Steel Vs. Aluminum Horse Trailers

Horse trailers now are just as expensive as buying a small car, so you want to choose what will best serve your needs. Several options are available for trailers, bumper tag or goose neck, slant load or head-to-head, how many horses, and steel or aluminum. Steel has long been the metal used for building trailers---until the company Featherlite Trailers revolutionized the trailer by using aluminum.

  1. Strength

    • Steel is generally a stronger metal than aluminum. Steel will eventually deteriorate from rust, however. This can be delayed by painting and galvanizing the trailer, but soon the metal will give in to decay. The type of aluminum used in the trailers is typically strong, if not as strong as steel, being 95 percent aluminum and the rest is copper, zinc, titanium and chromium. It is a lighter material, nonetheless, and can dent or ding easier than steel.

    Economics

    • Steel trailers are generally more affordable because they are not in as high of demand, and because now they are usually bought used. An aluminum trailer will be more expensive and even purchased used will be priced higher because they hold their value much better if taken care of properly. Steel trailers can be easier to make repairs on. Aluminum trailers need generally less maintenance, but the maintenance can be pricier and needs to be done professionally. Because aluminum trailers are lighter, they tend to have better gas mileage and less wear on a vehicle that pulls them.

    Maintenance

    • Steel trailers should be painted or galvanized to help prevent rust. They also should be check regularly for flaws in the exterior, notably the latches and the floor. Manure and urine will deteriorate these places at a quick rate due to constant exposure. Aluminum trailers have a tendency for the hinges, pins and handles to not stay well greased. Aluminum will ding and dent a lot easier than steel because it is a more pliable metal. To maintain a clean appearance the trailer should be acid washed every couple of years.

    Travel

    • Steel trailers tend to be heavier, so with larger loads of horses, it can be lead to extensive wear on a vehicle. Especially through hilly terrain, hauling with a steel trailer will hurt gas mileage and brakes. Aluminum trailers are much lighter and easier for a vehicle to manage, especially when hauling a lot of horses. Aluminum trailers also tend to become hotter a lot faster than the steel trailers do. For longer trips, with lots of horses on the trailer, regardless of the type, significant ventilation and air movement in the trailer are essential.

    Brands

    • The brand of trailer you buy for either steel or aluminum is important. Aluminum trailers can be constructed with cheaper materials, with a lighter aluminum that may not hold up to constant usage. Featherlite, Eby and Sundowner are some of your more reputable brands to go with.