ALUMINUM vs. STEEL/Aluminum TRAILERS

[Chuck Porter]

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]

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]

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]

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

[james schaechter]

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]

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

[joe176]

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.

[Ron Brown]

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]

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]

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.