I have a Haulmark inline ,steel frame, aluminum shell , enclosed trailer. I like everything about it except the weight. I am thinking about getting a new trailer and not sure if I should stay with the same as I have or go to all aluminum. Has anyone had much trouble with frame breakage on all aluminum?
trailer
- Thread starter f6retro
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anonomoose
New member
Yes, and spent some real money repairing mine. Trailer guy says the frames tend to crack at flex spots....so be forewarned...they don't take the flexing that steel can handle. Right behind the dexter axles attachments.
indy_500
Well-known member
I got an early 1990's triton lite 8x10 with a bearcat cover on it that's aluminum and haven't had a single problem. It's been trailered to the U.P. once, northern wisconsin a handful of times, and the thing is an old pile of crap now (lol) but it still goes. Needed a wider trailer and don't have storage room for nothing bigger than 12 feet long, so on saturday we picked up a 2003 glacier 8.5x10 enclosed in GREAT shape for $1500. The thing was used mainly for storage, the guy put on 100 miles this year. I wouldn't worry about aluminum trailer strength, 95% of guys do not have a single problem. What do you think practically every brand new trailer is made out of these days anyways?
winter_time
New member
the problem with all aluminum is that it can twist very easy when you are driving in soft snow, or when you have the trailer in any place that the frame can twist causing the door not to be able to open without putting jacks under it to straighten it out i have seen this happen on more than one trailer
favoritos
Well-known member
The aluminum trailers do flex. You will notice that right away when you start towing. They ride nicer. The whole frame is part of the suspension. Look for the best frame when shopping for aluminum trailers. It will save you heartache down the road. A good aluminum trailer will still weigh less than an equivalent steel trailer. A lot less. A fully loaded enclosed aluminum trailer can be close to the same weight as an empty steel trailer.
There are advantages to either choice on steel vs aluminum. The steel trailers make it easier to add storage to the walls. Just screw in the shelves and cabinets, no need to worry about the steel vs aluminum contact. The steel trailer ride will be all about the axles underneath the trailer. The aluminum trailer ride will be about the balance of building a good frame and matching it with the axles.
There are advantages to either choice on steel vs aluminum. The steel trailers make it easier to add storage to the walls. Just screw in the shelves and cabinets, no need to worry about the steel vs aluminum contact. The steel trailer ride will be all about the axles underneath the trailer. The aluminum trailer ride will be about the balance of building a good frame and matching it with the axles.
I have an RNR 716 Powersport 3-place, all aluminum trailer, got it new in 2002 so we're coming up on 9+ years. Multiple 600 to 800 mile trips to the UP most years, use it in the off season to haul my small JD tractor and have also used it for hauling lumber and moving furniture. Replaced the brakes/bearings twice (rusted brakes) and the wiring once (yep corrosion) and new tires once. No problems with the aluminum frame. Multiple 600 to 800 trips to the UP most years, use it in the off season to haul my small JD tractor and have also used it for hauling lumber and moving furniture. Not sure if it matters but it has torsion axles, maybe this has helped the longevity, don't know. Will buy another one some day, but this one is still doing the job holding together well.
my 07 Triton PR 147 weighs 1,515lbs empty. Steel would be closer to 2600..........