I think it depends on the area of the country you live in, and the market you are trying to sell into.

If you are trying to sell to folks who are looking at top tier trailers like 4Star, Platinum, Hart etc, They are not going to consider a Aluminum skin/steel framed trailer. If you are selling into the mid range customer, they are going to be comparing your used aluminum over steel against a new trailer, and comparing a used price vs a new price.

I've owned two all aluminum trailers, and I've owned two Aluminum over steel trailers. From a performance stand point, I've had no problems with either type.  I had just as hard of time selling my all aluminum LQ as I did my Aluminum/Steel LQ.  And the sales price for both was about the same percent of the original for both. I can't say one depreciated more rapidly than the other.

I live in northern Utah, I use my trailer year round. Utah salts their roads in the winter, since we have an abundance of cheap salt from the Great Salt Lake. I haul out to Antelope Island almost every week in winter (an island in the Great Salt Lake that is accessed by a causeway). Salt spray gets on the road  and probably on my trailers from driving there. And I don't see any rust or deteriation on my current 2006 model steel framed trailer.

I really think this comes down to personal choice and budget. I sure wouldn't pay the same price for a Aluminum over Steel frame trailer as an all Aluminum trailer. But if the price is right and the trailer has the features you like, I would consider it.

You should expand your discussion to distinguish between steel frame/alum skin and galvanized frame/alum skin.  I have built both and I can tell you that these are 2 distinct products with varying durabilities.  For the record, I build all aluminum trailers too. 

Also, there was a discussion last week of one manufacturer having bare uncoated steel with alum sheet (bonded with VHB) on outside.  Corner cutting like this can greatly change the durability of your trailer.  Do your research and understand the manfacturing process.

Bartley Heath
bartley@DoubleDTrailers.com
Buy Factory Direct at DoubleDTrailers.com

Sure both will git r done BUT the reality is that steel will rust eventually. I live in NC and it is almost impossible to sell a trailer with a steel frame in my part of the state and I am not even by the shore where it is worse

I believe that the only reason to buy a trailer with a steel fram is budget

Steel frames have been around as long as we've had horse trailers. It's a good material, relatively inexpensive, easy to work and quite strong. Using it in its base form, rust issues have ruined the reputation of a few trailer manufacturers.

However newer variants, galvaneal, galvalume and new paint systems, have greatly improved the life spans of the steel frames. By combining these materials with the same aluminum skins as an all aluminum trailer, manufactures can now build a trailer that will have the appearance of an all aluminum trailer. They can maintain a lower production cost, and in many parts of the country, have a long lasting, viable product.

Many people have learned of the advantages of all aluminum trailers, and have, and are willing to, pay more for this material. To counteract the loss of these sales, some steel frame manufactures have resorted to false claims about the durability, effective strengths and abnormal maintenance of aluminum materials and ownership.

This has created some confusion to first time buyers, who are unaware of the facts and believe all that is written. Fortunately forums such as this one, can educate these people by the testimonials of actual owners. They can express their personal experiences and relate actual events. These are more valuable than the erroneous information often gleaned from sales brochures.

Don't discount the value of steel trailers. They have their place and are well respected by many owners. Don't discount the value of an aluminum trailer. There are many owners that will disprove the fictional accounts, made by the steel frame manufacturers about aluminum materials. Listen to the owners, not the sales people.

BOL  Gard