Living in a snow belt area is similar to my abode in the rust belt. Steel trailer ownership requires a lot of maintenance in these areas. I agree with Genebob and would highly recommend an aluminum trailer. Having owned trailers of both construction, and having had to restore three of the steel horse trailers, I would not now choose any steel constructed horse trailer. I presently have several other trailers of steel construction, and all are rusty and ugly. They are all awaiting major attention, while my aluminum trailers need very little upkeep.

Aluminum costs more to purchase, costs less to own, and has a high resale value after years of ownership. In the long run, aluminum is less expensive to own and maintain, in my part of the country. It also affords a high degree of pride of ownership, by not being rust streaked, having holes in the bodywork, and wondering about the security of the undercarriage.