aluminum vs steel trailers

[summitx]

Sold my old trailer today now in the market for a new or new to me trailer. can't decide to go with an aluminum or steel frame this time. Can't remember there ever being a thread on here comparing them... let's hear what everyone has to say.

 

[summitx]

Going to be towing right now with an 04 F-150 and just looking for a two place so I'm not worried about the steel being a little heavier. Going to have an Xp on there in the winter and a riding buddies sled when we go. Hoping to buy a rzr or side x side this spring as a family wagon so that will go on there with a 90 cc kids quad.

 

[teeroy]

2 place open trailer....go aluminum. will hold it's value, never needs paint, and won't corrode. one person can unhook it and maneuver it around easily, they are very light.

I bought a new Triton 2 place open tilt deck in '06, sold it last spring after using it 4 seasons and sold it for 50 bucks more than I paid for it.

 

[white6]

then ya definately go aluminum if your getting a 2place open trailer! there would be no other way to go (in my mind). the maneauverability by hand of the trailer is reason enough, never mind the minimal maint. etc

 

[brew_doo]

After spending a good part of yesterday grinding off rust, priming, and painting the steel door frames on the enclosed trailer I say go aluminium. Way less maintenance and lighter pull. Our next one will be all aluminium.

 

[Trax 2 Treadz]

One of the problems with a aluminum trailer is if they are damaged its very hard to find a good welder to repair them. Depending on the design in a jack knife situation you'll find yourself without a trailer tonque, well without one attached to the trailer anyways. While the weld may be strong generally the material on either side of the weld is weak as most manufacturers dont spend the time and money to do any heat treatment. If you buy used make sure you check closely for cracking by the welds.

 

[Puba]

If I had the choice I'd go with the aluminum before I went with a steel one again. This year I re-did the steel tilt deck, sand blasted it, painted it, extended the front then re-decked it....

 

[mel.h]

If enclosed, go steel main hitch & frame, then sides & top aluminum. My boss has his like that, it's 6 years old & looks like new. Open deck, go aluminum... mines steel & every 2 - 3 years it needs repainting & to get a real good job done you have to remove the decking, which can be a pain, even if it is screwed down like mine. I should of went with carriage bolts.

 

[RETODD]

Aluminum lighter, does not rust but more $$$ I'd upload pics of our new one if I could.

 

[white6]

more money is generally worth the less maintenance! what will you be hauling the trailer with? some guys like the aluminum trailers also because they dont have to have such big heavy trucks then

on the other side, steel is heavier on the road so when you get into heavy winds n ice it seems to stick better.. not draft/push you around the roads

 

[summ-it-up]

i bought a 12' 2 place steel open deck v nose trailer 3 years ago now, love the trailer it self, but like mentioned already, its in need of a blast and paint. paid 2100 brand new, any one care to share what the aluminum ones are worth?

 

[summitx]

Martin wants $2000 for a new 10' triton with 2' v nose. No tongue jack, spare or salt shield for that price

 

[summ-it-up]

Martin wants $2000 for a new 10' triton with 2' v nose. No tongue jack, spare or salt shield for that price

well for that price i think i should have shopped around more, sheesh, mine only came with the jack and the ramp. they wanted 300 for the shield and 100 bucks for the spare- i just went to the wreckers for the rim and tire, cost me $50.

 

[summitx]

Usually $2400.00, they have sale on right now. Usually coincides with the sled show

well for that price i think i should have shopped around more, sheesh, mine only came with the jack and the ramp. they wanted 300 for the shield and 100 bucks for the spare- i just went to the wreckers for the rim and tire, cost me $50.

 

[Big Jon]

If you want strong trailer steel is best, don't want it to rust get a galvanized one. I've seen aluminum trailer decks bent. I won't spend more money for an inferior product. But that's just me.

 

[Hurlin'damud]

Thanks for the info on the trailers...how about input on tilt decks. Borrowed one once and maybe it was me but had a terrible time with it. Are they ok for the quads and bikes as well or should i stick with a ramp job for all applications? Thanks again