Ok what is everyones opinion of a Stainless steel nose.. Why spend the extra bucks?? Is it easier to clean?? Do you think it looks nicer?? I would appreciate some feedback.. I am in the process of ordering a new trailer.
Posted 2009-06-25 8:27 PM (#107070 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
I've had both. The aluminum white skinned one seemed to appear more dirty and showed more bug splats. Also it showed more "dimples" from birds, rocks, etc. hitting it while going down the road. I am sure that the stainless is more durable than aluminum to withstand the collisions with wildlife that occur while going down the road. The look doesn't really matter to me, just what ever is stronger.
Posted 2009-06-25 9:30 PM (#107073 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The stainless is more durable than the aluminum, it is easier to keep clean and polish, there is no paint to erode, it is a surface that does well on the outside of a trailer. With a minimum of maintenance, it will last longer than the aluminum and look better while doing so.
Posted 2009-06-26 8:15 AM (#107078 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
I like them. But if it is a flat nosed trailer like many are, it does reflect your center brake light back into your rear view mirror. Not a problem, just annoying. I was told it would reflect others headlights, but it hasn't.
Posted 2009-06-26 10:14 AM (#107081 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
I've sold both for over a dozen years; and it is one of the most worthwhile options you can put on a trailer. The stainless nose is tougher, MUCH easier to clean, is more attractive and will make your trailer resale better. Like everyone said; there are no CONS !!
Posted 2009-06-26 10:26 AM (#107083 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Veteran
Posts: 117 Location: Toronto ontario canada
How do you polish and maintain stainless steel ? I have some marks caused by a flapping tarp in the wind, some of the gloss or shine has become a little smokey or foggy . Someone told me to clean it with a solution of vinegar and water but I don't know how diluted it should be .
Posted 2009-06-26 10:42 AM (#107085 - in reply to #107083) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by sidelock on 2009-06-26 7:26 AM
How do you polish and maintain stainless steel ? I have some marks caused by a flapping tarp in the wind, some of the gloss or shine has become a little smokey or foggy . Someone told me to clean it with a solution of vinegar and water but I don't know how diluted it should be .
Depends on the marks... If the marks are deposits of tarp material, then a solvent will work. But if the marks are scratches in the stainless, you have to "grind" the surface to the bottom of the scratch. Automotive rubbing compound is a good abrasive to grind the surface. There are two types widely available. Red & White. The white is finer but slow, Red is faster cutting but coarser. Try it in a small out of the way spot first to see if the result is to your liking.
Posted 2009-06-26 11:56 AM (#107088 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Veteran
Posts: 117 Location: Toronto ontario canada
The marks are like someone wiped that area with a fine scotchbrite pad lightly leaving a slightly hazy finish. Not very visible but you can defentely see it if you look close enough. How complecated would it be to blend in with the rest of the uneffected polished surface ? Will I have to polish the entire panel ?
Posted 2009-06-26 12:05 PM (#107089 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
If it's no worse than you say, I would leave it be for fearing that I would only make it worse trying to rub it out..... Battle scars, only gives your trailer it's unique character.....
Posted 2009-06-26 12:05 PM (#107090 - in reply to #107088) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by sidelock on 2009-06-26 12:56 PM
The marks are like someone wiped that area with a fine scotchbrite pad lightly leaving a slightly hazy finish. Not very visible but you can defentely see it if you look close enough. How complecated would it be to blend in with the rest of the uneffected polished surface ? Will I have to polish the entire panel ?
The newly polished surface will be brighter and smoother than the surrounding, eroded, unpolished areas. It can be blended, but you will always see where the newly polished area is located. Using a buffer and a very mild compound, you can quickly surface clean and polish the rest with little effort to match.
Posted 2009-06-26 2:47 PM (#107094 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1160 Location: Denver Colorado
I insisted on a stainless nose on my gooseneck. Towed it 28k miles the first year, do have to clean it but I like the bling and I think I can maintain longer. The crickets in OK cover it black, but it comes off. We'll see what I think in 5 years.
Posted 2009-06-26 11:16 PM (#107122 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
I am a little late, but STAINLESS STEEL is the only way to go! I got lucky and I even have stainless steel side panels on mine! Fixing to have stainless steel panels on the rear doors as well!
Posted 2009-06-27 10:11 AM (#107145 - in reply to #107068) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Regular
Posts: 70 Location: Temecula, CA
I have had both I perfer the stainless. It stronger, it looks better and it's easier to keep clean. The other thing I like about the stainless is when we travel in the summer months (when theres more bugs) I spray the stainless with silcone spray. It makes cleaning the bugs off the nose so much easier. It's like they just wipe off............
Posted 2009-06-27 10:42 AM (#107147 - in reply to #107145) Subject: RE: Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Originally written by MSM on 2009-06-27 11:11 AM
I have had both I perfer the stainless. It stronger, it looks better and it's easier to keep clean. The other thing I like about the stainless is when we travel in the summer months (when theres more bugs) I spray the stainless with silcone spray. It makes cleaning the bugs off the nose so much easier. It's like they just wipe off............
Pro's Con's Stainless Steel nose
