McDave wrote:Aluminium trailers are much lighter and stronger overall. Also more expensive, but you get what you pay for... hopefully. If I had it to do over, I would be willing to delay my build in order to afford an all aluminium trailer. Hindsight being what it is and all...
McDave
beachguy005 wrote:You have a lot of salt water in Iowa? We have boat lifts down here with cradle beams that are either galvanized steel or aluminum. The aluminum ones last a lot longer and don't ever rust. The get submerged in brackish and salt water.
Aluminum or steel? In most cases steel will be cheaper and slightly heavier. Most people think aluminum will be a 50% weight savings, but in reality you usually save 5-25% depending on the trailer and manufacture. A well built 6 x 10 enclosed trailer will save you about 180lbs off of a 1200lb steel trailer. Aluminum trailers will not rust, but a properly coated and undercoated steel trailer can last just as long as an aluminum trailer. Aluminum trailers have to be checked for cracks periodically and require maintenance to keep their shine. We love our Cargo Mate, Lightning, & Rance aluminum trailers, but they are not maintenance free. Steel will most definitely rust, can crack, & be heavier than it’s aluminum brother. Aluminum typically costs 20-50% more than a comparable steel enclosed trailer. An aluminum trailer will maintain a much higher resale value for the usable life of the trailer.
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