Posted 2009-12-08 9:38 PM (#114088 - in reply to #114081) Subject: RE: What do you think about Galvaneal trailers
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by ohmysillyjester on 2009-12-08 6:03 PM
Do they hold up well?How much do they rust?Do they hold their value?Thanks
I like the ones I have had, also live in Texas so no problems with rust and any steel trailers so far other than WW and another brand I can not name. (court ordered)
Posted 2009-12-08 10:42 PM (#114091 - in reply to #114081) Subject: RE: What do you think about Galvaneal trailers
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Galvaneal is created by Zinc coating a steel substrate, and then heating it until it bonds with the base metal. It is a durable coating, but will turn brown from the steel if not surface coated soon after its production. The iron reaction will cause the surface to be a poor candidate for painting, if it isn't properly prepped.
Because it is coated with Zinc, if it comes into contact with aluminum, there will be a strong galvanic reaction. So if you are purchasing an aluminum clad trailer over a galvaneal frame, the manufacturers' construction methods will be put to the test. Many manufacturers are now using an adhesive tape instead of mechanical fasteners to affix the panels. Time will tell how wise this method will be.
I would first purchase an all galvaneal trailer, before I considered an aluminum clad variant. The aluminum would be slightly lighter, but the metal dissimilarities would be a strong issue for me. An all steel or all aluminum trailer are my choices.
There are many owners of the bi metal constructions that have had no problems at all. There are also some that have discovered hidden structural problems as they have aged. A lot is determined by where you live and the quality of the manufacturers' construction.
The resale value of a trailer is generally determined by the condition its in and the maintenance it has received. Some used trailers have sold for an amount almost equal to its purchase price; these generally do not include LQs which have a higher initial depreciation. All aluminum trailers have an excellent resale value, so do steel, if they are rust free and have a good paint coating. Again it's value will be determined by where you are and how well you maintain it.
Posted 2009-12-09 9:53 AM (#114094 - in reply to #114081) Subject: RE: What do you think about Galvaneal trailers
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: Kinston, NC
I sent you a PM about galvaneal. A golf ball hit my Tahoe about 3 years ago, chipping off a small area of paint down to the galvaneal, still no rust...
Posted 2009-12-13 2:15 PM (#114203 - in reply to #114081) Subject: RE: What do you think about Galvaneal trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I have a 2005 Logan with a 2004 build date that is all galvaneel. Sat outside its whole life and it still looks like brand new. Could sell it today for what I paid for it. I got alot more trailer for my dollar than if I had gone the aluminum route. Time will tell if the galvaneel holds up against rust like its supposed to, but so far so good.
What do you think about Galvaneal trailers
