Would you folks comment on alum. combo trailers holding up? Problems with rain coming in? How hard is it to put in a dressing room? I may tackle this myself [female w-power tools].

Or, would you go out and buy a new Calico or Ponderosa for about the same money?

Thanks for your comments.

A well built aluminum in my eyes is the way to go.  Galvaneal and steel trailors will start rusting the first year you have them. It's a constant battle with rust where I live near the coast. You should be able to find a aluminum combo with a dressing room at a good price.  Aluminum trailers do hold there value better than steel. Use the search function on this site to help research your question. I got ride of my last trailer that was all steal because it was a rust bucket in 5 years. So if you financed it for 7 years you wouldn't have much of a trailer left when it was paid for. You would have to go out and buy another one.

Search this site for Calico,you'll find complaints about the paint coming off.

SaddleSore

Hi, an aluminum trailer is definitely better than a Calico or Ponderosa. (will not rust, and will hold it's value). The Calico and Ponderosa trailers are very inexpensive steel trailers. If you look close at a new trailer on the dealer's lot you will see rust. If you want a steel trailer "PLEASE" step up to a better made steel trailer if you can afford it, you will be happier in the long run. If these trailers are in your price range and you can't afford a little better trailer, buy caulking and caulk all your seams to keep the moisture out of the seams. This may help a little, rust usually starts in the seams.

Good Luck

Thanks for your reply.

What manufacturers do you think are steps up from Calico and Ponderosa?  Does Adam or CM fall into the better range?

And how can a person efficiently find out these things?

I still say your best beat is to hold off and buy an aluminum trailer.  All of the steels are gonna rust.  It's just a matter of time. Hounddog is living proof a deal can be had from time to time if you look hard enough and don't get in a hurry. This time of the year is perfect for getting a deal. If you have to have a trailer get a used steel at a cheap price. Us it for a couple of years until you can afford an aluminum trailer.

Thanks for all your replies.

I guess I'll start wading into aluminum waters [sorry--it's late].

Any companies to avoid/recommend?

Such a newbie.

Hi, it's me again... Alum. is definitely the best choice, but CM is one of the better steel trailers. I've never looked at an Adams steel trailer, I didn't know Adams made a steel trailer. But they do make a descent alum trailer. Try the search on HTW and look for an affordable Alum trailer. If you are not in a big hurry, take your time and I am sure you will find the perfect trailer for you. If you live in an area that uses salt on the road in the winter or an area near the ocean, steel is not a good choice. But if you live in a dry climate with less salt in the air, steel will do just fine, especially if you can get one at a (Steal)..

Again, Good Luck

 Dear trailer shopper... do yourself a  favor and step up to a CM steel in good shape or a used aluminum ... sometimes you can get a  gooseneck for not a whole lot more than a bumper pull (and it would be more stable and easier to park).

old Sundowner bumper pulls are like gold, though... good luck! don't just look at the paint.