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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » aluminum or steel open trailer?

Oct. 13, 2008 9:06 p.m. caffecapri New Reader

Looking to buy an open trailer soon (downsizing from a huge enclosed since we only travel close to home these days). I can buy a basic steel trailer (rockguard, 3500 axles, brakes on one axle.bias ply tires) for give or take $3500 new. I can buy a new Featherlite aluminum trailer (3500 "torsen" axles, removeable fender, rockguard, radial tires) for give/take $6000. This trailer would be stored outside year-round (in TX). So, which to buy?

Aluminum - pros. Never worry about rust. Lightweight (not really an issue - my tow vehicle is a diesel dually). High resale value, quality company equals quality product.

Steel - rust issues one day (how soon?), resale not that great (but neither is buy-in price)...

What else am I missing here? Does the aluminum and more expensive trailer make sense in any part of this decision? Thanks.
Oct. 13, 2008 9:16 p.m. billy3esq Dork

Money no object, I'd get the aluminum because you plan to store it outside. That said, $2500 will repaint a trailer several times.
Oct. 13, 2008 9:31 p.m. GregTivo Reader

how light is the aluminum trailer?

sorry, can't really help, just curious
Oct. 13, 2008 9:48 p.m. caffecapri New Reader

Aluminum trailer is 1400lbs. And brakes on both axles too I just read.
Oct. 13, 2008 9:55 p.m. aeronca65t Reader

You can buy a steel 21' ~Econotrailer~ with a 15' deck and 4-wheel brakes for under $1800. They weight 1350 lbs.

Their bigger car trailer (18' deck) is under $2000.

I have one. Very happy with it.
Oct. 13, 2008 10:00 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

I think all new trailers have brakes on all wheels. At least they do in GA.
Oct. 13, 2008 10:21 p.m. curtis73 Reader

I prefer the steel. Ultimately a bit stronger, and they're so much cheaper. Aluminum is great and pretty. It shows off your wallet and gives other guys a hint of just how small your penis is, but not very GRM.

I had a choice to buy a brand new custom 18' aluminum trailer with all the bells and whistles for $4500, but I bought a used 18' steel trailer for $800 knowing that it was going to be with me forever.

Aluminum is fine, but I don't like its malleability. Hooking a tie-down strap to aluminum doesn't inspire much confidence, but a chain around a piece of 1/8" steel angle is about as manly as it gets. Imagine how those pretty aluminum side rails will look after you've hooked a rachet strap to them, or how that deck will look after you've slid a few project cars onto it.

IMO, aluminum trailers are for trailer queen cars owned by rich guys. They put the car on the trailer four times a year with tires that actually have air (what's the fun in that?). I prefer the who-cares-its-ugly-anyway steel trailer. That way I don't mind using it to transport firewood, drag a frame on it, let a chain scratch it, or set an engine block on it.
Oct. 14, 2008 5:12 a.m. foxtrapper SuperDork

I want to like aluminum trailers. I really do. No rust, light weight. Man, that sounds great.

But when I look at aluminum trailers that have been around a few years, they are always quite torn up. They are torn or bent everywhere a hook or tiedown has been anchored. Gashes and dents abound. A fair number are bent like they were badly overloaded.
Oct. 14, 2008 5:33 a.m. chknhwk New Reader

If it was overloaded you can't really blame that on the aluminum. Loaded enough anything will resemble silly putty.
Oct. 14, 2008 5:43 a.m. grtechguy SuperDork

Another vote for steel here.

It's a lot easier to weld steel than aluminum for those repairs that are bound to happen.

buy the steel one. paint every few years and still be further ahead pricewise.
Oct. 14, 2008 6:27 a.m. ddavidv SuperDork

Who buys new? That's too much money out of the car budget if you ask me. $1200 for a used steel trailer that could use a cosmetic redo on the paint if I cared, even came with an electric winch and 4 nearly new tires. I'll admit that's cheap, but even $1800 is better than 3 grand. I want to own a race car, not a fancy trailer.
Oct. 14, 2008 6:59 a.m. wreckerboy SuperDork

Aluminum trailers are the Caddillacs of the trailer world. Steel ones are the Yugos. Guess which one this crowd prefers?

That being said, the primary advantage of the aluminum unit is lighter weight. Since you are pulling with a serious truck that is not a major issue. The other advantage appears to be resale - they go for big money and do not seem to sit on the market for very long. Steel is cheaper to buy new, and (except when you are shopping for one) they seem to take forever to sell.

Outside storage should not be an issue - my Econotrailer has sat outside for four or five years now, and while it is not pretty, it isn't ugly either. The bigger concern is the tires dry rotting.

Go steel unless you just have to have the bling of aluminum.
Oct. 14, 2008 7:02 a.m. 44Dwarf Reader

Have you seen the nice trailer in the 2008 section?

Make me an offer. I need the $$ for a new race car..it's down to the wire the guy with my new car is going to sell it to the next guy in line.

44
Oct. 14, 2008 7:27 a.m. spin_out New Reader

Wow, My steel trailer with brakes cost about $1,100 brand new (about 8 years ago), but I did have to shop around. A buddy of mine bought one about 4 years ago at the Pate Show (Texas Motor speedway) for roughly $1,100 and sold it at Carlisle for a $300 profit. That amazed me.

Back on topic, I always drool over aluminum trailers. Super light and a lack of rust issues. But I can really relate to the comment about the number of times you have to weld up your trailer for a huge variety of reasons. Take that comment seriously. My trailer has always sat outside, it could use a paint touch up, but it works fine.
Save the Money and buy steel unless you have a limited towing ability where weight Really matters.
Oct. 14, 2008 7:32 a.m. SoloSonett Reader

Agreed, a solid steel , dual axle trailer will re- sell for $1K anytime! And you can use it for much more than just a car.

I'd be afraid to mar a nice shiny AL queen with some of the junk I've hauled on my 10 year old International.

And then theres the theft issue.

These days, Aluminum trailers would be carried off ( over head) for scrap value.
Oct. 14, 2008 10:47 a.m. caffecapri New Reader

Thanks everyone...answered my question. Steel it is. I appreciate the time......
Oct. 14, 2008 10:53 a.m. btp76 New Reader

Anywhere near the D/FW area? I can tell you where to get a really nice 18' steel trailer brand new for a discounted price.
Oct. 14, 2008 11:05 a.m. Woody Dork

I need to speak up here.

I have a 24 year old Trailex aluminum trailer. I paid $1500 for it four years ago. It weighs less than 1000 pounds. It has been used often and doesn't show any of the damage mentioned above. It has been outside since it was new. Every two years, I hit it with the power washer, splash a little Zep-alum on it and it looks great.

I vote for a used aluminum trailer, assuming that you can find someone willing to sell one.
Oct. 14, 2008 11:21 a.m. MiaTurbo New Reader

Another vote for used steel here. i bought my 18' for $1000. Deals are out there, save your money for the cars.
Oct. 14, 2008 3:05 p.m. caffecapri New Reader

Close enough to DFW...closer to Houston but for a deal, I'll drive. Thanks for the tips.

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