nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429 
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Post by nhg on Aug 28, 2014 13:54:56 GMT
The aluminum on steel is lighter but nowhere near as light as a full aluminum. And you still get rust on the frame. I've heard that there can be issues with the screws and bolts where they hold the two different materials together but I don't know if that's just one of those rumours that isn't true. I bought one so I obviously wasn't worried about it.
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redzip
Junior Member
Posts: 1,701
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Post by redzip on Aug 28, 2014 15:07:49 GMT
The aluminum on steel is lighter but nowhere near as light as a full aluminum. And you still get rust on the frame. I've heard that there can be issues with the screws and bolts where they hold the two different materials together but I don't know if that's just one of those rumours that isn't true. I bought one so I obviously wasn't worried about it. I watched a horse fly backwards when tied to a aluminum/steel trailer and SNAP the 'tying hardware' off the trailer  Soooo, thats a BIG PLUS for welded steel trailers. I just want to find a lighter weight trailer, in some ways,.., but in other ways, my trailer is just fine. Just keeping my eyes open for something a bit newer,., IDK  |
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Post by horselover4life on Aug 28, 2014 16:16:27 GMT
OK....question {here we go again}When I look at the pictures...
Why is it your escape doors and dressing room door appear to be so much shorter in height than the trailer?
Is this a super tall trailer, like excess of 7'6" high?
The dressing room area.... saddle racks are attached to a piece of plywood which is screwed into a "?".....unless properly attached it could pullout and tear the aluminum skin...look carefully. This is a aftermarket addition not factory installed equipment... IDK if it makes a difference if reinforcing wall supports for the weight of saddles to hang is done at the factory.
Honestly.. from what I have read about the differences in weight between aluminum, aluminum over steel frame and all steel trailer... the difference in weight is a few hundred pounds. All trailers have issues of maintenance needing to be done. Steel rusts so needs body work and anti-rust/corrosion work done, aluminum pits and needs acid washing to retain that pretty look. All take a beating from weather of salt spread on roads, very high temperatures and strong sun, salt-water proximity for metal corrosion.
Where steel flexes greatly, aluminum rips and breaks...there are reasons why certain metals take a lot more abuse than others from hooves, road and off-road twist and turns...
I have a heavy enough truck to tow a loaded 4 - 6 horse if I wish so "looking" for ways to lighten the load is a non-issue for me. My 4 horse semi-stock is steel on steel...
I do understand you wanting a more year-round trailer enclosing it more than your stock...and having a dressing/tack area...
I just don't know if going for aluminum is what I would do or the added expense of aluminum.
For the savings of a few hundred pounds...you still need a big enough truck to handle that weight and length safely.
I have found following, riding side-by-side with a aluminum vs. steel stock trailer the aluminum surprisingly made more rattle, bang sounds that I could hear from my car. Both trailers were empty and doing road speed of 65mph on a interstate following each other in the same lane. Both were goose-necks if that could of made a difference...
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nhg
Junior Member
Posts: 2,429
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Post by nhg on Aug 28, 2014 17:04:06 GMT
Now that you mention it Red, I used to have an Exiss gooseneck that was all aluminum and my daughter ripped one of the holdbacks for the doors out when she went to close the door without undoing it. I'd only had it a short time and they fixed it under warranty but I had to take it there and wait for hours.
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Aug 29, 2014 3:46:53 GMT
Red does your stock have a gate in it? I took mine (16ft) moved the gate up 2 feet and took plexi glass and put window channels in the front area and used it as a tack area. I could straight load 2 horses. But still had the option of hauling 4 slant loaded. If you don't have a gate. You could get a load bar and put it across the front to keep the horse far enough back that you can put your tack in there. Shame you weren't closer to me. There is a 2h slant load with rear tack and DR in excellent shape for 4k.  |
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mingiz
Junior Member
Los Lunas, NM
Posts: 3,320
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Post by mingiz on Aug 29, 2014 3:47:20 GMT
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redzip
Junior Member
Posts: 1,701
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Post by redzip on Aug 29, 2014 13:08:16 GMT
Red does your stock have a gate in it? I took mine (16ft) moved the gate up 2 feet and took plexi glass and put window channels in the front area and used it as a tack area. I could straight load 2 horses. But still had the option of hauling 4 slant loaded. If you don't have a gate. You could get a load bar and put it across the front to keep the horse far enough back that you can put your tack in there. Shame you weren't closer to me. There is a 2h slant load with rear tack and DR in excellent shape for 4k. Mine does have a gate, mid way, so I could technically have (like) 2 stalls. I could easily put a homemade tack area in,., just wanted one with it already there. I keep thinking I want to upgrade, but actually, as infrequently as I use the DANG thing, I need to just stay where I am. ITS PAID FOR  ,..., and really, I guess, I'm just window shopping,.., Also, I don't really want a straight load, I actually like stocks, and slants. LOL,.., SIGH |
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,..., and really, I guess, I'm just window shopping,..,