittings; fill time for 400 gallons averages 30–60 minutes at typical municipal water pressure.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Load capacity	Engine power
Chem-Tainer Trans320 – 320 Gallon Transport Tank	705 lb (320 kg)	-
Load Trail FT07 Tank Trailer	7,000 lb (3,175 kg)	-
Load Trail FT10 Tank Trailer	9,989 lb (4,531 kg)	-
Thunder Creek MTT460	10,000 lb (4,536 kg)	-
Thunder Creek DFT460	10,000 lb (4,536 kg)	-
Thunder Creek MTO460	10,000 lb (4,536 kg)	-