Disadvantage Of Aluminum Trailer?

[Utopia Texas]

Comparing a flat bed aluminum trailer to a similar weight range in steel with wood deck are there any disadvantages to the aluminum trailer? I have the opportunity to buy a very good used aluminum unit and I am very tempted. No wood deck maintenance...?

 

[bigtiller]

I can't nail or screw anything to the floor, but there is usually a work around for that.
When I haul my tiller I lay a 2x5 foot piece of plywood under it to protect the floor. Without it, the tiller really gouges up the floor with even a short 20 mile trip. I seen a guy once that put plywood or car tires under everything he hauled to a swap-meet on his new trailer.

If the new ever wears off I will quit using the plywood. But it has been 3 years now and still looks new.

 

[locknut]

If it's a good trailer you better grab it before someone else does. Used AL trailers are not plentiful and normally priced close to new.

 

[mrmikey]

Personally I'd be going for the steel one. Aluminum is more prone to fatigue cracking, it'll more than likely break before it bends, at least steel you'll have a bit more warning, you have to be careful about corrosion, harder to repair should it break.
Before anyone says there are 45' aluminum road trailers out there, yes I know, you asked for opinions ....Mike

 

[7879fordman]

Ya the are always broke some where . Not worth the trouble of welding on them all the time .

Sent from my iPhone 5 using TractorByNet

 

[dstig1]

Main disadvantages have been stated - expensive and harder to repair. But if you need the weight savings, there is no substitute.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I have a steel trailer and a aluminum trailer. Both have advantages.

I personally like wood decks vs steel or aluminum no matter what the trailer is made of. Just too slick in my opinion.

Chris