ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Okay folks, I need some input.

I’m looking at buying another trailer. In particular a 28 foot tag with a finished interior. On average how much weight savings is there between an all aluminum trailer and an aluminum/steel trailer. Curb weights vary significantly between manufacturers and in some cases I’ve seen there is only 300 pounds difference between the two types of trailers with similar options. Doesn’t seem like it’s worth the extra money to go all aluminum.

What am I missing? Maybe I’m getting bad information. Comments would be appreciated.

Chuck

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Chuck, when it comes to weight sometimes there's not much difference. It takes more bracing with aluminnum to get the same weight load rating, the maintenance on alum. units isn't different unless you live around salt water air( no rust). Cost is some what higher, aluminum cost more. In a steel trailer you really need to look at the construction of the unit from the ground up. Some manufactors do alot of things different. Warrenty is something to consider as well if you buy new. The best advice is to ask people who own fifferent brands, they are the true answers.Think long and hard about the lenght, if you are thinking 28" might consider going on up to 30", it never fails you just run out of room. Again the best answers will come from people who own the different ones. Good Luck

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Resale is important point also. I have watched less expensive companies units really sell advertised for low prices after only a couple of years. I had wondered if it were side wall problems, wt? or ?
I personally had four different GoldRush trailers over the years. They all were fantastic. Last one sold for same I paid for it. Of course upkeep is key there too. I had two of them over 10 and 14 years.
I had two different T and E Stackers and both excellent and when I chose to sell them they keep their value.
If you skimp on Axles, Wheels or hitchs you will be dissatisfied. The other extras are just that extra as you can afford..
I look forward to comments from people with the less expensive units. Thanks.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Ronnie Young build's a GREAT trailer at Performax Trailer in Texas. Just give him a call @ 888-441-0402

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

I have been looking at this also. I haven't purchased an alum one yet, but driving to Florida and back from Illinois was rough on our steel frame alum skin trailer. Mine is a 2000, but I am told that they treat the steel and protect it from the alum skin to prevent electrolysis.

It seems that the alum deal would be a good investment if you plan on keeping them a long time and I may just do that. I liked the looks of the Optimas, but the local Pace dealer said that they have had problems with the Optimas. PACE has a silver arrow alum model, but i have only seen a couple.

One brand that has gotten good reviews from all dealers and racers that have had them is an ATC brand. I am told that they use a boxed perimeter fram that doesn't rely on the box to keep it's strength.

Maybe there are some others with first hand info, but I would say to take some time doing research. It takes me awhile to make such a large purchase so I will be looking for awhile. I can tell you that I hope PACE silver arrow makes my list. PACE has been awesome with mine. They come by the trailer and fix stuff for free at the track whenever I am at a NAtional. They don't ask questions, if it is a PACE, they come by and do stuff for free. It is a nice touch for sure.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Mr. James Schaechter says about the PACE warrenty it's the best!!! I'm on my third Pace American and it's just great! They tend to be a little heavier only when when you buy the Big Foot, which i did, i use it for business also and like the HD end. At div and Nat events they have crews as Jim said that will repair anything that they can free. At Joliet they replaced a fender (Alum) no cost, thanks to Ill, toll booth width.. John Lang

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Two guys I know had problems with ATC. One had the side door rot out which they warrantied and the other had the walls seperating which they replaced. I have a Motorsports which has since sold out to Goldrush.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Chuck, These guys are telling you straight. Pace has a great warranty, and their construction is great in places the average person doesn't think about but makes for a long lasting unit. Experience, there's nothing like it when it comes to spending this kind of money. So read and listen as you do your shopping, ask LOTS of questions before you buy.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Talking about PACE trailer Warranty: My trailer is bumper pull type and only 3 years old. It is a steel trailer with aluminum sides and NOT a Pace trailer made by Cargo Express, of Elkhart Indiana. I have two curb side doors and it seemed that both doors have rottened out and holes developed in the doors. This is a very unsightly mess as you can imagine.

The doors were made by a company called Nappanee Window and due to the economy went out of business as of October 2008.

I then contacted Cargo Express about buying two new doors, only to find that Cargo Express sold out to PACE Trailer. I explained the situation to them and they asked for the VIN number to the trailer. The cost on the doors was about $600.00 give or take. After about a week, I again contacted them and was told that my trailer was in fact made by Cargo Express and although they (PACE) did not make that treiler, they (PACE) was going to replace the two doors at a no charge cost to me, including the shipping. The representative told me he talked with management and explained to them what happened. It was the position of PACE that they were not going to see one of their customers have to pay for new doors that were only 3 years old and obviously under warranty.

In my opinion PACE Trailer is tops and high on my Christmas card list. Thank you PACE Trailer.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

I've been happy with my Pace also. It did develop a roof leak within a year, but was fixed under warrenty. Many years later, I resealed the roof seams with some HD commercial stuff I got and haven't had a problem with water since. But as mentioned by others, their national event at-track service is almost unbelievable. I've had broken handles/locks, damaged trim, missing screws, etc. replaced for free over the years.

