There are two: steel and aluminum. Obviously steel is usually stronger, but because it is a ferrous metal, it will rust. Aluminum corrodes, but it won’t rust. Raw steel is a cheaper material than aluminum, but that doesn’t mean all steel trailers are cheaper than their aluminum counterparts.
What are boat trailers made out of?
Frame —The frame of a trailer gives it its structural integrity. Frames are typically made from steel or aluminum. Tubular steel offers excellent strength, as well as protection for wiring and brake lines, which can be run inside the frame. Steel can also be painted to match the color of your boat or tow rig.
Can you paint a steel boat trailer?
Steel can also be painted to match the color of your boat or tow rig. Steel, however, can rust, a fact which will affect not only the look of your trailer, but also its structural integrity over time. Steel is most commonly painted, and can be color matched to your boat for that custom look.
What kind of trailer do you need for a small boat?
Boats under 3500 pounds can typically be hauled with a single-axle trailer; those over 3500 pounds are best carried by a tandem-axle model. Frame —The frame of a trailer gives it its structural integrity. Frames are typically made from steel or aluminum.
How thick steel should I use for building a trailer?
how thick steel should i use for building a quick little trailer for my 12 ft aluminum and my 7.5 hp merc. Ayuh,... Thickness of the material is directly related to the other dimensions of the shape used... Generally speakin',... 1/8" is usually acceptable in tubings,.. 3/16" in structural...
What metal is used for boat trailer?
Boat trailers are generally constructed with galvanized steel or aluminum. A majority of boat trailers are made from aluminum because this material is less prone to corrosion. This option is more expensive, but likely to withstand water and weather conditions long-term.
How do I know if my trailer is steel or aluminum?
One of the main differences between steel and aluminum trailers is their weight. You probably guessed it: steel trailers weigh more than aluminum ones. And this is a very important detail to consider when you're thinking of buying a trailer.
How thick is the metal on a boat trailer?
Many imported trailers only have a steel wall of 2mm.
What is the best material for a boat trailer?
SteelGenerally the most popular material for boat trailers.Ideally, a steel trailer should be galvanised if it is used often in brackish or salty water.Easy to paint, if you want your trailer to match your boat.Painting a protective coat over the steel trailer also arguably makes it last longer.More items...
What metal are trailers made of?
Most trailers in the U.S. are made primarily of aluminum, steel or a combination of both. Educate yourself about the properties of these materials and how they're used in trailers before you go shopping. Trailers considered “all-aluminum” are made completely of aluminum, except for couplers, axles and axle subframes.
Which is better galvanized or aluminum boat trailer?
Galvanizing will dull over time and may not be as visually appealing as painted or aluminum trailers. Galvanized trailers are a higher cost option than painted, but will always tend to last longer under normal conditions. Aluminum trailers are suited for salt water use as they offer extreme corrosion resistance.
What kind of steel is used for trailer frames?
Any trailer plans that you do follow should tell you exactly the width of trailer frame steel that you need to be using. In most cases, it is going to be 2″ x 4″ x 1/8″ rectangular steel.
What type of aluminum is used for boat trailers?
Marine grade, often used as stiffeners to build boat hulls and other components. The most often used aluminum alloy for its strength, heat treatability, workability and weldability. 45,000 17% elong.
How thick is a trailer tongue?
This is an 8 ft length of 3/16 inch Thick Galvanized steel that is 3 inches by 3 inches in outer diameter, with rounded corners. This thickness and material is an industry standard for 3 x 3 heavy duty trailer tongues. You would commonly see a 3" x 3" tongue on small boats, and boats up to 25 foot in length.
Do aluminum boat trailers rust?
Aluminum trailers resist corrosion fabulously and work well in marine environments. They do corrode, but the oxidation appears powdery white.
How much do boat trailers weigh?
The average for a boat trailer is about 600 pounds. Combined boat and trailer weight ratings ranges from 900 to 6,000 pounds, depending on the length of the trailer and the boat itself.
What kind of boat trailer do I need for saltwater?
Trailer Frame Boat trailers dunked in salt or brackish water are far more subject to corrosion than those used in fresh water, so picking the right frame material is critical. Aluminum or galvanized-steel trailers hold up better in marine environments than painted steel trailers.
What is the best trailer for marine use?
