What are the different types of trailers that can use aluminum extrusions?

Many trailer buyers worry about weight, corrosion, and long-term costs. Steel trailers rust. Heavy frames reduce fuel efficiency. What’s the smarter solution?

Aluminum extrusions are ideal for trailer manufacturing because they reduce weight, resist corrosion, and offer excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making trailers more durable and fuel-efficient.

If you’ve ever dealt with trailer repairs or high fuel bills, this article will help. We’ll explore why aluminum extrusions are gaining popularity across different trailer types.

Why is aluminum ideal for trailer manufacturing?

Many people are stuck with steel trailers that corrode quickly and weigh too much. These old-school choices lead to maintenance issues and lost money over time.

Aluminum is perfect for trailer manufacturing because it is light, corrosion-resistant, strong, and easy to fabricate into complex shapes.

Aluminum helps solve four major trailer challenges: weight, corrosion, durability, and customization. It’s up to 60% lighter than steel. That means better fuel economy. Less wear on tires and axles. And easier towing. It also doesn’t rust. Even in harsh weather.

Another big plus is aluminum’s formability¹. With aluminum extrusions, we can create parts with tight tolerances. This helps us reduce waste and improve assembly speed.

Key Properties of Aluminum in Trailer Design

Which trailer types benefit most from aluminum extrusions?

Some buyers think only luxury or lightweight trailers use aluminum. That’s wrong. Many heavy-duty trailers now switch to aluminum to cut operating costs.

Flatbeds, utility trailers, livestock haulers, and enclosed cargo trailers all benefit greatly from using aluminum extrusions.

Flatbed trailers use long, straight aluminum extrusions² for frames and crossmembers. These reduce the trailer’s weight and make it easier to haul large loads. Utility trailers—often used by landscapers—need corrosion resistance because they’re always outdoors. Aluminum extrusions offer just that.

Enclosed trailers use aluminum for roof bows, wall studs, and floor panels. This allows for better thermal performance, lighter doors, and easy access to wiring and insulation.

Common Trailer Types Using Aluminum Extrusions

Aluminum extrusions also allow easy mounting of accessories like tie-downs, toolboxes, and ramps. This flexibility saves production time and lets us tailor each trailer to a customer’s needs.

How do aluminum extrusions improve trailer durability?

Some people assume aluminum is too soft for trailers. But that’s a myth. The truth is, aluminum alloys used in extrusion are strong enough for commercial use.

Aluminum extrusions improve durability by offering consistent strength, corrosion resistance, and the ability to absorb stress without cracking.

Aluminum trailers don’t crack under stress as easily as some believe. Instead, extruded profiles are engineered to distribute loads more evenly. This means less fatigue over time. Especially in trailers that face rough terrain or frequent loading.

Welded aluminum joints also perform well. They resist fatigue cracking and stand up to years of use. For even better performance, some manufacturers use bolt-together extrusion systems that allow easier repairs and upgrades.

How Aluminum Adds to Trailer Durability

• Corrosion Resistance: No rust means longer life
• Fatigue Resistance: Extrusions reduce stress concentration
• Thermal Stability: Aluminum handles temperature swings well
• Maintenance Needs: Fewer repairs due to weather resistance

This durability directly affects a trailer’s resale value. Buyers will pay more for trailers that look and perform like new, even after years of service.

Are aluminum trailers more fuel-efficient than steel ones?

Fuel cost is a major concern for trailer owners. Many assume there’s no real difference between aluminum and steel. But that’s not true.

Yes, aluminum trailers are more fuel-efficient than steel ones due to their significantly lower weight.

A lighter trailer means the towing vehicle uses less fuel. For commercial fleets, this can lead to huge savings over time. For individual owners, it means fewer trips to the gas station and lower emissions.

Consider this: a steel flatbed trailer might weigh 7,000 pounds. An aluminum version could weigh just 4,500. That’s a 36% weight reduction³. The less weight you pull, the less power you need. Which translates into better fuel mileage.

Fuel Savings with Aluminum Trailers

Lighter trailers also reduce wear on brakes, tires, and suspension. This means less maintenance and more uptime for your fleet or business.

Conclusion

Aluminum extrusions make trailers lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient. From flatbeds to enclosed cargo haulers, this material changes how we build and use trailers for the better.