In case you missed it, Leonard recently started offering a new series of trailers, the GMAX line. These premium aluminum trailers are great, but why should you pick them up over a standard steel trailer, especially with a higher cost? These premium trailers cost more than their steel counterparts, and below are a few reasons why the additional investment is worth it.
Maintenance
The first big note is maintenance. Our standard trailers by Leonard offer a long life span, and they are very durable. However, they will still require maintenance over time. Our GMAX Aluminum trailers require almost no maintenance and will last for years to come. They resist rust, are easier to keep clean and stand up to the elements over time.
Durability
When you think of steel, the first thing you probably think of is strength. After all, some of the most stable structures in the world were made from steel, including most skyscrapers.
On the other hand, aluminum isn’t usually associated with strength. The first thing you probably think of is a soda can. Our premium trailers are constructed using an aluminum alloy which means they're strong enough to get the job done, yet flexible enough to spring back into shape even after extended periods of time. Steel has a rigid strength, so if it bends at all, it will probably stay that way.
Weight
The most significant factor when it comes to buying an aluminum trailer verse a steel trailer is the weight. For example, our 5x8 Aluminum trailer only weighs 350lbs. That’s over 300lbs lighter than the steel counterpart. What does that mean?
First off, it means the trailer is more comfortable to move around. If you’re trying to adjust the trailer’s position in the yard or driveway, you can easily do so without straining yourself.
Where the lower weight really comes in handy is when towing the trailer with an SUV, Minivan, or a Crossover. Generally, these vehicles can’t pull as much as the average truck. For example, here’s the towing capacity of some of today’s most popular SUVs and Crossovers;
Table
Vehicle Towing Capacity
Honda CR-V 1500lbs
Nissan Rogue 1000lbs
Ford Escape 1500-2000lbs
Toyota RAV4 1500lbs
Ford Explorer 2000-5000lbs
As you can see, these vehicles can’t pull too much. So let’s do the math. If a 5x8 steel trailer weighs 660lbs and you have a load of a cubic yard of mulch to load on your trailer, the total weight of what you need to haul would be about 1000lbs. For vehicles like the Nissan Rogue, that means you can’t carry anything else. For others, you’re going to notice the engine straining to pull the extra weight up an incline.
Now, let’s swap the steel trailer for the lighter aluminum option. Instead of 660lbs, we’ve got just 350lbs, which would take the total weight down to about 750lbs. That makes a difference in terms of strain on the engine, but also the gas mileage on your vehicle!
Premium Materials And Features
The way a trailer looks isn’t always important, but it’s worth saying that the GMAX series is a more eye-catching option compared to a standard trailer. The clean silver appearance of the trailer offers a premium look, and the aluminum alloy wheels stand out.
Along with that, our aluminum trailers also feature torsion axles that provide a smoother ride, built-in LED lights, and checkered aluminum fenders.