Looking to replace a 20’ pipe top trailer. Would like to outfit with a 4 hole dog box in the front, with room for my mule pro that’s 14’ long. I’ve been looking at Sundowner 22’ aluminum car hauler, with 2 3500# axles. Should have 5000# carry capacity, which would work for my needs. They are pretty pricey, I could get a 22’ tilt equipment trailer with 2 7k axles, and save some money. Pulling the heavier steel trailer won’t be an issue with my F350.
Just concerned about the reliability of the aluminum trailer. Do they hold up? My current trailer is 25 years old, no issues with integrity of the frame or axles. But the wood deck planks and tires need to be replaced.
Any opinions on aluminum trailers would be appreciated.

Sounds like you need a new floor and new tires...... You obviously know that, but just saying.

Do you really need a new trailer? I'm at that point in my life that most things like that will outlast me. An aluminum trailer would definitely outlive me. A lot of horse trailers are aluminum for the weight advantage. They seem to be quite durable and tey do take some abuse. I would look at the trade off of cost of the new floor and tires and replacing the trailer and I htink the numbers would make that decision for me pretty quick.

Yes Free, I need a different trailer. The 20’ pipe rail trailer won’t work for 2-2 hole dog boxes dog boxes mounting facing outward. I was good with what I had, up until this last season. Would make a trip to lease to drop off mule and leave 20’ trailer. Then transport bird dogs in my dog trailer. But pack rat built nests in my mule late in the season, that I found when I brought it home after season. So I’m wanting to haul mule and dogs in same trailer, no more leaving Mule at camp. Was lucky no wiring was chewed. I can sell the old trailer, it’s still worth something to someone.
As for the trailer outlasting me, my Wife or son can deal with that.

One thing about trailers that is always a burr under my saddle is the never ending annual registration fee that eventually totals more than the cost of the trailer. A lighter weight aluminum trailer with 3500# axles will cost a lot less than the steel with 7k axles. It will probably eat up the difference in price pretty quick.

I concur, I’ve owned this trailer for 25 years. Registrations add up to more than the original cost.

There’s not many aluminum trailers I’ve put my hands on that didn’t have cracks or repairs done to them pretty often. I would stick with steel

That's what i did.

Thanks Ramball, appreciate the real world experience.

Not a 20-footer but have a single axle 10-12 footer with a ramp, it’s light as a feather. Move it by hand like a dolly. It’s only 3500 axle and we have never but more than a side by side of 2500 lbs feed on it but so far so good. It’s about ten years old. It is not a trailer for heavy weight/use. That said it is most often pulled by a 1-ton lol truck doesn’t know it’s there.

You should post it in the classifieds.

I have heard about a trailer dealer in Goldthwaite who does large volumes and bottoms out the pricing market.

Gracias! That’s an easy drive, used to do a lot of business in that area.

agree on most aluminum trailers I've seen with cracks and broken welds, I'd stick with steel, especially if you have a HD truck to do the towing.

I've had really good luck on several trailers I have purchased thru Texas Trailer Supply between Austin and Elgin on US 290. Best pricing I've found and if they don't have exactly what you are looking for, they can have one built to your desires. Texas Trailer Supply

I am guessing you are looking for something like a car hauler without the rail so the dog boxes can be mounted at trailer deck height?

I just replaced the floor & lighting on my 16' with ramp gate, did it 100% by myself over a 2 day period for about $200 pressure treated 2x10s.

agree, if you decide to sell your 20' pipe top, please post as I might be interested.

If you do choose aluminum just have to stay away from welded and go with riveted. They are expensive though

schutt industries XVF is only one I’ve seen I would buy. They produce aluminum military trailers for Gov.

I have used these guys for trailer repairs in the past. Great folks.
They build and sell just what you are looking for.

https://www.circlemtrailers.com/202...latbed-trailer-kaufman-tx-75142-i4580303

Thanks for the info CC! I’m on the fence between aluminum and steel trailer. The aluminum trailers come with a hefty price, and lower GVWR axles. I’m now looking at a 22’ tilt trailer with a fixed 6’ deck to mount dog boxes on.

The only issue you may run into with those gravity tilt decks is there’s a lot of deck behind the axles, which isn’t great for load balancing if you’re not able to pull your SxS far enough forward.

Aluminum- dont do it on a utility trailer, those and cheap boats will keep a welder busy. Wilson vs Merrit type of thing in cattle trailers, there are lessons learned there that apply to all trailers. The only welded aluminum trailer I have that holds up is my boat trailer, and it does not see rough use.

Tilt deck is 16’, mule pro wheelbase is 8’. The Mule is actually 13’ with the front end replacement bumper and the 4 hole dog box on back. If there’s a load issue, I believe backing the Mule onto the trailer would remedy the issue since most of the weight is on the rear half.

Looks like quail hunting can be as expensive as deer hunting.........

It’s been that way forever Free.

Stupid question here - why can't you just use the kennels on the Mule?

Good question Hud. They are smaller than I like for overnight use.