steel or aluminum trailers

[4horses]

Hi,

In my area, there are plenty of either steel or all
​ aluminum trailers. I don’t really want an all aluminium trailer. Being in Florida, i think they will trap heat and the crunch factor should i ever get in a fender bender. Plus repairs on aluminum are more expensive.

While I like the idea of steel, i don’t like dealing with rust. I don’t have a barn, so my trailer will be outside getting rained on daily. I have come to the conclusion that i am far too busy to throw a tarp over the trailer, when i use the trailer at least twice a week every week.

That leaves aluminum skin over a steel frame… If i can find any in this area. What are some good name brand trailers that have an aluminum skin? All i have found so far is an Adams trailer in Georgia for $10k.

I’ve also heard it is better to avoid the aluminum skin because aluminum corrodes if it touches steel. So in that case, perhaps all aluminum would be better.

Or i could buy a steel stock combo and add plexiglass so it can’t get rained in on… But I’m not sure the horses will get enough air circulation that way. I suppose if it has windows on one side, they can get some air.

​​​​​
Decisions. Decisions. So many options!

​​​​​​

[Mango20]

Hawk trailers are aluminum skin over a steel frame, and pretty much everyone loves them. I have one that is 18 years old and is still in great shape.

[Jarpur]

These days, many steel trailers are built from electro-galvanized, or galvannealed, steel, which doesn’t rust as easily as steel that has not been galvanized.

You might want to read this old thread: https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum/discussion-forums/around-the-farm/38336-aluminium-vs-steel-vs-steel-aluminium-trailers

[irish_horse]

I have an all-aluminum trailer, and I’m in a hot part of Northern California (it was 102 when I trailered to the vet last week). I don’t think aluminum is any hotter than steel, it’s about air flow. I love that my trailer (which is an old 1995 Featherlite) sits out all year, has no rust, and is super solid. That being said, I’m not sure the new aluminum trailers are built as well (my friend has a newer Featherlite that feels less sturdy). I (knock wood) have only a few dings, nothing needing fixing, and just get the usual safety checkup yearly. Not much help, just my observations!

[TrotTrotPumpkn]

It’s all based on budget, but an insulated aluminum trailer with fans and a rumber-type floor would be great, imo.

[Guilherme]

@4horses

Hi,

In my area, there are plenty of either steel or all
​ aluminum trailers. I don’t really want an all aluminium trailer. Being in Florida, i think they will trap heat and the crunch factor should i ever get in a fender bender. Plus repairs on aluminum are more expensive.

I understand the “damage” issue but I’ve “crunched” ours before and the cost was reasonable. And since the trailer was insured all I had to pay was the deductible so…? On the second point I don’t understand how this could be. Both metals conduct heat very well and what difference there might be would inconsequential in a livestock trailer.

While I like the idea of steel, i don’t like dealing with rust. I don’t have a barn, so my trailer will be outside getting rained on daily. I have come to the conclusion that i am far too busy to throw a tarp over the trailer, when i use the trailer at least twice a week every week.

Then you’ve just made the case for aluminum!!!

That leaves aluminum skin over a steel frame… If i can find any in this area. What are some good name brand trailers that have an aluminum skin? All i have found so far is an Adams trailer in Georgia for $10k.

When dissimilar metals come in contact and moisture is available then you can get galvanic corrosion. Quality manufacturers use a barrier between the metals that will prevent direct contact. The higher you go on the quality scale the better off you will be. Work the bottom end and you might end up disappointed.

I’ve also heard it is better to avoid the aluminum skin because aluminum corrodes if it touches steel. So in that case, perhaps all aluminum would be better.

See above.

Or i could buy a steel stock combo and add plexiglass so it can’t get rained in on… But I’m not sure the horses will get enough air circulation that way. I suppose if it has windows on one side, they can get some air.

In Florida the enemy is heat. A stock trailer is a good idea because it has open slats for good ventilation. If you were in Northern MN then you might opt for Plexiglas inserts but short of an extreme cold climate I don’t see much value in them.

​​​​​
Decisions. Decisions. So many options!

​​​​​​

Go all aluminum, stock type, and insure it. You’ll do just fine.

G.

[Garythesquirrel]

I love my Logan trailer. Aluminum with steel frame.

https://logancoach.com/

[Janet]

Aluminium heats up and cools off faster than Steel. But it does not get any hotter, nor does it “trap heat”.
I have a 2004 Hawk (aluminium skin over steel frame, with Rumber floor)that is still going strong. I had to replace one of the ramp springs, but that is it.