Steel Trailers - any advantages other than looks???
#1
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Seeing as the trailer under my boat doesnt fit perfect i am in the market for a new trailer. I've always figured I'd stay with aluminum for the weight savings and the resistance to corrosion. Also, I have a 3500 now but considering down-grading the truck to a 2500 so the weight may come into play. However a buddy has offered me a killer deal on an Eagle steel trailer.
Talk me into it...what advantages do I have going to steel????
Also, whats a good price for a late 90's, triple axle in near perfect shape (27-31' boat)????
Talk me into it...what advantages do I have going to steel????
Also, whats a good price for a late 90's, triple axle in near perfect shape (27-31' boat)????
#2
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Stronger and supposed to tow better. I had a steel trailer and went to alum one. I feel they towed about the same. Do you boat is salt? Other atvantage is a steel one will not float!! I would say a fair price depens on condition and current brake setup. For a perfect condition with elec/hyd brakes I would say $6000. For a ok to good condition with drum or no brakes(or they need work)$2000 to $3500. Steel trailers weigh about 40-50% more then alm one.
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#3
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Not sure but I would assume surge. Drums on all 3 axles. Price was $3k and he swears it has less than 100miles and stored inside since new. looks like it too!
Any idea on weight for a trailer of this config? 2k, 3k, 4k??? i'd purely be guessing...
Any idea on weight for a trailer of this config? 2k, 3k, 4k??? i'd purely be guessing...
#5
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Agreed EOH is the way to go. But we are also only talking about a 29' boat here, a conversion to EOH would potentially be in the future.
Last thing...
If a trailer is rated at 12k but my boat weighs closer to 7k will the suspension be extra stiff??? Or is this triple axle comperable to a dual rated at say 7500lb?
Last thing...
If a trailer is rated at 12k but my boat weighs closer to 7k will the suspension be extra stiff??? Or is this triple axle comperable to a dual rated at say 7500lb?
#6
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Aluminum flexes, if the boat is 27' and the trailer is 33' you might have a problem. The bow must be supported, not just tied or strapped back. If the boat fits and is adjusted perfectly, it's as good as steel. If not you'll break the aluminum I beams. Also some aluminum trailers hang all the brackets from the bottom, which tends to oblong the mounting holes in the I beams. I use galvanized trailers, I know they're ugly but they're strong and in 10 years they're still just ugly, not rusted.
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If you boat in salt, go steel. Fresh water you can go with aluminum. I would keep my 1 ton truck if I were you. A 27-31' rig will weigh 7000-9000lbs all up. I have a dually and towed my 6000lb boat/trailer with it and never once thought to go to a 2500. I like having more truck than I need. Less wear and tear on it.
#9
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Aluminum does flex. They don't tow nearly as solidly. And the aluminum work-hardens over time. Just saw one 2 weeks ago with the tongue snapped off. Stopped to see if I could help the guy- on the interstate. That's why many of the better ones are twin-member the whole length.
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