Aluminum trailers

[BCbound]

Just wonder if any of you guys use aluminum landscape or dump trailers and if it's worth the extra cost? I've been seeing a few good deals lately and trying to make a decision.

 

[CUCV]

I have a 12' aluminum landscape trailer that I have had for 16 years. I love it! I am interested in upgrading to a twin axle 16' aluminum this year.

 

[BCbound]

Thanks CUCV. Any rust issues or aluminum being damaged from logs being tossed in? Is the weight saving a big plus or is it not even noticed?

Thanks

 

[redprospector]

I love aluminum trailers for the weight savings, but I'm just too rough on them. They are not as strong as steel, and rough roads and heavy loads tend to break them up a little. Not just any welding shop can make repairs on them either.
I'm not trying to talk you out of one, these are just the con's I've found. I'd love to be able to pull an aluminum trailer, I'm just too rough on them.

Andy

 

[Diesel Pro]

I use an aluminum car trailer to haul one of my trucks as well as my tractor. Yes they can be frail. I'd suggest a plywood false bottom if you have an aluminum floor.

The best I have see are from Aluma LTD and Alum-Line

I used to sell trailers and handled Aluma LTD. Went to price one the other day and nearly fell over. The dealer that I talked to was a straight shooter. He said every time a price increase comes he says to himself screw them and starts shopping for a different line only to come right back to Aluma.

No paint is what my goal was in buying alum. I put planks under my loader bucket and any other implement that I set on the deck.

 

[KD57]

I love aluminum trailers for the weight savings, but I'm just too rough on them. They are not as strong as steel, and rough roads and heavy loads tend to break them up a little. Not just any welding shop can make repairs on them either.
I'm not trying to talk you out of one, these are just the con's I've found. I'd love to be able to pull an aluminum trailer, I'm just too rough on them.

Andy

:agree2: Steel is just tougher, and easier to repair and modify if any welding is required. The one thing I do like about them is no painting and light weight.

 

[BCbound]

Thanks for the responses guys. It will help lots in my decision making.

 

[CUCV]

Thanks CUCV. Any rust issues or aluminum being damaged from logs being tossed in? Is the weight saving a big plus or is it not even noticed?

Thanks

I have had no rust/corrosion issues and we use plenty of salt here in NH. I bought the trailer used 16 years ago so it has tons of miles on it. I take care and pride in my equipment so I am not rough on it but I am not afraid to use it. The trailer gets used just about every day 6 months of the year. I can weld aluminum so that is not an issue for me. It had a few minor cracks when I bought it from pure abuse. The only thing that troubles me a bit is pivot joints for the tailgate. The aluminum wears away to quickly, I have bolted on steel pivot points.
I think the reduced weight is great, the trailer is easy to handle by hand, tows like it is not there. Gives you more payload.

 

[48"BAR PINCHER]

I have an 06 Worthington 25' deckover. It is 3800# empty. It is rated at 20K#. I like it since it is heavy duty enuff to haul a fullsize backhoe but light enuff to use like a smaller trailer for pulling with a pickup too. I had it custom built by Worthington. The only ##### I have is the tiedown pockets from the factory were junk and they would not do anything to fix them for me. I cut them off and made/welded my own on. I tow about 30-40 K miles a year with it since new and that is the only beef I have with it.