Posted 2007-08-07 3:45 PM (#65340 - in reply to #65332) Subject: RE: all-aluminum vs. steel frame/aluminum skin
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
I have owned both and cannot tell you if one is really safer than the other. Both served me well. Both hauled well but the all aluminum isn't rusting which in our climate was a concern for me. I wanted a solid trailer than wasn't going to rust ( winter salt,mositure and I store it outside) I chose an Exiss ( because it was what i could afford and had what I wanted not strictly because of make), its been great. My experience has been this- most trailers are safe and reliable but the difference will be what comforts you can afford.
Posted 2007-08-07 4:08 PM (#65343 - in reply to #65340) Subject: RE: all-aluminum vs. steel frame/aluminum skin
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
Babe is right, couple things I would consider also is do you plan on keeping the trailer for a long time and what conditions is it going to see. The cowboys in west Tx. NM, and Arizona seem to only have steel trailers and they arn't the nicest bunch on a trailer. Most what I see coming out of the northeast is always alumunum.
Posted 2007-08-07 4:13 PM (#65344 - in reply to #65332) Subject: RE: all-aluminum vs. steel frame/aluminum skin
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
It depends. One has to be mindful that each construction material has it's strengths and weaknesses and neither is maintenance free. Best thing to do is decide what the max you can afford is and buy in that range. Everyone builds a lemon periodically but you pretty much get what you pay for. The weight issue steel vs aluminum vs composite is highly dependant on the construction of the particular brand. Personally I like steel ( galvaneal) maybe I just have this idea it's stronger and will take more impact, but honestly one needs to keep after them with waxing and keeping up on stone chips and the like.Ideally a steel trailer holds up alot better shedded. Rich
Posted 2007-08-07 5:50 PM (#65349 - in reply to #65332) Subject: RE: all-aluminum vs. steel frame/aluminum skin
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Ohio
I do plan to keep the trailer for a long time. It will be stored outside.
My old trailer, which is steel frame/aluminum skin/wood floor is 20 years old and is still a solid usable trailer. I expect to get 20 years from the next one.
Posted 2007-08-07 6:13 PM (#65352 - in reply to #65332) Subject: RE: all-aluminum vs. steel frame/aluminum skin
Member
Posts: 23
Location: Indianapolis, IN
(IMHO)Steel is 3 times stronger than aluminum pound for pound, and much heaver. Aluminum won't rust (but it will oxide). Steel bends before it breaks, aluminum breaks before it bends. I like the aluminum over steel for those reasons. There are lots of trailers built this way and they get different results depending on how they are designed. The Galvanized trailers work well. They will rust but not as much, their welds are subject to rusting and it adds weight to the steel.Any place exposed steel has a screw or rivit put in it weather it is galvanized or painted it will eventually run rust out. Weight is a factor and as fuel goes up its more of a factor. If the trailer is designed with aluminum where the weather or the horses can ge to it. and the steel underneath for strength I think that is how it should be done. Like the Sundowner or the Merhow. Can't find the steel you would think they are all aluminum trailers.
all-aluminum vs. steel frame/aluminum skin
