The Trashmaster is a recurring garbage truck appearing in the Grand Theft Auto series since Grand Theft Auto III, with the exception of Grand Theft Auto Advance and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars. It is manufactured by Brute in Grand Theft Auto IV and Jobuilt in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online.
Influence[]
3D Universe[]
Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories[]
In Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, the Trashmaster resembles a Mack MR cab-over-engine garbage truck but with squared headlights placed within the grille and a smaller windshield.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the Trashmaster is based on the 1980–1999 Ford F-700 medium-duty truck.
HD Universe[]
The Trashmaster in the HD Universe is modeled after the Peterbilt 320 COE chassis, also drawing heavy inspiration from the CCC LET, CCC IRL, and Mack LE, particularly those utilized by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY). The rear loader design seems to be a combination of the E-Z Pack M-200/C-200 and the Loadmaster Legacy rear loaders. The GTA IV's Trashmaster includes a snow plow mount, a different grille, possibly influenced by the WhiteGMC Xpeditor WXLL, and unique tail lights and headlights. On the other hand, the GTA V iteration incorporates more elements resembling the Peterbilt 320, which are more commonly used by the LA Sanitation (LASAN), with the headlights potentially taking inspiration from the Ottawa Rouge.
Design[]
3D Universe[]
The Trashmaster remained mostly the same throughout the 3D Universe games, being a triple-axle truck with a greenish waste rear-loading compactor in the back and having capacity for two occupants.
In Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, the Trashmaster features an exhaust stack is located on the passenger side and the rear end of the compactor is fitted with numerous tail lights above and amber lights at the bottom, as well as a red/white warning stripe in between the lower lights. It normally spawns in white, with the fenders/mudguards painted with a secondary color.
In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the Trashmaster shares a similar cab design to the Yankee, albeit with small differences in terms of details, such as the grille and vented hood in GTA Vice City, the smaller headlights and fender-mounted amber lights in GTA San Andreas, and the grille design and lack of silver door details in GTA Vice City Stories, as well as the exhaust stack on the driver side. The tail lights are generally similar to those of the cab-over-engine iteration, but the red and white tail lights are rotated in a vertical positioning and the top marker lights are slightly more centered. In addition, the GTA San Andreas iteration lacks the red/white warning stripe on the rear end, but bears Sanitary Andreas logos around the rear quarters of the compactor. This model of the vehicle spawns in a white color for the cabin.
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
The Trashmaster is depicted as a cab-over-engine, single-hopper garbage truck with the same triple-axle layout as in the 3D Universe, being mostly similar to the GTA III and GTA Liberty City Stories renditions. The cabin of the truck is relatively short, having a black front bumper at the bottom with a license plate on the passenger side and a large non-functional plough attachment on the center. Above the bumper and partially behind the plough attachment, there is a grey/silver rectangular grille with various vertical elements and small grey hooks beside it, while the area above bears a front light setup similar to the Packer, with the amber lights located beside the main ones.
On the sides, the truck has large side steps at the bottom and grab handles next to the doors, as well as large door-mounted mirrors with two antenna on the upper frames and various marker lights. The split windshield has a slanted profile and is a bit larger than the side door windows, while an airhorn is seen mounted on the passenger side of the cab roof. Directly behind the cabin, there is an exhaust stack on the passenger side and the truck's filter system on the driver side.
The rear section is mostly predominated by the trash compactor sitting atop the truck's chassis, which is twice as tall than the cabin (though the cabin itself is actually about the same size, just sitting in a lower height). Along the chassis, two chrome fuel tanks are mounted near the front end on either side, and a storage box on the driver side. Along the sides of the container there are red/white warning stripes and numerous marker lights, while an unusable ladder can be seen on the driver side. On the rear end, the vehicle has vertical warning stripes and numerous tail lights, with the upper ones being circular and the lower ones squared. At the bank of the truck, a functional (but not to the player) "trunk" serves as the compactor which opens and closes slightly. It does not appear open during normal gameplay, however.
The entire truck is only seen in a white base color with Liberty Sanitation Department decals across the vehicle, including the company logo on the sides, and numerous warning stickers on both ends. It is commonly seen in a It uses a set of industrial wheels also seen on vehicles like the Mule and the Flatbed.
According to the police scanner, the Trashmaster is manufactured by Brute.[1] Moreover, both internally and by the police scanner, the Trashmaster is referred to as the "Trash" as oppose to its full name.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
In Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, the Trashmaster appears mostly unchanged compared to its previous iteration (appearing to be a combination of the Mack LE and Peterbilt 320 refuse trucks). However, numerous edits have been made to the model.
