Trailers: Angle iron VS. C Channel

[goodoleboy]

Ive been looking for a 16ft utility trailer. Ive seen a few with angle iron for frames and sides and C channel. Of course the C channel is more exspensive.
How much better is a C channel compared to angle iron? Uses for the trailer will include moving mowers, LOTS of rock big and small, dirt, Round and square hay bales.

I dont plan on overloading the trailer but do plan on using the 7000lb capacity on occasion with whatever i decide to purchase.

 

[MF1455v]

IMO go with the channel iron frame. The weight of rock and dirt will add fast.

I have a 12ft tandom axel utility with the channel frame. I have pushed the weight limit to the max several times and it still looks as good as new. It's has been worth the extra $'s to me just as a feel better policy when it is loaded fully.

 

[EddieWalker]

Here in my area, you have angle iron trialers and pipe frame ones. The price difference for the same axles and the same size is about $200 more for the pipe frame.

I chose the more expensive, stronger one based on seeing lots of beat up, bent and busted welds on angle iron trailers. It's just an observation I've made walking through the parking lots at Home Depot and Lowes.

It sounds like you plan on using it for some heavy duty work and probably want to keep it for a long time. If that is the case, go for the better one.

 

[Onthelake]

Go with the C channel but also, go with a trailer where the c channel continues on and becomes the tongue...one solid piece. Avoid trailer where the tongue is welded to the underside of the frame. They are weaker and are only as strong as the welds and/or the cross braces.
Rod

 

[dholly]

I speak from experience when I say if you bend a trailer, it's near impossible to straighten back out. Since you do intend to use it at full capacity, stay away from angle. I would agree C-channel offers the best combination of strength, durability and cost value for the average, non-commercial use you mention. Spread that relatively small increase out over the years of useful life and you will see it is a very small price to pay for at least some peace of mind you won't wreck your new trailer... because at some point you probably WILL inadvertantly overload it!