I haven't picked up a welder in about 20 years, used to be able to weld but don't know if I could today. Over the last several years I have seen many posts on this forum in regards to the quality of different brands of trailers. A lot of times one thing that comes up is the quality of welds in a trailer in regards to different brands of trailers.I'm having trouble resolving this, why is it that one brand of trailer would have better welds than another? Are some companies using better equipment, better materials, hiring better people to construct their trailers? Is there better quality control within some companies? It just seems to me that if you are looking at X brand of trailer versus Y brand of trailer that the welds should be fairly similar?In general what makes the so called high end brands of trailers better than the value brands of trailers? Having owned a living quarters trailer for years it seems to me like a lot of the interior parts are pretty standard in the RV world. I was a bit concerned when I first purchased my trailer (I have a 2002 Exiss) that I would never find parts but as I have replaced and repaired some things I have found they all pretty much used similar hot water heaters, appliances, filters, vents, windows, doors, handles, etc. I'm looking for a new LQ trailer and I am really trying to decide if it's justified to purchase one of the high end brands versus one of the value brands. One of my considerations is resale but in my opinion resale seems to be relative. If I purchase a $60,000 trailer and sell it in 5 to 10 years for $55,000 or purchase a $45,000 trailer and sell it in 5 to 10 years for $40,000 whats the difference?
Posted 2016-03-21 10:27 AM (#166501 - in reply to #166493) Subject: RE: Better Welds? Better Build? Better Quality?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Welds-two common ways to weld aluminum--TIG is expense and produces those exposed welds used on top end trailers. MIG with a spool gun is used on lower line trailers. TIG looks better, and actually melts the material together. MIG is almost like using glue--it bonds, but doesn't have the appearance questionable holding strength when compared with TIG. MIG's holding strength can be sufficient, but appearance is never as good.Materials-gauge differences are the most common. Higher level trailers uses a thicker gauge of roofing, wall panels, floor panels, etc. Most higher level trailers also use more extrusions--these are formed panels that interlock together. Welds just keep the panels together, where as, on lower level trailers, extrusions are sparsely used and welds actually are part of the support. Joints-most higher level trailers, joints are mitered and beveled to allow stronger structural support. A mitered joint is stronger than a butt joint in most applications. Top level trailers try to limit the joints needed to use caulking. Entry level trailers use it everywhere.Windows/doors-higher level trailers have a dedicated framing system that is part of the structure of the trailer on both the door and door jam. Lower level trailers, doors and windows are "RV" type and they are typically rivet into the trailer frame work around the door.Seals/weather stripping-most high level trailers, the weather stripping is protected by aluminum channels. On low level, this weather stripping is exposed and in a lot of cases, just glued to the edge of the panel. Trailer floors-High level trailers has more structural support-either I beams with marine grade sheeting spaced 6-9", or marine grade extrusions are used. Low level trailers use I beams and sheeting, but can be spaced up to 12". Wiring/lights-LED lights used in most anymore, but higher level trailers, all wiring is enclosed, grommets used thru walls, weather tight connections, junction boxes are all part of higher level trailers. Some lower end trailers, just use commercial conduit and attach with hard ware store cable clamps.Tires/bearings-most low level trailers use the cheapest tires/bearings/brakes they can find. I have seen salvage parts used. Top level use name brand tires that have a dealer near by. As far as most trailers use RV parts, yes this is partial true. But higher end horse trailers see a lot more miles, and a lot more challenging conditions than most RVs. The appliances can be the same, but that is about where it ends. Most all top quality LQs, are more a "custom" fit due to the usage, sizing and angles involved. Also, the RV market is huge compared to the LQ market. So bottom line---yes the top shelf trailers are worth it IF you use them. They are not if you don't. They are typically made to last 300k miles or more. Entry level trailers are made to be use 5-10 times a year, with limited miles. BUT it also depends on care. I have seen 10 year old entry level trailers with 30k miles look good, where as, a 10 year old top level trailer with 30k miles on it, looks like crap. Good luck!
