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Trailer registration requirements vary from state to state, and sometimes even between
counties within some states. For specific Motorcycle Trailer information, contact your local county or
state licensing department. For your convenience, we have created
a state by state map to help you find the
trailer laws that effect you.
Just click here
to go to our Trailer registration page.
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| Steel versus Aluminum |
Most of us know that the history of steel
goes back to ancient times. Mankind as far back
as 1,000 AD used steel. As in the past, steel
will continue to play an important role in our
everyday lives. With over 16 million tons of
steel being used in the automotive industry in
the USA, the steel industry is still one of the
most critical supply bases for the millions of
vehicles produced every year.
Aluminum has been around for less than 200 years
and it was not until 1854 that we discovered how
to produce aluminum commercially. Today it is so
widely used in and for so many things that we
couldn’t imagine life without it.
When comparing the two metals it would be quite
ridiculous to state that one is “better” than
the other. Both are extremely important,
versatile, and adaptable for many different
uses. When it comes to products that are
available in both steel and aluminum it is the
consumers that will ultimately have to decide
what their preference is. We will simply try to
present some facts that may help the consumers
decide for themselves. Since this website is a
Trailer Website we will compare Steel and
Aluminum as it pertains to that industry.
Steel vs. Aluminum: Basic Facts
At 210 GPa, steel has three times the elastic
modulus compared to aluminum, which has 70 Gpa.
Aluminum is about 1/3 the density of steel, 2.72
Mg/m compared to steel’s 7.85 Mg/m.
Steel is strain rate sensitive while many
aluminum structural grades are not. Steel
displays positive strain rate performance.
Appearance
Aluminum will not rust but depending on the
grade of aluminum it can oxidize and require
frequent maintenance in the form of acid baths.
Depending on what type of climate or weather
conditions it is exposed to, steel can corrode
causing visible rust spots. So it may be
necessary to re-paint after a few years.
Initial Cost & Repair Cost
Aluminum is more expensive than steel, so as a
rule you will have to pay more when purchasing
an aluminum trailer. However, fuel efficiency
and a higher trade in or resale value down the
road may offset the higher initial cost.
You will be able to buy a comparable steel
trailer for less than the same trailer made of
aluminum. Depending on the distances for which
it will be used the fuel usage should be
considered. Because it is easier to weld steel,
most repair work on steel trailers will be less
expensive than aluminum repair work.
Durability
While aluminum trailers will not rust they can
oxidize and may require frequent acid baths.
With today’s galvanized steel the likelihood of
rust is greatly reduced. But to keep your steel
trailer looking good it will require regular
exterior maintenance.
Strength
In order to equal the strength of steel, 50%
more aluminum structure is needed. But when
compared to steel, a high quality aluminum is
pound for pound stronger than steel.
Steel is stronger than aluminum. Common steel
will take about 35,000psi in tensile strength,
while aluminum is about 20,000 psi, a ratio of
about 1.75. Aluminum is much lighter than steel
with density of about 2.7 compared to steel’s
7.8 or a ratio of 2.8.
Weight
Aluminum trailers are generally lighter than
their steel counterparts. With quality materials
and the proper construction they can actually be
stronger. Aluminum is about 1/3 of the density
of steel.
Steel trailers have proven themselves by being
on the scene a lot longer than their aluminum
cousins. They have stood the test of time. Steel
is heavier than aluminum and has 1/3 more
density than aluminum.
Fuel Economy
Depending on what you will be towing and for
what distances, you may want to consider the
cost of fuel. Aluminum is lighter; therefore it
has better fuel usage and towing efficiency.
Generally a steel trailer is heavier and
depending on its weight it can decrease fuel
efficiency up to 20%.
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Does your
company have a new product or trailer. Your new
product may be featured on this page the high
profile spot is viewed by thousands of
visitors
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