Life expectancy of steel framed trailer?

[BigMan]

Considering a new Haulmark and curious how long one of these should last before the frame would be corroded enough to actually cause problems, not just surface rust. I live where they spray the liquid salt on the road and I do not plan on washing it out. Once it gets salt under it it's gonna stay there. How many years before the metal would start pitting? Just trying to get an idea of what one might expect..

Thanks

 

[red]

I brought a used pace trailer, its been all over Western Cdn/USA. It was built in 1996. Im no metal expert, just fix broken things. The frame seems to be in good shape. Like you said, it wont be getting washed alot. Since I have owned in. Less than 2yrs, it got washed before it summer hit. As I dont have a heated shop to dry it out in. If there is room @ work, I have washed it & left inside of the night. Sure its heavier than aluminum, ask KW trucks how great of an idea aluminum frame rails were? Bad idea.

 

[Hillclimbpro]

i have a 1999 20ft enclosed us cargo trailer with steel frame and it is still in good reliable shape. it has some rust but nothing that is gona effect the strength. i live in the midwest where they love to dump the salt down and take it out west a dozen times every winter............hope this helps

 

[Borderstaff]

I agree with the posts above. I had a 4 place Haulmark that I bought nearly new (used 1 week in the summer). I bought some of the spray undercoating that 3M made - it is in an oversize spray can. I sprayed the whole frame before it ever saw the rust and after 3 winters of use and never washing until spring the frame still looked very good - the coating only came off in a few small areas near the tires.

If you're going to spend the money on a nice trailer I'd recommend doing this. I'd expect no less than 15 years without any issues on integrity. More if you put POR15 over any rust as it forms.

 

[AndrettiDog]

It just depends how it was used and how it was taken care of. My 2002 Haulmark does have rust spots, but it's holding up just fine. I go it for a heck of a price so I'm not too worried myself.

 

[vdo1948]

From my limited experience you are more likely to see your aluminum skin panels corrode and your door hinges fail before you have any frame issues. The frame may look like crap but it will last a long time looking that way and not being taken care of. However, the proximity of steel and aluminum where most enclosed skins meet the frame means your aluminum skin will be corroded with holes while the frame is still strong. And the heavy steel doors will tend to sag your door hinges. I think those are the real issues with steel trailers.

 

[IDspud]

The frame is the last thing you will have a failure on. We have steel frame trailers on the farm from the 1950's that are still sound. Some I have never seen paint on since I can remember.

 

[Dam Dave]

Steel frame will last longer than an Aluim frame

 

[BigMan]

Thanks for the input guys, but I have to ask.. What is it about the aluminum that some of you say is going to fail before a steel trailer? I assume you're talking about welds breaking or something of the sort...?

 

[Mafesto]

After having both, I would NEVER own another steel trailer unless I could buy it dirt cheap.

A good quality Alum will serve you longer than a steel one & look good doing it. (Featherlight, Aluma etc)

There are some inexpensive alum trailers I would stay away from though.

 

[barry1me]

Steel frame will last longer than an Aluim frame

agreed. I have owned near 20 trailers between my brother and myself, and we have had 3 structural failures out of 20 trailers. Of those 20 trailers, 5 have been aluminum, of the 5, 3 of them broke on the frame. I had an RnR inline alumnium where the frame cracked at a weld on the tongue, and where the axle connected to the frame. The next was a 1996 shorelander 2 place aluminum jet ski trailer. That frame broke at 2 of the 3 gussets at the middle frame connector. I almost lost my Yamaha GP1300R on the highway when it happened. The last was an aluminum car hauler that had a fatigued weld where a crossmemeber attached.

For me I dont like aluminum trailers...to save 700lbs in structural integrity for an aluminum trailer, and spend several thousand more makes no sense to me. Steel is stronger then aluminum....for most aluminum vs steel trailers there is considerably more safety factor in the designs. I have had steel trailers sit outside for 10+ years and still to this day they work perfect.