Aluminum vs Steel trailers.......

[wolfix]

Last night several of us got into a discussion about a what we wanted to use for our TD trailer. I made the statement if I could afford it, I'm going with aluminum. Weight was my main reasoning, but being rust free is important too. I was the only person that would go with aluminim.......

Pro's and con's of each?? You guys seem to have many different perspectives on this.........

The trailer will be a 5x8 built with average weight walls.....

[Leon]

If you aren't going to save weight elsewhere, the savings from the chassis will be small. Also, unless you are proficient at welding it, it can be more expensive to have it built (in addition to the cost of the materials). Aluminum is about 3 times more expensive than steel, and to build a similar strength structure it has to be about 50% heavier (in material not weight) than steel. In other words, an 1/8" steel tube is aproximately equivelant to a 3/16" aluminum tube. Where manufacturers make up some difference is less tonage to form the aluminum, and weight savings when the majority of the vehicle is aluminum. For a one-off trailer, there is marginal benefit.

[doug hodder]

I had the same conversation with Andrew about a year ago...his reply...see Leons post. Doug

[wolfix]

I had the same conversation with Andrew about a year ago...his reply...see Leons post. Doug

Leon told me all I need to know.
Thanks