ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS

Chuck Porter · 11-15-2008, 05:31 PM

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

Ron Brown · 11-15-2008, 06:23 PM

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

Dick Butler · 11-15-2008, 06:54 PM

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.

Bobby Brannon · 11-16-2008, 12:27 PM

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

james schaechter · 11-16-2008, 01:10 PM

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.

John Lang · 11-16-2008, 01:51 PM

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

11-15-2008, 05:31 PM	#1
Chuck Porter Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 104 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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

11-15-2008, 06:23 PM	#2
Ron Brown Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mt. Washington, Ky Posts: 86 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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 __________________ Ron Brown be back soon

11-15-2008, 06:54 PM	#3
Dick Butler VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Richmond Indiana Posts: 1,196 Likes: 5 Liked 32 Times in 19 Posts	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.

11-16-2008, 12:27 PM	#4
Bobby Brannon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bossier City,La. Posts: 659 Likes: 3 Liked 103 Times in 35 Posts	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 __________________ Bobby Brannon 4705 STK, SS

11-16-2008, 01:10 PM	#5
james schaechter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cumming GA Posts: 1,988 Likes: 1,281 Liked 1,428 Times in 296 Posts	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. __________________ James Schaechter 3163 STK

11-16-2008, 01:51 PM	#6
John Lang Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sheboygan Wi Posts: 391 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts	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 __________________ John Lang 365 STK, SS