Posted 2006-10-16 7:49 PM (#50174) Subject: Steel Frame with Aluminum
Member
Posts: 21
I am considering purchasing a used Hart or Sundowner trailer. Both have steel frames with aluminum bodies. I have heard that there is an oxidation that occurs when steel and aluminum come in contact with each other. What should I expect from this type of trailer or should I stay clear of that combination. I notice that there are lots of Sundowners for sale.
Posted 2006-10-17 7:15 AM (#50198 - in reply to #50174) Subject: RE: Steel Frame with Aluminum
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Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
BIG correction. Hart makes only all aluminum trailers. Sundowner makes both all aluminum and composite (steel and aluminum) trailers. Further, today's technology as applied by knowledgable manufacturers eliminates the galvanic corrosion problem in composite trailers.
Posted 2006-10-17 7:20 AM (#50200 - in reply to #50198) Subject: RE: Steel Frame with Aluminum
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Posts: 21
The trailers that I am looking at are older late 1980's or early 1990's. Were the Hart's always all aluminum? Was the technology there in the late 1980's on the Sundowners?
Posted 2006-10-17 7:52 AM (#50205 - in reply to #50174) Subject: RE: Steel Frame with Aluminum
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Posts: 2689
Originally written by Orion on 2006-10-16 7:49 PM
I am considering purchasing a used Hart or Sundowner trailer. Both have steel frames with aluminum bodies. I have heard that there is an oxidation that occurs when steel and aluminum come in contact with each other. What should I expect from this type of trailer or should I stay clear of that combination. I notice that there are lots of Sundowners for sale.
The problem is usually with connections, e.g. you can use a barrier tape between surfaces, but there is still the question of how to secure the aluminum sheet to the steel frame. Aluminum or steel rivets will contact both metals. There are MANY threads on this topic, please search for them.
I have seen pictures of steel frame aluminum skin Sundowner trailers that have been opened up for accident repairs. Without slamming/bashing that manufacturer in particular I can say that there was substantial evidence of galvanic corrosion. The pictures are on display at a well known and respected dealership/repair facility "not far from Boston". The owner WILL NOT buy/sell/trade Sundowners and displays these pictures as part of the reason that he wants to not be involved with their warranty work.
I don't know the year, model, or other details. It is possible that the problem has been corrected in later models or later production.
I might be near there in a month or two, if so I'll try to get details.
Posted 2006-10-18 7:12 AM (#50248 - in reply to #50174) Subject: RE: Steel Frame with Aluminum
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Posts: 534 Location: Zionsville, Indiana
Sorry, I didn't think about the Hart being of that vintage. Yes, Hart made an all steel trailer back in the late 80's. They then switched to all aluminum frames with either aluminum or FRP. They no longer use the FRP sidewalls, and are all aluminum with a one piece self insulating FRP roof.
Steel Frame with Aluminum
