aluminum vs steel trailer

[yycwrangler]

With this terrible weather in Alberta, my wife has given me the nod for our next trailer. Was considering an expedition assembly but there again you end up with a wet tent. Like the idea of a cargo conversion.

I see many concerns about steel and aluminum combo trailers rusting where the steel and other metals meet on the trailer (can't remember the term). So it seems an all aluminum trailer may be the way to go. At this point I'm going with a 6x12 v nose and I really like the Neo trailers. Of course an aluminum trailer is more expensive.

So my question to you guys is....is it such a big concern as everyone makes it out to be having a steel trailer and the rusting out.

The other aspect is weigh. I have a jeep wrangler JKU with a towing capacity of 3500lbs so keeping the weight down is a priority. Will put ebrakes on the single axle.

Appreciate any feedback anyone may have

Cheers
Al
Calgary

[flboy]

Unless the extra weight is an issue, I'd go with the steel. No issues with strength. Just make sure the frame is painted well and if you remove the wall panels for insulation, take a few cans of Rust Oleum and make sure it it well covered (very cheap insurance)

Like every design decision, there are tradeoffs. For me I went with steel to save the cost premium given the weight wasn't a primary concern. I wanted to put the money saved into the solar power system. Not worries about rusting out.

[EZDog]

I have been trying to understand exactly what you are concerned with about Steel and Aluminum trailers?
Do you mean the steel frame with aluminum skin?
If so that probably describes 99% of the rigs out there I would think and I hardly ever see one rusted out just from being skinned in aluminum over steel?
I also rarely see any trailer rusted out at all so please explain your concern about this a little better.

Having said this I have both a Steel/Aluminum and an all Aluminum trailer and the Aluminum is certainly much lighter but also a far better built unit in really every way.
The Aluminum also pulls and handles a lot better for me and if the weight is a real concern for you this is a pretty solid reason to go Aluminum I think.

I have no reason to assume that all Aluminum trailers are built to the standard as mine as there sure might be some built to the same "Cheap Georgia" standards as my Steel trailer but I have not seen any.

For some reason my Georgia trailer had the studs painted over the steel only at the very top and bottom of the studs?
This gave me the distinct impression that the studs were painted but alas they were not except where it was visible from the view as delivered?
I can't say of this was so I would be fooled into thinking it was more finished than it was or why they didn't paint the whole frame but it seems stupid and cheap to pretend and not do the whole job.

If I had to start over knowing what I know now it would just depend on the funds that I had to work with.

I think I got pretty much exactly what I paid for.

My guess is that you will too?

[NO David!]

If road salt rust is your primary concern, then the all aluminum frame wins.
If weight is your primary concern, aluminum again.
If overall cost is your primary concern, then steel frame.

My thinking is this, the type of use we typically make of a cargo conversion is such that we will probably take better care of it than typical work trailer use, and we will decide to sell it, and build a different one for example, long before the steel frame rusts out.

Mine, built by Cargo Craft of Georgia had a completely painted frame, and the main trailer frame is heavily undercoated with a thick rough texture coating that has held up for several seasons.

If you are towing with a Jeep, this is my favorite setup, a Cargo Craft off-road trailer, recently built by their Texas plant and sold at this Colorado distributor, kinda' pricey, but it's all there waiting on your insulation install, and your few remaining mods to make it suit you.
http://www.coloradotrailersinc.com/2017-cargo-craft-elite-v-6x12-off-road-cargo-trailer-new-cargo-trailer-co-i1940501

Found a video of one of their 6x12 off-roads (pretty expensive, but it doesn't take long to get there even if you build it yourself)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPCGMLQgpgU

[Padilen]

I have seen rusted and corroded cargo trailers, horse trailers,snowmobile trailers and box trucks. I've torn down many TT's and have seen a lot of damage. It doesn't take long in Michigan if they are towed in winter. That's why I went with all aluminum and "no screws ". With the hopes of it lasting longer.
Steel rusts and aluminum corrodes. Cleaning and maintaining both helps them last.

[flboy]

I have seen rusted and corroded cargo trailers, horse trailers,snowmobile trailers and box trucks. I've torn down many TT's and have seen a lot of damage. It doesn't take long in Michigan if they are towed in winter. That's why I went with all aluminum and "no screws ". With the hopes of it lasting longer.
Steel rusts and aluminum corrodes. Cleaning and maintaining both helps them last.

Great point on maintenance. Nothing lasts forever, but good maintenance goes a long way to ensure longevity.

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

[CoventryKid]

I'm not sorry I bought a NEO trailer a couple of years ago.

I've had absolutely no problems with it. Highly recommended.

Hope this helps.

[tmm72]

Something that I found when buying my trailer looking at Aluminum over steel frame was the only reason to go with a Aluminum is for the road salt issues.
If you live in a area that uses road salt heavily which I am guessing Alberta is I would go with Aluminum.

As far as weight in the size and style of trailer that I was looking at the pounds was minimal. The reason is you need a lot of Aluminum to get the strength.

So in the end I went with a steel frame trailer cause at this time I am not going to use in the winter so much.

[Shadow Catcher]

Our all aluminum trailer is now six years old and I have used either stainless steel screws or anodized steel bolts and have seen no galvanic action. I did have some common steel screws rust out and they have been replaced. We had a leak and while it damaged the paneling the frame was fine.
The one big problem with Aluminum, is a finite modulus of elasticity, it will crack if design is not right and break, there are however Ford Trimotors and DC3's still flying.

[funengineer]

Al
I have an all aluminum 7x12 NEO NAVF. Mines a flat roof, no roof vent so it will fit under my 8 foot garage door. Went with aluminum because I live in northern Michigan and didn't want it to rust. I'm slowly modifying it to use as a camping unit for when I'm out four wheeling or at tractor shows. It has worked very well for me so far. I have two factory installed 15x30 Windows, rv side door, rear ramp, two tone paint, white liner interior, 3500 pound axle with brakes and a custom NEO nose cabinet. If you decide on NEO, I'd suggest you purchase their stabilizer jacks for the rear. They are very simple but work well.
Just need to insulate and finish my 110 volt installation.
Good luck.
Dave
PS I went single axle so I could move it around by myself. With a caster wheel on the front tongue Jack, I'm able to push/pull it into my garage.

Sent from my tractor seat.