Are you looking for trailers that don’t rust? This factor is crucial if you intend to use the equipment in rain or snow or let it sit outside most of the year. Aluminum reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere to form a thin aluminum oxide layer on the trailer’s metal surfaces and protect against corrosion.
The weight of aluminum trailers varies widely. You’ll need to ensure that the vehicle you’ll use to haul the trailer has enough horsepower to pull the unit while empty or fully loaded. In general, an aluminum flatbed trailer weighs approximately 10% less than a comparable steel product.
How heavy are the loads you intend to carry with your trailer? It’s important to check the manufacturer’s rating guidelines to ensure you’re not exceeding the vehicle’s capacity. Conversely, if you only haul smaller or lighter cars, choosing a trailer with too much hauling capacity can put unnecessary strain on the towing vehicle and reduce its gas mileage.
Aluminum flatbed trailers are available in single- and tandem-axle configurations. The former is typically the better option if you’re hauling smaller loads due to the reduced size, lighter weight and easier maneuverability. A tandem-axle trailer works well when carrying larger or heavier payloads because its design keeps the trailer steady during travel, providing increased load stability.
Aluminum car trailers can be open or enclosed. An open design contains less metal, making it lighter and easier to haul, and is compatible with slide-in ramps, making it easier to load and unload cars from a flatbed. While an enclosed configuration increases the trailer’s weight, it provides more protection and security for the vehicles they’re carrying, reducing exposure to dirt, road debris and the elements.
A car trailer will either have surge brakes, which are activated by the towing vehicle’s momentum, or electric brakes connected to the tow vehicle’s braking system. The latter typically provides more control and efficiency when carrying larger loads, which can improve safety.
The hitch and coupler play a crucial role in connecting your aluminum trailer to the tow vehicle. Ensure that these vital components are compatible with the trailer’s specifications and the tow vehicle’s hauling capacity.
At Nationwide Trailers, we offer multiple aluminum trailer options to meet many buyers’ needs. These units measure 20 feet by 82 feet to accommodate private passenger vehicles. Other key features include a knife-edge tail to facilitate car loading and unloading and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 7,000 pounds.
Because these trailers offer excellent corrosion resistance, they can often last longer than products made from other materials. Since aluminum isn’t vulnerable to oxidation, it can be many years because you notice signs of rust. By maintaining its structural integrity, the trailer can continue to provide worry-free protection for your cars.
Aluminum’s malleability enables it to bend more easily than other materials. If you’re involved in an accident, you might be able to maneuver a dent back into shape, preventing a costly repair or insurance claim. If an extensive repair is necessary, the task is often easier and less expensive.
Many people think of aluminum as the material used to manufacture beverage cans or cooking foil. However, aluminum for car trailers is an alloy consisting of other materials as well. The result is a robust and durable trailer that can hold up well against the multiple challenges and hazards that exist in road transportation. Your vehicle will withstand the rigors of heavy use in all types of conditions.
These trailers require minimal preventive maintenance to keep them in excellent condition and maximize their longevity. The lack of regular service saves time and labor and reduces operating and ownership costs without impacting your trailer’s serviceable life. You’ll have more time to devote to hauling cars and other productive activities rather than waiting for your trailer to undergo planned maintenance or emergency repairs.
A lightweight trailer made from aluminum is easier to haul than one constructed from heavier metals, so you’ll be able to maneuver more efficiently and safely in traffic, even when carrying automobiles. The lighter load can also enable the tow vehicle to consume less fuel, which reduces your costs while on the road.
Do you have an older, slower or low-capacity tow vehicle? An aluminum trailer can usually deliver better results because it is lighter and more maneuverable, which reduces the burden on your truck.
While most aluminum car trailers have a higher upfront cost than comparable steel models, they can often provide a better long-term return on investment. The lack of preventive maintenance requirements can reduce operating and ownership costs, and the lighter weight can mean less frequent refueling stops.
Browse our current selection of aluminum trailers for sale online today or visit the Nationwide Trailers location near you for a closer look. You can also contact us online to request additional product and pricing information — we can discuss our financing options to make your purchase even more budget-friendly.