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What are the advantages of Steel vs. Aluminum? Monarch Trailers understands that making the decision to purchase a new trailer is one that takes time and research. We understand the need for comparison shopping between brands, styles, and even materials. That's why we have done the research for you and set up this page to take some of the guess work out of making your decision. Steel -Steel is the strongest of the two materials. It yields to stress, making it less brittle than some other metals. For this reason, automobiles are constructed of steel. -Steel is also the least expensive of the two materials, and has been proven to maintain its integrity in the event of a crash. Example of Steel Vs. Aluminum in matters of strength Picture this: You have two pieces of metal pipe. One pipe is steel and the other is the same type of aluminum alloy that is used in most horse trailers. They are the same length and the aluminum pipe is twice the thickness of the steel pipe. The aluminum pipe is only slightly lighter than the steel pipe. If both pipes were struck with the same amount of force that would break the aluminum pipe, the steel pipe would only bend. In order for the aluminum pipe to be as strong as the steel pipe, it must be THREE times as thick as the steel pipe, which would make the aluminum pipe slightly heavier than the steel pipe. Aluminum -Aluminum is lighter than steel. -Aluminum is not as strong as steel, and it is more brittle because it does not "give". -Repairs to aluminum trailers can be more difficult, as well as costly, because aluminum welding is more difficult that steel welding. -Aluminum can dent very easily. -Aluminum is a good heat conductor, which is why so much cookware is made of aluminum - but do you really want to cook your horse? -Also, contrary to popular opinion, aluminum is not maintenance free. -Aluminum may not rust HOWEVER it does oxidize. -Aluminum must be thicker than steel to be as strong, therefore, an all aluminum trailer is not always lighter than a trailer made of another material. Aluminum is also the most expensive material. |
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Attention: Information you should know before buying your trailer! Very important quotes from: AttentionHorses.com Survivability "Over the years, we have seen quite a few steel trailers that have been involved in traffic accidents. Most have come off the tow vehicle and have rolled over with horses inside. It is amazing how many horses have been able to walk away with only minor injuries because the trailer has held its shape and the interior dividers have kept them in place-like seat belts." "Because aluminum is more brittle, it will not withstand impact as well as steel, and if the trailer is in an accident, damage can be severe and injury to the horse may be increased. If the butt and breast bars, hinges, and dividers are stressed by horses thrown by an impact, they may break easily, even at low speeds. Horses may be injured unnecessarily even if the trailer structure remains intact. (Picture a six-horse slant load trailer in a head-on collision at 30 miles per hour. When six horses are thrown forward at 20 G's, aluminum hinges and dividers may not keep the horses from piling up on each other)" "An aluminum trailer floor may suit the structural engineers but has no advantages for the horse. Horse urine can cause oxidation, which can cause aluminum floors to fall through." The truth about aluminum trailers: "Like any good capitalistic enterprise, the trailer industry is motivated by sales. Since the industry must fulfill the wants and needs of its customer, manufacturers build what people buy. The customer is the final refutation, so if horse people demand safety for their horses, they will get it. Before you buy your horse trailer, make sure you choose the construction that is right for you and your horses. Don't be deceived by misinformation." Use of horse trailers over secondary roads: "Aluminum is more rigid and does not absorb shock and stress as well as steel. If the trailer is not built properly, flexing of the frame can lead to fatigue fractures and eventually failure." About Stress: "Aluminum floors do not absorb the road shock as well as wood, although rubber torsion and good mats will help counteract the rigidity of the metal. Aluminum is a conductor and may actually conduct heat from the road into the trailer, especially when the trailer is stopped on the road. Because aluminum does not breathe, this heat from the road can build up inside the trailer and combine with trapped noxious gasses from urine and manure to create an unhealthy environment."
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