Trailer - Galvanized or Aluminum?

[ppaspa]

I'm looking at trailer options for my '02 282 and see many good looking manufacturers out there with lots of nice options. The options are fairly easy to sort through but the one big question I can't seem to find info about are the pro's and con's of going with an aluminum or galvanized trailer? Weight and cost are obvious, but are there other considerations? Any feedback good or bad with either material is appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[CaptKennyW]

if you wash your trailer as soon as you get back from the ramp galv. should be ok. my dads boat sits on a 23 year old galv trailer and there is not the least bit of rust on it.

 

[Bill_N]

Aluminum is cheaper than steel in trailers of equal quality.

 

[ocdansar]

Aluminum is a lot lighter for sure

 

[jehines3]

For that size rig, I'd go steel. My Marlin trailer is steel and is 18 years old. It needs work but in places that would be the same on any trailer. The only way I'd consider aluminum is if it saved enough to keep you within an existing tow vehicle limits.

Here is what I would want on your trailer (since its your money and you asked):
Triple axle
Electric over hydraulic brake controller
SS Disc brakes from Kodiak on a atleast 2 axles (I'd keep 4 wheel disc even if you drop one axle and avoid Tie Down)
SS Brake lines
Roller or bunk depending on ramp choices
Electric Winch (min 10k)
Bow ladder

 

[TBone]

I have both galvy and aluminum.

Both are in overall good cond., the aluminum is 1994, and the galvy is 1978.

I say the key to their longevity is the frame construction.

The galvy is "C" channel and the aluminum is "I" beam, no water gets stuck

inside either design. Box, forget it.

The one bad thing I had to say about the Aluminum was when I replaced

the torsion axles, there was a signifigant amount of corosion where the steel

met the Al, the Al was thinned out in those spots. I believe it is due to the fact

that no sealant was used between them and salt water sept in made them react.

I fixed it by plating the bottm with 3/8" Al plate and sandwiched everything

in a bed of 3M 5200.

The Al is lighter and looks nice. But both are good

If I had to get new, the price would be the main deciding factor for me.

 

[B-Faithful]

AL trailers tend to look nicer longer. However, if you ever plan on using for another boat, readjustments can be a problem due to the fact that axles are drilled through the I beams

 

[Brad1]

I had an aluminum I beam and a galvanized square tube of near equivalent capacity. Lifted the boat off of each. I noticed that the aluminum trailer flexed much more than the steel.