The original front bumper on the GTA IV model has been replaced with a single, flat-fronted chrome bumper with two tow-hooks, while the grille is narrower and bears three vertical elements with black horizontal ones. The amber lights were moved to below the headlights, and two additional handles have been added underneath the windshields. The sides of the cab are mostly identical, but the passenger and driver-side doors lack the beveled border edge found on the GTA IV model. The cabin area also remains identical in shape, but the wipers have been swapped in a way that means they would rotate in the opposite direction, while a chrome sun deflector has also been added in front of the windshields. The roof bears additional marker lights and another airhorn on the driver side. The exhaust stack has also been modified with a slightly curve at the top. The interior is more or less identical to the GTA IV model, where in the enhanced version, gains an updated one with similar textures and analog dial set from vehicles like the first generation Burrito and the Phantom.
The rear section and compactor remain generally the same, but several changes were also made around it. Along the chassis, the smaller chrome fuel tanks have been switched out for a larger one on the driver side and a smaller box on the passenger side. Fender flaps have also been added in front and behind the rear two axles, which is also similar to trucks like the Biff and the Tipper. The front end of the compactor adds a small sign on top reading "Keep Los Santos Awesome", while the sides have large advertisements reading "Little Pricks" and "Butt Lovers". More marker lights have been added to the sides and the ladder found on the GTA IV model has been moved to the passenger side and toward the front, while an access hatch has also been added to the left front side of the compactor. On the rear end, the original lighting setup has been altered slightly; the inner taillights at the top are reversing lights, and the rectangular indicator and brake lights at the bottom are circular lights.
The truck appears in a permanent worn, rusty texture and may appear in several different shades of grey, along with the City of Los Santos seal on the front doors. In the files, it is set to spawn in a greyish blue primary color, which is partially visible on the sections holding the brown mudflaps. It also retains the same industrial wheels.
Despite the fact that the vehicle has no badging, police radio chatter reveals that the manufacturer is Jobuilt.
Performance[]
3D Universe[]
The Trashmaster has a slow but powerful engine, and when at its top speed, is a threat to other motorists on the road. However, durability is slightly worse than expected for a truck of its size, but deformation/body damage is mostly unnoticeable. The truck has a high chance of rolling over when cornering at high speed.
3D Universe Overview[]
Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | 68 / 110 | 4 | Diesel | RWD | 5500 / 12125 (GTA III — GTA San Andreas)
10000 / 22046 (GTA Liberty City Stories & GTA Vice City Stories) |
N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | RWD | Cannot be observed |
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
Returning in the HD Universe, the Trashmaster becomes much slower and harder to handle, possibly because of the large and heavy compactor. The unequal weight distribution also results in a slow acceleration and sluggish steering, which can cause mistakes when reversing down alleys and attempting to turn around. However, it is still a threat to small vehicles.
The truck is powered by a large diesel engine, with a RWD layout, and a 6-speed gearbox. Its engine sound is rather unique, as it is not as smooth as the one found in light trucks like the Mule and the Securicar, but not as loud as the one found in heavy trucks like the Flatbed and the Phantom.
GTA IV Overview[]
Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engines | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | 62 / 100 | 6 | N/A | RWD | 6500 / 14330 |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
N/A | N/A | 6 | FR | RWD (rear 4) | Cannot be observed |
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
In GTA V and GTA Online, the Trashmaster is no longer heavily dragged by its weight (despite being heavier), and is more secure and stiffer in suspension. Cornering is much of an improvement, but oversteer is still present. Acceleration is more responsive, as are the throttle and brakes.
Again, the truck is powered by a large diesel engine, with a RWD layout, and a 5-speed gearbox. Its engine sound is the same as in GTA IV.
GTA V and Online Overview[]
Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
Fuel Tank Size (litres) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A | 68 / 110 | 5 | N/A | RWD | 9000 / 19842 | 65 |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
12.1 Seconds | 91 / 146 | 5 | FR (rear 4) | RWD (rear 4) | Cannot be observed | Cannot be observed |
Rockstar Games Social Club[]
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
Gallery[]
Design[]
Version History[]
Variants[]
Image | Vehicle | Description | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() The heist Trashmaster in Grand Theft Auto Online. |
Trashmaster (heist) | A heavily rusted variant of the Trashmaster, exclusive to GTA Online. | Added in the Heists update for Grand Theft Auto Online. |
Special variants | |||
Trashmaster | An all-black Trashmaster appears as part of the props in the Payphone Hit: The Cofounder mission at the Motor Motel location. |
Prominent Appearances in Gameplay[]
Grand Theft Auto III[]
- Blow Fish - Claude has to destroy the Triad's Fish Factory with a Trashmaster rigged with a bomb from 8-Ball Autos, under Toni's orders.
- Import/Export - The Trashmaster is one of the 23 vehicles wanted for the Portland Island portion of the Import/Export side mission.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[]
- Psycho Killer - A Trashmaster suddenly try to block Tommy's Limo in front of the stairs near Ammu-Nation.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories[]
- Trash Dash - A side mission where the player have to pick up Dumpsters and bringing it back to the Harwood Autocrusher and Junkyard.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories[]
- Jive Drive - Four Trashmasters appear throughout the chase: two at Escobar International Airport, one in Little Havana and one at the border between Little Havana and Little Haiti.
