Aluminum frames on expedition trailers
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Aluminum frames on expedition trailers

JohnSil

JohnSil

Well-known member
A buddy and I were talking about him getting an expedition trailer or squareback (is still possibility as well) this fall. He has a Tundra right now, however has a Rivian on order. So he is looking for something with the least weight. Frames are generally where a lot of weight is introduced in these trailers. Does anyone offer a trailer that is using an aluminum frame?
 
There's a few out here but the in my opinion, the slight weight reduction isn't worth the fact you have an aluminum frame. Done right, aluminum is great but if you have to change, mod or repair, you better have access to someone who can weld it properly.

I've been involved with two aluminum framed trailers, seen several others and I don't like the way the frames were built. They also ended up weighing the same as a light steel frame, just harder to work with.
Depending on the size he wants, aluminum vs steel frames are so close in weight, its not worth the extra expense. If you look, you can find them around 2000# or less.
 
Steel is used for good reasons, as smite pointed out, making adjustments to it in future can be more challenging. Not to mention might compromise strength.
 
Hey thank you. Interestingly, someone told use that Turtleback made some of their trailers with aluminum frames some time ago, however they switched back to steel. I had another person who learned of another company from an article they saw on this site called sno trailers. These kind of look like the Turtleback trailers, and it looks like they have aluminum frames. But not as much buzz out there on this one. Then we found tons of Patriot, but these are overseas and I told my buddy that could be problematic for warranty issues.
 
It’s based on what it’s alloyed with. The “grades” of aluminum can go from soft to brutally hard, flexible to ridged.
 
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