Aluminum. Aluminum trailers resist corrosion fabulously and work well in marine environments. They do corrode, but the oxidation appears powdery white. They can be lighter than steel trailers of similar capacities, which can increase fuel economy and assist in maximizing tow-vehicle capacity, but compare to be sure.
What is galvanized steel?
Choosing the Right Boat Trailer: Galvanized Steel Kevin Falvey. Galvanized Steel. Galvanization is a zinc coating applied over steel. This provides tremendous resistance to corrosion, although rust will win out eventually because the zinc is simply sacrificial.
Can you use painted steel on a boat trailer?
This time, we're presenting some key points you should look for when deciding which metal your new boat trailer should be made from. Painted steel trailers are excellent for freshwater use, but they readily corrode in salt or brackish water and are best avoided for those uses.
Is a painted trailer as strong as a galvanized trailer?
Painted trailers often feature custom paint colors matched to the boat. Steel is quite strong, and, corrosion aside, a painted trailer is as strong as a galvanized trailer. Galvanization is a zinc coating applied over steel.
What is a trailer frame made of?
Frame —The frame of a trailer gives it its structural integrity. Frames are typically made from steel or aluminum. Tubular steel offers excellent strength, as well as protection for wiring and brake lines, which can be run inside the frame. Steel can also be painted to match the color of your boat or tow rig.
How long is a trailer boat?
For trailerable boats (those under 8′ 6″ in beam, take into account two measurements — length and weight. Length should be measured from the farthest point at the bow to the end of the hull’s running surface. In general, trailers are typically about two feet longer than the boat itself. Do not use LOA (which can be influenced by extended swim ...
What is a winch on a boat?
Winch — A trailer winch allows the boat to be pulled up onto the trailer with relatively little effort, and also serves as a tie-down point for the bow once the boat is in place. Typically winches are mechanical, requiring a handle to be cranked to wheel the strap or cable onto the winch barrel.
How much weight do you need to have brakes on a boat trailer?
Brakes — Laws vary by state, but typically brakes are required for all wheels on any trailer that grosses in excess of 3000 pounds.
How much tongue weight should a boat trailer have?
As a rule of thumb, tongue weight should not exceed 10% of the gross trailer weight, the weight of the trailer itself with the fully loaded boat in place. Too little tongue weight and the trailer will sway from side to side, or surge forward and backward.
What is the suspension on a trailer?
Suspension — Wheels can be linked to the trailer frame by one of two primary suspension methods – leaf spring or torsion beam. The most traditional form of suspension, leaf springs consist of a series of curved, slender steel plates, placed atop each other, which flex to absorb shock.
Does galvanized trailer paint chip?
Paint can also chip, or dull over time. Galvanized trailers offer far superior corrosion resistance, but do not offer the potential for color.
blackdaisies Senior Member
Is it legal to make boat trailers from wood? What about metal no weld designs? Are there no weld designs for larger boats?
alan white Senior Member
Woodenboat magazine had an article once on a wooden trailer. I doubt most states would specifically disallow wood.
blackdaisies Senior Member
I was looking to buy plans for some on line and most required welding. I read up on a Chasiss type wooden frame for camper trailers and thought their must be some for boats.
alan white Senior Member
I'm sure any flatbed trailer would do for a light 14 footer. Ideally, the bed is low and it has a dropped axle, but in reality, you can launch and load a light boat onto practically anything. Especially if it has something like bilge keels to keep it upright.
fcfc Senior Member
What about metal no weld designs? Are there no weld designs for larger boats?
blackdaisies Senior Member
I'll just use the trailer plans for the campers then. There are tons for free on the internet. A flat bed trailer can hold up to 2000 pounds you think? I hope.
fcfc Senior Member
It is of course better to buy locally than to import. This was just to show you how other do. By the way, trailers made non welded go up to 3.5 tons, maximum Europe limit for non truck trailers.
Who makes Zieman trailers?
Zieman Manufacturing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lippert Components, Inc. manufactures high-quality trailers for boats, PWC's, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and equipment as well as futuristic hydraulic boat lifts. Advertisement.
What is TMA in marine?
The National Marine Manufacturers Association?s Trailer Manufacturers Association (TMA) is an affiliate program comprised of trailer and trailer component manufacturers who are committed to industry promotion and use of the latest technical and safety standards.