Aluminum vs Galvanized trailers

Submitted by Honeybadger on Sun, 10/31/2010 - 17:07
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Maintenance, Repairs, Changes, and Upgrades

I am looking to upgrade my 40 yo trailer. Other than weight, is there any other advantage to the aluminum trailer that makes the price difference worth it? Are the galvanized trailers ablr to handle more abuse? I do not plan on hauling the boat many miles.

glennw_fs

Mon, 11/01/2010 - 04:44

My new Trailex aluminum trailer has 2 major differences over my old Tee-Nee steel trailer. First is the weight. The second is the profile.

The Scot sits much lower on the aluminum trailer. In order to accomplish that they have the tires out wider than the steel trailer.

Between the weight and the profile, I see significant improvement in the gas mileage when trailering. In my case it is around 5 mpg.

The lower profile has 2 advantages and 1 disadvantage. First it is much easier to climb on board. Second when ramp launching you do not need to back as far into the water. This gives you more working room behind your vehicle at launch and retrieval time.

The negative is you need to be more careful when making a turn. The aluminum trailer will track inside of your turn much more that the steel one. This makes it more likely you will hit a curb or other obstacle inside your turn.

Glenn
FS 5919 - DJ'
Nockamixon Sail Club
http://nockamixonsailclub.org

Honeybadger's picture

Honeybadger

Mon, 11/01/2010 - 05:56

Thank you. That helps quite a bit.

wojtase1

Mon, 11/01/2010 - 10:43

I am a huge fan of the aluminum trailer.

The only draw back is that you need to be careful when backing it up not to jack knife it at a sharp angle. The aluminum tongue can kink much easier than it would on a steel trailer.

sawyerspadre

Mon, 11/01/2010 - 16:04

We tow our 1985 Scot with the TeeNee trailer and it rides along behind our Sienna minivan easily. The vehicle is taller and wider than Glenn's Avalon, so it tucks in behind. I have not noticed much of a gas mileage penalty with the Sienna.

In my opinion the TeeNee trailers are well built. If I were ordering a new boat, I would get an aluminum.

I do use a short step ladder to get in, with the TeeNee. I have seen some newer galvanized Scot trailers that didn't look as bombproof as the TeeNee.

Phil Scheetz
FS 4086

FS5516's picture

FS5516

Sun, 11/07/2010 - 04:22

I have the galvanized Long Trailer and its it perfect for the Scot if you prefer the steel over the aluminum. Launching and hauling is pretty simple and the height is not too high and it is low enough to climb in without a step ladder. This trailer has exceeded my expectations after having experience with the old Sterling trailer I had for years.

Mark
FS 5516
Don't Panic