When I bought it, I ordered 6,000lb axles/brakes and went with a 26', which was all one step more than what I figured I'd need. It worked out well, the 6,000lb axles/16" tires last much longer than the 5,200lb units even though the trailer never weighs more than 10,000lbs loaded and the bigger brakes are safer and make it easier on the tow truck brakes.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Thanks a lot for the info.
I have a pretty good handle on what to look for when shopping for a trailer as I have built several myself over the years.
I was mainly curious about the weight thing between the two types.
My last trailer was a 36 foot Pace gooseneck. I bought it used and it was a good trailer. I've had some dealings with Pace in the past and haven't had any problems.
I wanted to explore other options.
In the past, a lot of guys have told me how great their aluminum trailers are and how light they are to tow compared to a regular trailer. I wanted to hear some opinions from others.
Chuck

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

I have a goldrush and its great trailer. They hold there value good and they don't fall apart. If you have the money a good aluminum trailer is the way to go. If you're getting a 28' or 30' a tri-axle is the way to go.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

I hate to hear about problems with ATC. I asked around before I bought mine and heard nothing but good. I can tell you my 24' ATC is much lighter than a friend's steel 22'. Tows much easier with less fuel, same car (mine) inside. The steel 24' trailers I looked were said to weigh like 4700 lbs? My ATC weighs 3100 lbs. Finished inside with upper and lower cabinets. I like it much better than the 28' pace I used to own, but admittedly that was in 1987/1990. Fit, finish and overall workmanship is much nicer than the 28' Pace I had. Pace may be nicer now also, haven't looked a new one over lately. I figured the way fuel prices were going up the resale for an aluminium trailer would be better. I have had zero problems with my ATC, but it's only one season old. Also I've never lost money on a race trailer. Just try to keep it nice and clean.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Chuck ... for the record , our 49' Goldrush , with two cars , 2 scooters , and all of the spares that Tom has accumulated over the years , weighs the same as his 40' Bigfoot did with one car ... and over the last 4 years , has required zero maintenance outside of normal wear items i.e. bearings, brakes .

Mike

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Hi Chuck,

Aluminum is definitely the way to go! We bought a 28 ft. Continental Cargo with the smooth siding (and no fasteners) and saved about 900 lbs. over a friends 28 ft. steel Pace Trailer. The tow over the Coquihalla Highway into Mission is pleasurable vs. the heavy steel "box." The smooth siding makes it easier to clean and something I would recommend to anybody looking to purchase a new trailer.

The only maintenance we have completed over the past 3 years was repack the bearings and check the brakes.

We are actually in the neighborhood for a 5th wheel with living quarters and have the 28 ft. for sale if you know anybody who is looking for a clean trailer.

Good luck in your search!

Mike Ferstl

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Gents, I am surprised Featherlite trailers has not been mentioned during this discussion, I bought a new all aluminum 24' Featherlite ten years ago and it has been absolutely perfect. I couldn't tell the difference between my Puckett open trailer that I previously used and the Featherlite when towing behind my motor home. Before I bought the Featherlite I tried a steel Haulmark 24' for one race and the weight of it absolutely killed my motor home and convinced me that a light weight trailer was worth the additional expense.

Jimmy Parker

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Chuck,

Jimmy & Ed are right on about Alum Trailers, They weigh an avg. of 1,300-1,700 lbs less than a steel frame trailer...Tougue & frame is most of the weight.. I have bought and sold many trailers, Alum. is the way to go, both for gas savings + resale in the future... Most people who buy a cheaper trailer, always wish they had spent a few more dollars in the long run.... I don't think you can go wrong with, Alum, ATC, Featherlite, Pace, etc, Just make sure you compare apples to apples on Alum trailers.. Remember your TOW RIG will thank you , by giving you much better mileage... Good Luck....... Don't forget the RV-455...

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

how about haulmark all aluninum . think those were built by Exiss.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Well before moving south from Vermont around 5 years ago I sold trailers in New England. Featherlite, Exiss, Pace, Classic, and even Gold Rush. I personally purchased a 32' Featherlite gooseneck in I think fall of 1999. It was one of the very first 4940 models to roll out of Iowa. (Bumper pull model is the 4926 if I remember correctly) I pulled mine with a 3/4 ton Chevy. No duals. It towed like a dream, but obviously was cheapened up a bit for the price point. It was a Monday-Friday trailer. (You can tell on the VIN # what day of the week it was completed) The workers left it on Friday, finished it on Monday. They never finished sealing the roof, and the first good rain my race car got a shower. It had diamond plate flooring that egg-crated between the crossmembers due to the weight of the car. My aluminum ramp extensions also cracked at the hinges. Now being a dealer I did get warranty repairs without questions!
That all aside I towed many different brands of trailers to NHRA, IHRA, Nascar, and racing events all over the northeast. Without a doubt the best trailer for quality and ease of towing is a Gold Rush. If you can afford one, even a used one, it will be money well spent. In the north all aluminum is the way to go. If you have any specific questions feel free to sent me a message. I still have good contacts at the dealers I worked for in Connecticut & Mass.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

If you are going to go with a 28-30 tag, you might as well spent a few more $ and get a 38' gooseneck (providing you have a truck to pull it with). The overall length is within a foot or so (truck and trailer) and it will get you better fuel mileage. At least it did with my truck.

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

There is no doubt that Gold Rush is the Gold Standard in trailers but they are so darn expensive. I priced a 26 footer in 2000 and they wanted $26,000.00. Ouch! One thousand dollars per foot.

I finally decided to get a 28 foot pace and put a lounge in it. It is heavy (12,500 lbs with car and full tanks) and should be towed with a dually but I have used the thing for eight years without any problems. At one half the cost of a Gold Rush.

Aluminum trailers are front end loaded as far as costs are concerned but they probably pay it back over an extended period of time and when you decide to sell it. And that's the key. Time!

Re: ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS
 

Chuck, in my opinion the higher price of an aluminum trailer is not worth it. The thing with the aluminum trailers is a better build quality. Worth the extra thousands? Not to me.

Also dont believe that Pace will be at all National races. They were NOT at Pomona last week. The last race of the year with all classes on site and they were a no show.