Aluminum or steel frame?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by SeanLyman, Oct 28, 2018.

  1. SeanLyman

    SeanLyman Light Load Member

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    ######!! I'm exactly where I started!!:confused:
     
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  3. Nothereoften

    Nothereoften Light Load Member

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    Aluminum is more prone to cracking of you use it in the cold.
     
  4. adayrider

    adayrider Road Train Member

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    Most ridiculous thing I have heard.
     
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  5. m16ty

    m16ty Road Train Member

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    Be careful hauling logs on a aluminum floor. Since logs are never perfectly straight and smooth, the bottom logs (if not cribbed properly) will cause pressure points on the floor and eventually tear it up.
     
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  6. adayrider

    adayrider Road Train Member

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    You make a very valid point. Late 90's East's had a almost bullet proof floor in them though. I bought a new one 1998, not my favorite trailer but the floor was very tough.
    But most steel trailers have aluminum floors as well. Very seldom do you an all wood floor do to the weight savings by using aluminum.
     
  7. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    I would think wood should be cheaper to replace when the time comes...
     
  8. SeanLyman

    SeanLyman Light Load Member

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    True but the steel and or aluminum floors tend to last a lot longer and can usually be repaired by welding a patch.
     
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  9. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    I had a aluminum Ravens back in the day. They did a few 52000 pound single coils on the belly with that one. Thump.

    I got to where I know the welds better than wife under that frame now and then constantly checking it. Fortunately for me I did not have a problem that year. Im pretty certain it's scrapped after enough damage is inflicted on it. It's only aluminum. Not steel. Steel you can load whatever you want but not the big 52000's
     
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  10. adayrider

    adayrider Road Train Member

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    I've seen more rotted out steel trailers folded in the middle than aluminum.
    You remember the old City Weld trailer?
     
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  11. DSK333

    DSK333 Road Train Member

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    I posted a thread about this same exact subject when I was shopping for a flat. I ended up with a combo because I can get it repaired as good as new anywhere by a decent welder. With an aluminum frame, even after it's been welded at the crack it still won't be as good as new due to work hardening. My 48x96 Great Dane weights 12k.
     
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