My current cheap 2007 model 24ft car hauler is getting long in the tooth.
It needs new axles, which are looking like 4-5k installed.
It also leaks, and I've struggled to cure that.
For about 2.5 times the axle replacement cost:
I can get a new steel trailer that is not a premium brand, but looks to have some better features like a curved roof.
Or, a buddy is selling a 2008 Featherlite for the same money. It has a bonus of a newer rooftop ac installed. It's got some patina, but is in decent shape. It does apparently have 4600 lb axles not 5200lbs which I didn't know was a thing.
Looking for opinions on which is a better choice. And thoughts on whether an aluminum trailer will "age out" and develop cracks or other hard to fix problems unique to aluminum construction.
Jeez, I think I bought my braked axles (4500#) for like $400 shipped each... Install is pretty easy with basic tools, assuming it's not terrible rusty (i assume just standard trailer suspension, or something funky?) Probably took a couple hours in my driveway. Whomever is quoting you 4-5k is on meth....
Check out:
https://www.championtrailers.com/axles-utility-trailers/
In reply to irish44j (Forum Supporter) :
These are drop axles.
Online I priced out dexter 5200lbs with brakes and upgraded bearings, and they were around $1400 without shipping. Plus, there are some suspension pieces that are functional, but "not right" as a result of an emergency repair that would be corrected.
How does $1,400 worth of axles cost $3K to install. I did mine in the driveway in a couple of hours with hand tools. But, that is besides the point.
I think you are "over" your old trailer. New axles aren't going to make you love it again. The Featherlite would be tempting. But, it soon will not feel "new". Also, do you need the 5200 axles? Also, do you haul on salted roads?
In reply to sevenracer :
If it helps, and price is in range with condition, I might be interested in the 24', since I'm using my 26' mostly for storage!
Ha, I guess I should have omitted the info about my current trailer! It's old, needs a good bit of work, so I'm considering a reboot. Really just looking for thoughts on a cheap new steelie vs a well used premium aluminum at fairly equivalent cost.
I've always considered an all aluminum trailer beyond my means, but am attracted to them because even if it does leak, there's no cheap wood or flimsy steel to rot and rust. (I may be permanently scarred by my existing trailer which has found so many ways to leak)
I am at my core, a cheap bastard, so replacing my trailer goes against my grain. But I am actively trying to minimize time spent on my decrepit trailer so that I can focus on my derelict sports cars!