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
- Taking in the Trash - Niko, along with Luca and his crew are sent to pick up the Diamonds hidden in the garbage with a Trashmaster.
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- Trash Truck - Michael, Trevor or Franklin have to steal a Trashmaster as a setup for a heist.
- Blitz Play - The same Trashmaster from the mission Trash Truck is featured in the heist mission, used as the blockade vehicle.
Grand Theft Auto Online[]
- Trash Talk - Martin Madrazo sends the player to destroy various Trashmasters in the mission.
Locations[]
Grand Theft Auto III[]
- Occasionally spawns in Aspatria, Staunton Island.
- Rarely spawns in Portland and on the Callahan Bridge.
- More common when another Trashmaster is already driving around, for example in a Vigilante mission.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City[]
- Can be spawned by inputting a cheat.
- Frequently spawns in Viceport.
- Parked in the junk yard in Little Haiti.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- Can be spawned by inputting a cheat.
- Can be seen driving around near airports and docks throughout the state.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories[]
- Parked in the Harwood junk yard, also spawns within the Harwood district.
- Parked in the Carson General Hospital parking lot in Rockford, Staunton Island.
- Parked in the Francis International Airport car park in Shoreside Vale.
- Rarely appears in the city.
- Sometimes appears around Cochrane Dam in the mobile version.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories[]
- Parked in the junkyard in Little Haiti.
- Obtainable through Cheat Codes.
- Commonly spawns around Viceport at night.
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
- Several are parked within and around the Liberty Sanitation Depot on Privateer Road in Fishmarket South, Algonquin, Liberty City.
- Many spawn around Liberty City at night.
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- Obtainable during the Trash Truck mission.
- Two frequently spawn in a large lot in the southernmost corner of Los Santos International Airport, near Franklin's hangar, along with a Dozer and a Blazer.
- Seen driving around East Los Santos relatively often.
- Can be spawned with the cheat code button combination
, RB,
, RB,
,
, RB, LB,
,
(Xbox 360)
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
(PlayStation 3)
Grand Theft Auto Online[]
- Rarely seen driving around the Cypress Flats area.
- Can be placed in Deathmatch Creators.
Rewards[]
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
- The Trashmaster can be sold at S&M Auto Sales for a maximum of $2,200 (in perfect condition) after completion of Stevie's Car Thefts. However, it is nearly impossible to sell it in perfect condition because the player will always collide with the roof.
Radio Stations[]
- In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the Trashmaster plays K-DST.
- In Grand Theft Auto IV, the default radio stations are grouped by genre. The Trashmaster uses the "Jazz" group which can play:
- In Grand Theft Auto V and Online, the radio is set to "Off".
Trivia[]
General[]

The Trashmaster featured in Manhunt 2. Notice the same textures as of Grand Theft Auto III.

Front of the truck featured in Manhunt 2.
- A Grand Theft Auto III-style Trashmaster appears in Rockstar North's Manhunt 2. It is very similar to its GTA III counterpart, down to nearly identical textures.
- The name "Trashmaster" is likely derived from the real-world garbage compacter manufacturer Loadmaster.
Grand Theft Auto III[]
- In the Japanese version of GTA III, the Trashmaster is known as the Dustcart.
- In the mission Blow Fish, the Trashmaster with a bomb installed is immune to bullets and flames. It can be collected by ditching it at the beach near Portland Harbor.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- In BradyGames' Strategy Guide, the Trashmaster is somehow erroneously depicted as a vehicle that could be modified at TransFender.
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories[]
- The GTA: Liberty City Stories rendition of the truck is unusual in that its door will not be closed when the player exits the truck on a flat surface; the player must disembark onto a surface more elevated than that where the truck is in order to close the door. This peculiarity is also seen on other vehicles with high driver compartments, such as the Dumper in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories[]
- Despite the truck perpetually spawning with a white color for the cabin, the cabin can be turned black by making use of the EC Black Conversion trick featured in the mission In the Air Tonight.
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
- The Trashmaster is usually scheduled to roam Liberty City picking up trash on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- It is not possible to carry four people using the Trashmaster, even though it can be seen with two LSD workers on the back.
- These workers are also immune to any crashes as long as they do not start leaving the truck.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
- The livery on both sides of the truck shows a cartoon, with the left livery saying "Little Pricks" and the right saying "Butt Lovers", further showing Rockstar's crude humor.
Oversights[]
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
- The Trashmaster's front turning lights will not light up. However, only the light reflection on the ground is visible. This is most likely a minor cosmetic glitch.
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- The right-side center fender flap is not present on the first level of detail model.
- Both rear-most flaps are missing on the second level of detail model.
- The side warning markers are missing on the second level of detail model.
- The door panels on both doors inside the interior of the Trashmaster clip into the dashboard.
References[]
- ↑ File Data:
POLICE_SCANNER_MANUFACTURER_MAN_BRUTE