Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

[Philster]

This is simply a question about where this issue ranks.

For example, I am working from the premise that welded is better than bolted construction, but is bolted construction a "OMG, run from it!" deal or more of a "Hey, welded is better, but with bolted construction, make sure you do X, Y, Z" ?

Chance for a great deal on an alum trailer that is bolted construction. It's new/leftover and will hopefully carry my new 24' boat.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Ayuh,... Properly built, a bolted chassis is as strong as any welded chassis....

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

My Rocket aluminum trailer`s components are all bolted on.

 

[bigdee]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Nothing wrong with bolts.....skyscrapers and bridges are bolted together. I worked in a plant that someone had welded a bracket for a hose reel and the welder was called out by the structural engineer. He said drilling and bolting on structural beams was OK but welding could could weaken the beam and was a violation. I have a trailer that is bolted together with 3/8 bolt and nyloc nuts and it is solid as a rock after thousands of rough miles.

 

[rbh]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

I look at it this way, bolts will elongate the holes due to vibration after awhile if you do not stay on top of them, steel and aluminum do not mix, and bolting together two parts is a lousy ground as well.
Welded aluminum parts tend to crack with vibrations and flexing of the metal, but are a great ground.

If I was always going to be hauling down the HWY at max GVW I think that I would do both, gusset the welded sections with bolted in material.

(This is a worst case scenario, I always think max GVW and off HWY use, just cause )

 

[JDA1975]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Commercial Vehicle frames are all bolted, with warnings not to drill or weld on them...figure if its good enough for heavy haulers, its good enough for your boat trailer, if the price is right get it, and if your still not comfortable, weld it!

 

[Philster]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Very well then -- bolted alum trailer it is then.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Philster,
My feelings on this subject are very well known, with that I don't have any problems with a new bolted Aluminum trailer, I will however tell you that if possible make sure the manufacturer terminates the wiring completely, meaning that you will want electrical grounds run from the truck wiring harness to the lights/brakes rather then using the frame of the trailer as a ground. The reason why is that over time all bolted connections in your frame will corrode and therefore the electrical connection will deteriorate much faster then the mechanical integrity will. Doing this will extend the life of your trailers wiring system quite a bit and we all know that trailer wiring typically fails long before the trailers structural integrity does, I would inspect the wiring of your trailer closely for exposed connections or "T"taps and replace them with quality weatherproof connections, taking these precautions should give you many years of issue free trailering and make your life boating easier.

I will add that most all trailers have the same electrical issues due to the same poor electrical standards no matter what type of trailer you get, even quality trailer manufacturers seem to not care about their products electrical system, I'm sure there are those that do care but I have yet to find them.

Anyway Good Luck with your trailer!

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

From a construction point of view ??

Both are TOTALLY GREAT !! If each is done correctly.

Crummy work ruins anything.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Ayuh,... Properly built, a bolted chassis is as strong as any welded chassis....

X2 Make sure the trailer is rated for the capicity needed and you will be fine. Re-Torque bolts every year.

 

[rbh]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Commercial Vehicle frames are all bolted, with warnings not to drill or weld on them...figure if its good enough for heavy haulers, its good enough for your boat trailer, if the price is right get it, and if your still not comfortable, weld it!

And some are riveted.
You do not see very many commercial vehicles or trailers with "aluminum frames" they are to expensive to MFG to be tolerant to the point that steel is.
(Mack truck macks a aluminum frame for cement mixers/batch trucks due to weight issues, cement eats aluminum)

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

properly welded bolted joints in aluminum will outlast a welded joint, as the material in the Heat Affected Zone is annealed

FYI - A properly designed bolted joint does not need to be re-torqued

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Been using one for over 10 years and no problems. Just the lights now and then. Never a re-torque, and yes I check for movement on the joints each spring.
It's been better than any steel/gav. trailer I've had in every way.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

properly welded bolted joints in aluminum will outlast a welded joint, as the material in the Heat Affected Zone is annealed

FYI - A properly designed bolted joint does not need to be re-torqued

+1
I'm a Mechanical engineer, a certified welder and have worked in the metallurgy and metals characterization for the past 34 years.
I wouldn't own a welded trailer, especially a welded aluminum trailer. Aluminum is very prone to stress fractures, even if not welded

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Question: Is your hitch bolted to the vehicle frame? 'Nuff said!

 

[Philster]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

No, I welded mine...


I kid! I kid!

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

No, I welded mine...


I kid! I kid!

Yeah, and he was wondering why he was getting weird tire wear! :facepalm:

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

+1
I'm a Mechanical engineer, a certified welder and have worked in the metallurgy and metals characterization for the past 34 years.
I wouldn't own a welded trailer, especially a welded aluminum trailer. Aluminum is very prone to stress fractures, even if not welded

+2. Fatique fractures in welded aluminum joints that are subjected to viberations is horrendous.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

+2. Fatique fractures in welded aluminum joints that are subjected to viberations is horrendous.

Can't disagree more.

Worked on the railroad 27yr's repairing freight cars. Steele and aluminum. There are alot of aluminum built railroad cars that are made to carry a 100 tons +. They hold up just as well as the steel ones if not better. There is nothing wrong with welded aluminum. No trailer is going to get more subjected to vibration's then a railroad car.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Through-bolted versus welded construction on an alum trailer.

Can't disagree more.

Worked on the railroad 27yr's repairing freight cars. Steele and aluminum. There are alot of aluminum built railroad cars that are made to carry a 100 tons +. They hold up just as well as the steel ones if not better. There is nothing wrong with welded aluminum. No trailer is going to get more subjected to vibration's then a railroad car.

You can?t compare the structural integrity of a aluminum boat trailer an aluminum train car. If you built a boat trailer to aluminum railroad structural standards, no one would be able to afford a boat trailer except the US military.