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02-08-2010, 02:38 PM
Ok so suppose then that the weight difference is 650 lbs.
Steel
Trailer 1500 lbs
Truck 6000 lbs
Car 3000 lbs
=10,500 lbs
Alum
Trailer 850 lbs
Truck 6000 lbs
Car 3000 lbs
=9,850 lbs
650 lb difference/9850 lbs=6.6% more weight! What do you think the actual mpg difference is? I bet less than 1 mpg.
So I think the weight argument is only a marginal one.
On steel trailers "rusting", every year I take about 15 minutes and if there are any rust spots (tiny ones) I put Eastwood Rust Encapsulator on them. I just sold my 2005 steel 2-car trailer and it still looked basically new.
Finally, on the point of resale value, a $1600 new steel car trailer would sell for about $1400 used, total depreciation $200. If you happen to sell your $5000 trailex trailer for $4000, that is much more expensive. The resale on steel open car trailers is better than aluminum trailers.
For the bling-factor Aluminum wins hands down! I'd rather spend my money on car go-fast parts and look good on the track than in the paddock!
Steel
Trailer 1500 lbs
Truck 6000 lbs
Car 3000 lbs
=10,500 lbs
Alum
Trailer 850 lbs
Truck 6000 lbs
Car 3000 lbs
=9,850 lbs
650 lb difference/9850 lbs=6.6% more weight! What do you think the actual mpg difference is? I bet less than 1 mpg.
So I think the weight argument is only a marginal one.
On steel trailers "rusting", every year I take about 15 minutes and if there are any rust spots (tiny ones) I put Eastwood Rust Encapsulator on them. I just sold my 2005 steel 2-car trailer and it still looked basically new.
Finally, on the point of resale value, a $1600 new steel car trailer would sell for about $1400 used, total depreciation $200. If you happen to sell your $5000 trailex trailer for $4000, that is much more expensive. The resale on steel open car trailers is better than aluminum trailers.
For the bling-factor Aluminum wins hands down! I'd rather spend my money on car go-fast parts and look good on the track than in the paddock!