ALuminum vs. Steel
 

I am looking for a new trailer for my 32 baja. I was planning on aluminum but have heard complaints that they flex alot. I have always owned steel and have had no problems. I was considering a Loadmaster form pirate marine. The price is definately right. Anybody ha ve any experience with them.
thanks

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

Where do you live? If you ever put it in salt water than aluminum is the only way too go. I live in salt water area so only experience with aluminum.

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

I know that every one says that but that is not true. If you get a trailer built with 7" I beams over the smaller 5" beams and it has alot of cross braces they dont flex. I have had both sizes and prefer the larger beams.

Look at Next Trail also.

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

Well, Steel tows a bit smoother.. but that's it...
They're much heavier.
The rust fast if you go in salt. Need more maintenance on the finish.
It'll kill your chances of selling the boat to a buyer in a "salt" area...

I never understood why someone would want a steel trailer... :rolleyes:

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

Myco's boxed aluminum trailer is VERY VERY solid. I totally agree with Excursion. My trailer has oodles of crossbeams and tows very well.

http://www.mcclaintrailers.com/

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

When you say steel do you mean straight up, or galvanized? If galvanized I don't theirs a big difference in durability other than aesthetics....

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

I live in the midwest so salt is not a problem for me. It is a long way to the ocean. I was mainly interested in the aluminum trailer for the lighter weight and the fact that still look new even when they aren't. I' ve always had steel but the only rust I havehad isfrom the rock chips in the paint. Except for a nitro bassboat trailer, but I won't go into that.

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

Nitro boat trailers!!!!! P.O.S My Dad talked to the national sales manager, was going to pay cash if they would only sell him a boat w/out a trailer. They are the ONLY co. building their own trailers and wouldn't dop the deal. He bought a Champion instead!!
Anyway.....Aluminum is fine. Just get an oversized unit. I have 8 inch beams, 5K lbs. torsion axles, S.S disk brakes/ hardware, and radial tires. Cost loaded $6-7k delivered.

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

i'm looking for a used trailer for a 38' cigarette, i'd like an aluminum trailer but do i need to go that hi? anybody out there got one they want to sell? grimmy

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

I agree on the nitro trailers. Absolute junk, the boat is great though for what it is. The tubing is so thin on the nitro trailer that it is damn near rusted through in one spot around where the fender bolts on. It is not even 1/8 in thick. I had a blowout on the trailer and the tire actually dented the frame of the trailer not just the fender.

Anyway, I did buy an aluminum trailer seems to pul really well so far and is SO MUCH lighter. I like the looks of it too. It is longer than the other one though and I have to put my drives down to fit the boat in the shed and it is still real close. I got it for 4200 brand new.

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

where did you go to get it

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

I bought it at boats unlimited at lake of the ozarks. They are changing their name to wheels for you or something because they are seperating the trailer sales or something. I will get there number if you are interested. Good service, good prices and it seems like a nice trailer so far. Torsion axles though which I have on a 30 enclosed trailer and I don't like them on it.

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

Hi there fellow Off Shore members! West Coast ABTrailers IS the only manufacturer of Aluminum Boat Trailers on the WEST COAST. With the recent surge in price increase of steel, we can finally bring you an Aluminum boat trailer for the same price if not lower. We feature, Heavy Duty Aircraft Aluminum 8" IBeam frames, Drop V Bend torsion axles, all stainless steel fasteners and LED lights, just to mention a few! Visit our website at www.ABTrailers.com and mention you are an OFF SHORE MEMBER and receive some FreeBees!

Ask for me! Lorraine Limiac :evilb:
(818) 780-1594
www.ABTrailers.com


* Note: We have built many aluminum boat trailers for Ciggarettes! and Scarabs! *

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

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Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

yep

Re: ALuminum vs. Steel
 

I trashed my steel trailer in two seasons from the salt water. DO NOT get steel if it's going anywhere near the salt. Just get aluminum anyway, like Tim G. said, it'll help resale.