Re: Northern Tool 5'x8' Aluminum Trailer *more questions

[Alan_H]

NT has an Aluminum version of their 5X8 trailer.
Shipped weight is 88 lbs lighter than the steel version, but they both have the same GVWR and load capacity.
I am guessing that this is due to using the same axle/tire for both setups.

Does anyone have experience with this?

Seems like it would give a little more advantage when trying to build super light.

However, what concerns might there be for durability and corrosion resistance?

Click image below to see it on their site.

[booyah]

Use stainless steel fasteners where you attach the frame to the camper and you should have no corrosion issues

Use something else and your likely to have problems

more here
http://www.aluminiumdesign.net/design-s ... -fasteners

That said, I'm looking at this for the next trailer...

[Alan_H]

Use stainless steel fasteners where you attach the frame to the camper and you should have no corrosion issues

Use something else and your likely to have problems

more here
http://www.aluminiumdesign.net/design-s ... -fasteners

That said, I'm looking at this for the next trailer...

Good point, and thanks for the link.

[GPW]

Nice looking light trailer ... Saving 88 lb. means you won’t have to leave one of the children at home ...

[WizardOfOdds]

Here is a link the an earlier thread on the same subject in the Trailer & Chassis section
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=66101
Download the manual from the NT site and read it with care. I find it a bit too vague.
Also be sure to read the Q&A section of the NT ad page. It is updated with each new question or answer added, if you have any questions, why not ask NT directly? My advise is make your question exactly what you want to know with no wiggle room to avoid a real answer. Read the manual and Q&A about adding decking to the frame to see what I mean. Also, contrary to the answer about the 'bolts will eventually rust', I think the real concern is that the steel bolts will erode the aluminum, unless you take the necessary precautions.

[zukimoo]

my brother bought an aluminum trailer because it was light and he brings it to me every month to fix it...the thing can't take any weight at all. Now for a tear drop going light you might be ok but 88lbs savings is not something that would make me go aluminum.

When you fasten to your trailer anytime you use dissimilar metals you need some kind of coating between the metal, on bolts you'd use an anti-seize and in places where your two different metals are resting against each other you really need something to make a barrier.

Just using stainless won't work, one or both will end up oxidizing and turning into a powder. It happens a lot with aluminum trailers because people us metal bolts and it causes a reaction. Galvanized bolts would be better but then you have to take into consideration that galvanized bolts are just grade 2 so nothing for strength.

[Shadow Catcher]

Our trailer is entirely aluminum and I do a yearly inspection. The bolts are anodized steel and I have seen no problems screws are stainless steel and I used PTFE paste on some of them (recommended) and not on others and so far three years in can see no difference. Steel screws, let me put it this way I replace over 200 of them with SS.

[Alan_H]

Thanks for all the feedback. It is all in my notes!!

I pulled the trigger. I found a $50 off code on Retailmenot for orders over $250.

The retail on this was $729, with $100 off and free shipping, and then with the additional $50 off, it came to $579. I had to pay sales tax, but that was only about $36, so I'm still ahead of the game with the $50 off.

Oddly enough, it kept kicking out the $50 when I tried to pay through PayPal , but when I did normal checkout it stuck...

Now to decide on the axle... I really want brakes.

I may sell the axle without even installing it and order a torsion axle with brake flanges. I think this would make the axle more marketable, as I could sell axle, springs and mounts, and even the wheels as a package. Or I could just get a regular axle with the brake flanges and mount it with the supplied springs.

Any suggestions?

[WizardOfOdds]

Congrates on your new Alum trailer, it must be exciting.
Have you read this post:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=66514
Maybe you can use his axle (check the length).
Anyway, I think the best place to post your axle questions is in the "Trailer & Chassis Secrets" section - that is where I find the best axle info.

Be sure to let us know how your order & kit works out. And good luck with getting the axle you seek.

[Alan_H]

Congrates on your new Alum trailer, it must be exciting.
Have you read this post:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=66514
Maybe you can use his axle (check the length).
Anyway, I think the best place to post your axle questions is in the "Trailer & Chassis Secrets" section - that is where I find the best axle info.

Be sure to let us know how your order & kit works out. And good luck with getting the axle you seek.

Yes, I saw that thread, and considered it, however this trailer is 60" wide and his axle is only 56" at the brackets..

Thanks for thinkin' though!!