Posted 2014-04-16 3:31 PM (#158696) Subject: All aluminum or steel frame trailer
Veteran
Posts: 122 Location: Monroe, WA
I currently have a 2000 Sundowner 3H LQ that is steel frame with aluminum skin. I want to buy a little 2H bumper pull for going to lessons and local stuff. I am trying to decide if I should get all aluminum or get another steel frame with aluminum skin. I haven’t had problems with mine but am I just lucky? I am pretty sure I don’t want all steel and deal with rust. What are others’ thoughts on durablity vs cost?
Posted 2014-04-16 10:20 PM (#158701 - in reply to #158696) Subject: RE: All aluminum or steel frame trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
How long do you plan on keeping the trailer, and what are the weather conditions where you live? If you want the longer life span and higher resale values, the aluminum will provide both. If you frequently change trailers and have indoor storage for a wet climate, the steel will be more than adequate.
Your budget and usage will decide which is the better choice for you.
Posted 2014-04-18 8:50 PM (#158721 - in reply to #158696) Subject: RE: All aluminum or steel frame trailer
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I have a Logan which is a aluminum skin over steel frame and it has held up extremely well. My trailer is 8 years old. So I'm not speaking about 20 or 30 years of use. But I don't see any signs of rusting or falling apart. And I drag mine down a LOT of dirt, gravel and washboard roads every year. It doesn't make trips to fairground, but rather to remote trail heads.I live in Utah and frequently ride Antelope Island in the Winter months. Antelope island is in the middle of the great salt lake. The causeway to the island is only about 4-5 feet above the lake water, We often see salt encrusted along the edge of the road. And my trailer is not showing any signs of salt corrosion.
Posted 2014-04-18 11:18 PM (#158723 - in reply to #158696) Subject: RE: All aluminum or steel frame trailer
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
While Aluminum does not rust. It does corrode. Magnesium chloride has replaced salt or sand as the preferred winter snow/ice melt product in many parts of the country. This product can accelerate the corrosion in aluminum.So just saying to buy an aluminum trailer isn't the easiest solution it once was.
All aluminum or steel frame trailer
