Aluminum Versus Steel — Which Makes The Better Trailer?
For people who use trailers to transport a variety of different cargo the biggest question is what kind of trailer will be the easiest to move down the road? There is a great debate as to whether the benefits of newer aluminum trailers make them a compatible alternative to traditional steel trailers.
In order to determine the answer to this question the user of the trailer would need to consider the benefits of each type. There are three main attributes of aluminum trailers that would seem to make them superior to steel models.
Weight - The considerably lighter weight of aluminum trailers benefits the user in two different ways. First, the lighter trailer requires less towing power, and therefore less fuel, to pull. Second, a lighter trailer allows for more payload which is usually increases profit. Additionally, the lighter aluminum trailer will ride more smoothly and be easier to maneuver.
Durability - The biggest enemy and one of the biggest disadvantages of using a steel trailer is their susceptibility to corrosion. While any steel exposed to air and moisture will rust, there are some applications in which this is greatly increased. Trailers used in harsh winter climates will often be exposed to salt and other harsh chemicals used as highway de-icers. Similarly, trailers used in the ocean marine industry will be frequently exposed to salt water. Any unpainted steel will rust very rapidly when exposed to salt. Aluminum on the other hand is much more resistant to the corrosive effects of salt in these situations.
Strength - When a person thinks of steel, they typically envision a very strong steel bar or pipe. When a person thinks of aluminum the first items pictured are relatively weak products such as beverage cans or aluminum foil. Using this comparison one would intuitively conclude that the strength of the steel trailer would be far superior to the aluminum model. However, the material used in aluminum trailers is actually an alloy containing 95% aluminum and 5% of a different metal such as copper, chromium, or zinc. These alloys have shown to have a better strength-to-weight ratio than steel.
Due to these benefits, the majority of cargo, boat, livestock, and other trailers these days are made from lightweight, strong, and rust-free aluminum. Potential buyers should discuss their particular needs with a trailer sales professional to determine if an aluminum trailer is the right option for them. To read more, contact local professionals.
