Properties of Galvanized Steel Trailers

• Galvanized steel trailers are durable trailers. Steel is resistant to metal fatigue, more scratch-resistant and easier to work with than aluminum. Steel is also a poorer conductor of heat than aluminum meaning that steel horse trailers could provide a more comfortable ride when transporting live animals, such as horses.
  
  The problems with a galvanized steel trailer are that it is heavier to transport and has a shorter lifespan because it is prone to rust.
  
  

Properties of Aluminum Trailers

• Aluminum trailers are about 25 percent to 35 percent lighter than steel, making them easier to haul. Because of the lighter load on a towing vehicle, aluminum trailers promote better gas mileage (more miles per gallon). Aluminum trailers are claimed to last longer than steel trailers as aluminum does not rust and painting and repainting are not required. Aluminum trailers are not exempt from problems. Aluminum is a better heat conductor than steel and therefore horses riding aluminum trailers therefore feel more uncomfortable than riding a steel one. Aluminum is said to be weaker than steel, thus trailers need extra reinforcement that leads to a total trailer weight similar to a steel trailer. Aluminum is also more prone to metal fatigue and will shear and tear when it is damaged; whatever is inside the trailer becomes at risk for injury or damage.
  
  

Maintenance and Repair Comparisons

• Steel, even galvanized steel, is prone to rust, and therefore steel trailers require covered storage to prevent or minimize rust formation. Because of the threat of rust, steel requires periodic rustproofing and repainting. However, despite more maintenance costs, steel trailers are easier to repair. Aluminum trailers appear to be almost maintenance-free as they do not rust and therefore do not need to be repainted. When aluminum trailers get damaged, however, it becomes more costly as they are more difficult to repair as it is a less-plastic material than steel.
  
  

Cost Comparisons

• Steel trailers are cheaper when compared to aluminum trailers as steel is a cheaper material to work with. Repair costs tend to be lower than that of aluminum. However, the weight of steel trailers combined with maintenance costs make operations or hauls using steel more costly. Aluminum trailers are more expensive than steel ones. The difficulty involved in repairing them also makes repair costs more expensive. However, maintenance and usage is more economical as aluminum trailers are lighter to tow and do not require repainting or rustproofing.
  
  Given the facts concerning galvanized and aluminum trailers, the better option depends on what potential problems a trailer user can bear.