Posted 2016-03-30 7:54 AM (#166609 - in reply to #166501) Subject: RE: Better Welds? Better Build? Better Quality?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Camden
Originally written by Spin Doctor on 2016-03-21 10:27 AM
Welds-two common ways to weld aluminum--TIG is expense and produces those exposed welds used on top end trailers. MIG with a spool gun is used on lower line trailers. TIG looks better, and actually melts the material together. MIG is almost like using glue--it bonds, but doesn't have the appearance questionable holding strength when compared with TIG. MIG's holding strength can be sufficient, but appearance is never as good.Materials-gauge differences are the most common. Higher level trailers uses a thicker gauge of roofing, wall panels, floor panels, etc. Most higher level trailers also use more extrusions--these are formed panels that interlock together. Welds just keep the panels together, where as, on lower level trailers, extrusions are sparsely used and welds actually are part of the support. Joints-most higher level trailers, joints are mitered and beveled to allow stronger structural support. A mitered joint is stronger than a butt joint in most applications. Top level trailers try to limit the joints needed to use caulking. Entry level trailers use it everywhere.Windows/doors-higher level trailers have a dedicated framing system that is part of the structure of the trailer on both the door and door jam. Lower level trailers, doors and windows are "RV" type and they are typically rivet into the trailer frame work around the door.Seals/weather stripping-most high level trailers, the weather stripping is protected by aluminum channels. On low level, this weather stripping is exposed and in a lot of cases, just glued to the edge of the panel. Trailer floors-High level trailers has more structural support-either I beams with marine grade sheeting spaced 6-9", or marine grade extrusions are used. Low level trailers use I beams and sheeting, but can be spaced up to 12". Wiring/lights-LED lights used in most anymore, but higher level trailers, all wiring is enclosed, grommets used thru walls, weather tight connections, junction boxes are all part of higher level trailers. Some lower end trailers, just use commercial conduit and attach with hard ware store cable clamps.Tires/bearings-most low level trailers use the cheapest tires/bearings/brakes they can find. I have seen salvage parts used. Top level use name brand tires that have a dealer near by. As far as most trailers use RV parts, yes this is partial true. But higher end horse trailers see a lot more miles, and a lot more challenging conditions than most RVs. The appliances can be the same, but that is about where it ends. Most all top quality LQs, are more a "custom" fit due to the usage, sizing and angles involved. Also, the RV market is huge compared to the LQ market. So bottom line---yes the top shelf trailers are worth it IF you use them. They are not if you don't. They are typically made to last 300k miles or more. Entry level trailers are made to be use 5-10 times a year, with limited miles. BUT it also depends on care. I have seen 10 year old entry level trailers with 30k miles look good, where as, a 10 year old top level trailer with 30k miles on it, looks like crap. Good luck!
Wow! That is very informative. Thank you!
What would be the most important part of the trailers to look for if you couldn't afford a top level trailer? such as the welds, or the structural support you mentioned above? I am in the same spot as the op, I have been looking at new trailers and wondering which one would offer the most bang for your buck. I cant afford a new bloomer for sure!! But I dont want cardboard quality interior either!
Posted 2016-03-30 8:26 AM (#166612 - in reply to #166493) Subject: RE: Better Welds? Better Build? Better Quality?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Depends on a lot of things IMO. How you use it and store it is the most important. Do you/can you fix little things? Does it bother you to have to fix small things often? Is it that big of deal to you if not everything works as planned? If you are not mechanically inclined, you might be better off with a newer one with brand dependent on budget. IF you are, an older, top shelf trailer would be the best investment IMO. They will have little things that need care, but for the price, and a small investment in time (like to change lights, glue back on trim, etc), can save a bunch of money. If budget is not as big as concern as not having to fix things, go top shelf new. If you are only going to use it a few times a year, most any trailer will work.Structural support is important if you put on a ton of miles (30k or more a year) and plan to keep it forever. If 5k a year, most any would work. Good luck!
Posted 2016-03-31 4:42 AM (#166626 - in reply to #166501) Subject: RE: Better Welds? Better Build? Better Quality?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Spin Doctor on 2016-03-21 1:27 PM
Welds-two common ways to weld aluminum--TIG is expense and produces those exposed welds used on top end trailers. MIG with a spool gun is used on lower line trailers. TIG looks better, and actually melts the material together. MIG is almost like using glue--it bonds, but doesn't have the appearance questionable holding strength when compared with TIG. MIG's holding strength can be sufficient, but appearance is never as good.Materials-gauge differences are the most common. Higher level trailers uses a thicker gauge of roofing, wall panels, floor panels, etc. Most higher level trailers also use more extrusions--these are formed panels that interlock together. Welds just keep the panels together, where as, on lower level trailers, extrusions are sparsely used and welds actually are part of the support. Joints-most higher level trailers, joints are mitered and beveled to allow stronger structural support. A mitered joint is stronger than a butt joint in most applications. Top level trailers try to limit the joints needed to use caulking. Entry level trailers use it everywhere.Windows/doors-higher level trailers have a dedicated framing system that is part of the structure of the trailer on both the door and door jam. Lower level trailers, doors and windows are "RV" type and they are typically rivet into the trailer frame work around the door.Seals/weather stripping-most high level trailers, the weather stripping is protected by aluminum channels. On low level, this weather stripping is exposed and in a lot of cases, just glued to the edge of the panel. Trailer floors-High level trailers has more structural support-either I beams with marine grade sheeting spaced 6-9", or marine grade extrusions are used. Low level trailers use I beams and sheeting, but can be spaced up to 12". Wiring/lights-LED lights used in most anymore, but higher level trailers, all wiring is enclosed, grommets used thru walls, weather tight connections, junction boxes are all part of higher level trailers. Some lower end trailers, just use commercial conduit and attach with hard ware store cable clamps.Tires/bearings-most low level trailers use the cheapest tires/bearings/brakes they can find. I have seen salvage parts used. Top level use name brand tires that have a dealer near by. As far as most trailers use RV parts, yes this is partial true. But higher end horse trailers see a lot more miles, and a lot more challenging conditions than most RVs. The appliances can be the same, but that is about where it ends. Most all top quality LQs, are more a "custom" fit due to the usage, sizing and angles involved. Also, the RV market is huge compared to the LQ market. So bottom line---yes the top shelf trailers are worth it IF you use them. They are not if you don't. They are typically made to last 300k miles or more. Entry level trailers are made to be use 5-10 times a year, with limited miles. BUT it also depends on care. I have seen 10 year old entry level trailers with 30k miles look good, where as, a 10 year old top level trailer with 30k miles on it, looks like crap. Good luck!
Better Welds? Better Build? Better Quality?
