Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

[BRICH1260]

Looking at two boats very similar in size and weight. One has an Aluminum trailer and one has a Steel trailer under it. Both are tandem axle. I uncovered the apparent fact that the Aluminum trailer weights about 1000 lbs less that the steel version of the same. I am concerned because the 1K difference will put the boat and steel trailer very close to my trucks capabilities. Does this weight difference sound about right?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

Download a LoadRite catalog and compare the dry weights for 2 trailers in the particular size range. Or, any other trailer company's catalog that sells both types...

 

[roscoe]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

Some aluminum I beam trailers actually weigh MORE than their steel version.

Most of the time, the aluminum vs steel difference is less than 200# for comparable trailers.

Karavan galvanized steel bunk trailer.

Specifications (KSBT-5700-DB-78)
Tire Size: ST205/75D14C
Carrying Capacity: 5700 lbs

Transom to Bow Eye: 223"- 262" Width Between Fender: 80"
Overall Width: 100"
Overall Length: 26'
Brakes/Size (DB-Disc): DB/10"-ON AXLE Axles: 2 Suspension: Spring
Tongue Size: 3" x 4" Ramp: No
Weight: 1180 lbs
Boat Length: 20' - 23'



Karavan aluminum I beam trailer.

Specifications (SLT-5800-TDB-78-LFB)
Tire Size: ST205/75D14C
Carrying Capacity: 5800 lbs

Transom to Bow Eye: 198" - 256" Width Between Fender: 82"
Overall Width: 99"
Overall Length: 24'
Brakes/Size (DB-Disc): DB/10"-One Axle Axles: 2 Suspension: Torsion
Tongue Size: 3" x 4"
Weight:1020 lbs
Boat Length: 21' - 23'



Boat Trailers - Karavan Trailers

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

The size and weight of the steel trailer would get you better answers.

But generally speaking, yes. Aluminum is about half the weight of steel, so if you're talking about a steel trailer that weighs 2,000 or 3,000 lbs it's reasonable to assume aluminum would be about half that. Of course there are lots of parts on the trailer that are not aluminum (suspension, tires, etc) so you're not saving anything there.

As Jim said looking up the specs will be your best bet.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

I did and per their websites, a Magic Tilt 2682 aluminum is #880lbs and Hertiage steel `26 is #1800lbs. Just never would have thought that much difference.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

I did and per their websites, a Magic Tilt 2682 aluminum is #880lbs and Hertiage steel `26 is #1800lbs. Just never would have thought that much difference.

That is surprising. With car trailers they have to use so much extra aluminum to get to the same strength as steel that you are usually looking at a couple hundred lb difference on trailers that are around 2000lbs

 

[dingbat]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

Aluminum is lighter, but steel is stronger so you end up with much beefier aluminum cross sections to equal the strength of steel. Generally speaking, aluminum buys you a 10-15% reduction in weight.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

Ok, so I had time on my hands so i looked it up. 26 foot 8000 # capacity. Steel = 1990, alum = 1540. Loadrite.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

I did and per their websites, a Magic Tilt 2682 aluminum is #880lbs and Hertiage steel `26 is #1800lbs. Just never would have thought that much difference.

Comparing apples to oranges. A semi to a pickup truck.....

Magic Tilt Boat Trailers manufacturer, offering over 20,000 boat trailers for over 10,000 boat models
SUBMERSIBLE BUNK VEE (SBV) TRAILERS - Galvanized Steel Tube Welded Frame- Tandem Axle

GA0589-1

TSBV2022W-5700 F14C

20 - 22

5700

94"

77"

24' - 7"

ST175 / 80D 13C

900

CUSTOM ALUMINUM SERIES (CA) - Aluminum Bunk Trailers- Tandem Axle

FA3655

TCA2260 F78X14C WELDED

20'-22'

6000

102"

84"

25'-0"

ST205 / 75D14 C

1000

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

Aluminum is lighter, but steel is stronger so you end up with much beefier aluminum cross sections to equal the strength of steel. Generally speaking, aluminum buys you a 10-15% reduction in weight.

That's a trick question! Pound for pound, aluminum is much stronger than steel. If it wasn't, it would be impossible for a comparable aluminum trailer to be lighter. Steel is stronger if you are talking dimensions/size/thickness though.

(ie, a 1/4" wall steel tube is stronger (and heavier) than a 1/4" wall aluminum tube, but a 10 pound aluminum tube is stronger than a 10 pound steel tube.)

 

[dingbat]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

That's a trick question! Pound for pound, aluminum is much stronger than steel.

Yep, Aluminum is superior to a steel trailer in every way. I wish I had one.....

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

First off, your aluminum, ?? walled rectangular tubing doesn?t exist. The reason why aluminum trailers are made from open profiles,i.e. channel.

It exists...just not used on trailers.

Aluminum Supplier | Aluminum Supply | Industrial Metal Supply

 

[dingbat]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

Humm....wonder why they don't extruded aluminum tubing on trailer?

Guessing I urinated in your Wheaties by mistake

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Weight difference between Steel and Aluminum Trailer?

Humm....wonder why they don't extruded aluminum tubing on trailer?

Guessing I urinated in your Wheaties by mistake

Here is your original post that you have since edited:

First off, your aluminum, ?” walled rectangular tubing doesn’t exist.

Actually, I don't know why. Educate me. I just knew rectangular aluminum tubing existed and stated that.

So is it only boat trailers that don't use tube construction?
These guys do:
http://everlitetrailer.com/

Do cross members count?
http://www.boattrailerparts.com/Boa...-Trailer-Cross-Member-80-inch-Long_p_630.html