Trailer question: Aluminum v. Galvanized

[Jerkyourcroaker]

What are the reasons that folks choose aluminum trailers over galvanized? I understand a potential advantage in weight and therefore fuel economy or towing. Is there something else?

I ask because I am looking at a boat and the aluminum trailer option is kind of pricey. Is it just boat bling or is there a good reason to get the aluminum?



Sent from my BlackBerry 9930 using Tapatalk

[Ibtsoom]

Trailer question: Aluminum v. Galvanized

Corrosion. Far less on aluminum over time.

[kenny]

I launch my boat almost daily, and get 5 years out of a galvanized trailer. The so-called aluminum trailer I got from McClain was half galvanized, and it failed in 4 years, when the axle came off!

Get a single axle aluminum Coastline trailer for $2400.00. Best trailer in Texas, hands down!

[OR19]

Aluminum is the way to go...I think they all still have galvanized axles...I just replaced 2 torsion axles around Christmas...I think they were $380 each and had been on the trailer since 2007, I probably fish once a week on average....I rinse the axles/trailer with fresh water after each use when I get home....

[Robalo]

The aluminum frame will far outlast any galvanized frame. Like OR said, the axles will be galvanized and you'll be replacing those about every 5 years or so-get torsion suspension or you'll be replacing the springs at least every 5 years unless you paint the helll outta em with a mix of gear lube and grease twice a year.

[Big Bay]

Aluminum looks whey better and lasts whey longer.

[kenny]

Aluminum looks way better and lasts way longer.

Welcome to WEA!

[BlueWaveBoats]

I would also recommend aluminum as long as it is built right... Torsion axles, LED lights, multiple supports on fenders, etc. You will also find that a true hot dip galvanized trailer is close in cost to aluminum due to EPA regs.

[plugger]

Good to know stuff . Makes me want to take a look at my axles . Not that ill know what I'm looking at .

[captmike]

Galv axles bolt on to aluminum frame via ss bolts, the angle bracket should be isolated from frame with thick rubber, because aluminum vs galv the bracket will become very thin and break off. Most of the time the axles are still good, but the torsion is packed in plastic like stuff and you can't cut the angle off and re weld them. Look at angle bracket and keep close eye on them. If you treat the axles with corrisoin x several times the axle will hold up longer. Watch the ss bolts that holds this together, they have been know to break, after 4-5 years it won't hurt to remove and check them. If they break you are in big trouble.

[kenny]

A thick rubber gasket/separation between the trailer I-beam and angle bracket sounds like a good idea. My McClain trailer that failed was connected directly with galvanized to aluminum. The beam was so small that the holes drilled in the flange were too close to the edge, with some mis drilled almost at the edge. My Coastline trailer has a much larger beam frame and a 1" aluminum plate between the two dissimilar metals.