ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS

Ron Brown · 11-16-2008, 02:10 PM

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.

John Duzac · 11-16-2008, 03:37 PM

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.

Myron Piatek · 11-16-2008, 05:42 PM

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.

Chuck Porter · 11-17-2008, 11:14 PM

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

Ryan Willie · 11-17-2008, 11:20 PM

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.

Ed Wright · 11-17-2008, 11:29 PM

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.

casper · 11-18-2008, 01:23 PM

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

ChevyII · 11-18-2008, 03:18 PM

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

11-18-2008, 09:00 PM

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.

bobby · 11-19-2008, 01:18 PM

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.

11-16-2008, 02:10 PM	#1
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, 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. __________________ Ron Brown be back soon

11-16-2008, 03:37 PM	#2
John Duzac Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Covington, La Posts: 311 Likes: 63 Liked 83 Times in 20 Posts	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. __________________ John Duzac D/S 4448 STK

11-16-2008, 05:42 PM	#3
Myron Piatek VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 1,542 Likes: 34 Liked 138 Times in 51 Posts	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. __________________ LOCOMOTION Racing

11-17-2008, 11:14 PM	#4
Chuck Porter Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 104 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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

11-17-2008, 11:20 PM	#5
Ryan Willie Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Memphis, Indiana Posts: 8 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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.

11-17-2008, 11:29 PM	#6
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	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. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

11-18-2008, 01:23 PM	#7
casper Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 112 Likes: 4 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	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

11-18-2008, 03:18 PM	#8
ChevyII Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 263 Likes: 3 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	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

11-18-2008, 09:00 PM	#9
winstonindy Guest Posts: n/a	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.

11-19-2008, 01:18 PM	#10
bobby Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: League City, Texas Posts: 243 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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. __________________ Next time wave all of your fingers at me.