Thinking of buying a trailer? Today, trailer manufacturers primarily use two types of materials to produce trailers: steel and aluminum. These materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. What distinguishes steel from aluminum trailer?

For a long time, steel was the only material from which trailers were made. It is vulnerable to oxidation, which is the main reason manufacturers began looking for an alternative material. Aluminum appeared as a good substitute for steel, which is considered even better because of its lightness. Trailers made from aluminum weigh 15-20% less than steel trailers. Compared to heavy steel trailers, trailers can carry a larger load. Therefore, the transmission pressure of the towing vehicle is reduced and you will spend less gasoline.

To carry heavy loads, you will need a strong and solid material – steel. It is ideal for places with wet weather, such as rain, ice and wind. All of these conditions can damage the surface of the material and cause rust to form. Certain steps must be taken to protect the tow vehicle. For added rust resistance, you should get a galvanized finish for your trailer. It should be noted that initially the steel will be immune to rust, but over time it will begin to corrode even if it is galvanized. When you decide to protect your trailer with a galvanized finish, be prepared to spend a lot. However, this shouldn’t scare you because if you don’t, the repair costs will be even higher. Keep in mind that the galvanizing process will save you money.

Aluminum, as a material used for the manufacture of trailers, is made up of 95% aluminum and 5% mixture of copper, chrome, zinc and titanium. This makes it resistant to oxidation. However, these trailers must be maintained by lubricating the hinges and cam latches. What can be distinguished as negative about aluminum trailers is that they are not as strong as steel trailers. Although they are light when transporting goods, aluminum trailers are not suitable for driving long distances or on rough roads.

With all this information, the decision is yours. Choosing the best tow vehicle can be easy if you know what you want. If you are going to be frequently hauling goods in wet conditions, then you need a steel trailer. On the contrary, if you do not plan to transport a heavy load, an aluminum trailer is what you need to buy.