What is best to suit your needs?
This Column originally appeared in the July 2024 Issue of The Rider.
By Ryan Kent, owner, RMK Trailer Sales
In the trailer business there are three main material combinations. Aluminum, steel, and a combination of the two. 
What is best to suit your needs?
All versions have a place, a purpose, and a budget. I have owned all three and all three have served me well.
A big misconception is weight. Of course side by side steel is heavier, however in order to make an all aluminum trailer strong enough to carry livestock, the amount of material built into the frame has to be heavy enough to take the weight. So in reality there is very little weight difference between the two. Salesmen use that as a tactic if that is what they are trying to sell, but in reality many don't actually own livestock or horses.
One thing to watch out for with trailers is frame and side wall thickness. Price point will tell you what a quality build is, one that will last, and what is lightweight and possibly dangerous out on the highway . If the trailer is too light, sidewind at 100kmh will blow your trailer around and cause your rig to weave. This is both dangerous for you and your equine riding behind you. Frankly, I wouldn't want a trailer so light I can't feel it. I want to know my horses are safe. I want to know when I point the truck in a direction, it's going to go that way.
Another factor is budget. If you want a quality trailer, but don't have an unlimited budget, a steel or combination steel frame and aluminum skin trailer is a great option. Many of these trailers are quality builds and are built to last 30 years. Maintaining the trailer is the key to this. Proper cleanliness and oil undercoating are two very simple concepts that take very little time.
I have owned all three combinations. And all three have served me well. When asking about a trailer, ask how much experience the salesmen selling it has in real time hauling. Ask them how the horse should be expected to load on to the trailer. What are things to watch out for. (Every trailer has something) Be a smart and educated buyer and you will find you don't need to spend as much money as you think you do buying a safe and secure trailer. Because in the end, that's the main goal. And there are many options available.
