What is a Hydrovac Trailer?
A hydrovac trailer is a towable hydro excavation system that uses pressurized water to break up soil and a vacuum system to remove the slurry into a debris tank. Unlike truck-mounted hydrovacs, trailers can be attached to a pickup or utility vehicle and transported wherever needed.
Key components include:
- Water tank (typically 150–1,000 gallons)
- Debris tank (300–2,000 gallons)
- High-pressure water pump (1,500–3,000 PSI)
- Vacuum blower or pump (500–2,500 CFM)
- Heated water systems (optional, for frozen ground)
Benefits of Hydrovac Trailers
1. Cost-Effective Operation
- Lower fuel consumption compared to large hydrovac trucks
- Reduced upfront investment and maintenance costs
2. Mobility and Accessibility
- Towable by standard vehicles
- Easily deployed in urban environments, alleys, narrow sites, and rural areas where large trucks cannot fit
3. Versatility
- Ideal for potholing, daylighting utilities, slot trenching, and small excavation jobs
- Suitable for municipalities, landscapers, and contractors handling light-to-medium excavation
4. Lower Permitting Requirements
- Many jurisdictions require fewer permits for trailer units compared to heavy hydrovac trucks
5. Environmentally Friendly
- Smaller fuel footprint
- Reduces ground disturbance compared to mechanical digging
Common Applications of Hydrovac Trailers
- Utility Potholing / Daylighting – Safely exposing underground gas, fiber, or water lines
- Slot Trenching – Narrow excavation for irrigation, cables, or pipes
- Municipal Maintenance – Catch basin cleaning, valve box clearing, small utility digs
- Construction Prep – Soil removal in tight-access areas
- Landscaping – Tree planting, root exposure, and irrigation work without damaging surrounding soil
Hydrovac Trailer Sizes and Capacities
Compact Models
- Water: 150–300 gallons
- Debris: 300–600 gallons
- Best for: Residential and light commercial jobs
Mid-Sized Units
- Water: 400–700 gallons
- Debris: 700–1,200 gallons
- Best for: Utility contractors and municipalities
Large Units
- Water: 800–1,000 gallons
- Debris: 1,500–2,000 gallons
- Best for: Extended jobsites, industrial facilities
Hydrovac Trailers vs Hydrovac Trucks
| Feature | Hydrovac Trailer | Hydrovac Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Towable, highly maneuverable | Larger, less maneuverable |
| Capacity | 300–2,000 gallons | 2,000–6,000+ gallons |
| Cost | Lower purchase & operating costs | Higher upfront and fuel costs |
| Applications | Small-to-medium jobs, tight sites | Large-scale, deep excavation projects |
| Accessibility | Fits in narrow or residential areas | Limited by size and weight restrictions |
Best Practices for Using a Hydrovac Trailer
- Match trailer size to job requirements – Don't oversize for small tasks
- Monitor water and debris levels – Smaller tanks fill faster than truck units
- Follow utility locating protocols
- Use heated water trailers in cold climates – Prevents downtime during winter
- Maintain regular service – Pumps, blowers, and hoses must be inspected frequently
Final Thoughts
Hydrovac trailers offer a cost-effective, flexible, and environmentally friendly alternative to large hydrovac trucks. They're perfect for utility daylighting, municipal work, and small-to-mid scale projects where space and budget are concerns. By choosing the right trailer size and following best practices, contractors can achieve safe, efficient excavation while reducing costs and improving jobsite flexibility.
