Aluminum Utility Trailers

[Thall303]

I am wanting a small 6X12 utility trailer to transport my Kawasaki Mule, Lawn tractor and occasional tractor implements.

I like the idea of an Aluminum trailer for durability but they cost considerably more.

Are they worth the extra cost and are they as sturdy as the plain metal ones?

I will be pulling the trailer with a Nissan Armada.

Opinions will be appreciated.

 

[Wolfy]

I think aluminum is the way to go, not going to rust away, less weight which means less stress on the tow vehicle and better gas mileage. I talked to an relative who owns a wrecker outfit, he has some aluminum flatbeds and some steel flatbeds. From his perspective, the only downside to aluminum is they can be damaged more easily from rough handling. And the extra up front cost.

 

[grnspot110]

I've always used steel, but now I'm in the process of buying a Hillsboro 78" x 120" for the weight. I want to be able to haul my Gator to the farm, then pull the trailer to the cabin in wet weather. The same size steel trailer I had was too heavy to tow with the Gator.

I looked at Hillsboro & Aluma, the brands available in my area, both nice trailers. I just liked some of the features better on the Hillsboro!

 

[Tomtint]

Like many here, I have had several trailers in the past. The steel ones have inevitably rusted long before their days of use should have passed. I started replacing them as we go with aluminum. I actually just replaced my dump truck this year with a aluminum dump body, as the rust on my 2 year old steel one was ridiculous. . A lot has to do with the mag chloride they spray on the roads up here in the winters..it's brutal on anything steel. InTX you may not have the same problems.

 

[rd_macgregor]

A decade or so ago, we switched to an aluminum horse trailer. It is far superior to the steel trailers we previously owned. If you live in an area where salt is NEVER used on the roads, then steel might last long enough, but here steel trailers rust away too fast for the investment to pay off..which makes an aluminum trailer a cost-effective alternative. The weight reduction is a plus, too.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I am wanting a small 6X12 utility trailer to transport my Kawasaki Mule, Lawn tractor and occasional tractor implements.

I own numerous trailers, but I bought this "Aluma brand" trailer to pull smaller loads, including my Kubota S&S,

I like it a lot, it pulls VERY good.... I'm glad I went with aluminum on this trailer...

SR

 

[deserteagle71]

I bought a 16' Aluma trailer to pack my Wrangler around on because my other trailer weighed nearly as much as the Jeep. This has worked out very well for me for the past couple years. I like it a lot.


If you have concerns with protecting the bed of the trailer when hauling something heavy involving metal to metal contact, get a chunk of old belting to put down, or a sheet of old plywood.

 

[BigBlue1]

I bought a 6x10 aluminum trailer a few years back for things like hauling my JD garden tractor, motorcycle, etc. around. It has been good. I chose aluminum over steel for weight and rusting issues. That said, if you live in states that get snow you have to understand that an alum trailer will still corrode if used in the winter with road salt, etc. Down south maybe not so much of an issue. As it is, I try to keep my trailers off the road (my other one is a heavy equipment trailer) in the winter to protect them both. If I have to use one in the winter I wash it well afterwards.

If you are looking at an aluminum trailer try to find one with sides that are rigidly bolted on. I had a neighbor with an AlumaLtd that had sides that were loose (not sure if they were drop-in or pinned or what) and it made such a racket coming through the neighborhood it would wake you up. Can't imagine dragging that thing behind you for any length of time. Would drive you nuts.

Rob

 

[coobie]

Another fan of ALUMA trailers.I have a 6X12 very nice trailer IMHO..

 

[Garandman]

I bought a 6x10 aluminum trailer a few years back for things like hauling my JD garden tractor, motorcycle, etc. around. It has been good. I chose aluminum over steel for weight and rusting issues. That said, if you live in states that get snow you have to understand that an alum trailer will still corrode if used in the winter with road salt, etc. Down south maybe not so much of an issue. As it is, I try to keep my trailers off the road (my other one is a heavy equipment trailer) in the winter to protect them both. If I have to use one in the winter I wash it well afterwards.

It is a PITA to apply under a trailer, but we use Boeshield on machines that get exposed to salt. Really great stuff, kind of a waxy film.

Boeshield T-9(R) | Corrosion Protection and Waterproof Lubrication