Aluminium versus Galv Steel for trailer?

[Big_T]

Aluminium versus Galv Steel

I am having a trailer made and need to decide on Aluminium or Galv steel for the body.

Either way, I probably wouldn't paint it. Yes it will blind other commuters for a few years.

Rough estimates point towards Aluminium being $600 more expensive, but at least 60Kg lighter.

Wonder what people's thoughts are?

Money is tight, and I want to get it right first time.



(It's going to be a fancy/custom tradesman type trailer with Wrangler wheels and axle width, and 31s.
Plan is to use steel frame/skeleton for the roof section and use sikaflex and rivets to hold on the aluminium panels (if I go with Aluminium).
Panels/top section will be laser cut and computer folded. (ching ching)
Chassis already exists and is steel, but will be Hot Dipped Galved.)

[hillsjeep]

I don't know if you get the same problem with unprotected aluminium on trailers as you do in boats, but a mate of mine dropped a bolt in his aluminium boat and it corroded a hole straight through after a few months.

[Jeeps]

I looked at this the last few months as i only ordered my trailor and picked it up this week. For my trailor as it stands, it would have been about $3200 fully galvanised, which i eventually decided to not get done. However, i looked at a few places that made aluminium trailors and that figure was not less than $4000.

[Big_T]

Originally Posted by hillsjeep

I don't know if you get the same problem with unprotected aluminium on trailers as you do in boats, but a mate of mine dropped a bolt in his aluminium boat and it corroded a hole straight through after a few months.

That's a bit strange..

[Big_T]

Originally Posted by Jeeps

I looked at this the last few months as i only ordered my trailor and picked it up this week. For my trailor as it stands, it would have been about $3200 fully galvanised, which i eventually decided to not get done. However, i looked at a few places that made aluminium trailors and that figure was not less than $4000.

Jeeps, I haven't been on this forum much lately...

Do you have any pictures of your new trailer anywhere here?

[Big_T]

By the way, I am pretty much sold on aluminium at this stage

[hillsjeep]

Originally Posted by Big_T

That's a bit strange..

Cancel that. Just spoke to him, it wasn't a bolt it was a lead sinker. Apparently electrolytic corrosion occurs between lead and alloy, but salt from the water is required in the equation.