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ALuminum vs. Steel

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Old 04-07-2005 | 01:33 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 04-07-2005 | 05:43 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 04-07-2005 | 05:57 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 04-08-2005 | 08:49 AM
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Default 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...
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Old 04-08-2005 | 09:14 AM
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Default 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/
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Old 04-08-2005 | 12:08 PM
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Default 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....
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Old 04-08-2005 | 12:35 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 04-08-2005 | 12:54 PM
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Default 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.
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Old 04-11-2005 | 12:06 AM
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Default 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
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Old 04-11-2005 | 10:44 AM
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Default 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.
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