Looking for a rust resistant trailer replacement

[Brad Pith]

I've been hauling hay with an old Load Trail that a neighbor kindly lent me while he's been recovering from surgery, it's done the job, but like every trailer I've seen past a few seasons, the paint keeps flaking like sunburnt skin and there's rust blooming all over the frame, the powder coat looked nice at first, now it's peeling off in sheets, I want to return it in better shape than I got it, but it's time I buy my own setup. Problem is, every trailer I look at, even newer ones seem destined for the same rusty fate within 4 to 5 years, any brand out there that holds up better? galvanized, aluminum, or even something DIY that folks have had luck with?

 

[Evelyn Hugo]

If rust is your main concern, I suggest you go for aluminum and never look back. I switched to an Aluma flatbed three years ago and honest review? I haven't seen a single flake since I did that.

 

[CubMaple]

Never knew galvanized could be that tough... apparently, trailers treated with hot-dip galvanizing resist rust at around 1/30 the rate of bare steel. Makes me wonder if those Load Trail rust buckets ever stand a chance.

 

[Sylfaen_78]

I've had the same rust problems in LA, our air near the coast makes it worse. I bought a Neckover hay trailer after seeing how well it worked on my friend's ranch in Riverside. It's strong and the paint lasts longer than most. If you want to fix one yourself, some people clean off the old paint and use strong boat paint. It takes time, but it holds up well.

 

[CAV3T0WN]

If rust is your main concern, I suggest you go for aluminum and never look back. I switched to an Aluma flatbed three years ago and honest review? I haven't seen a single flake since I did that.

Does the Aluma hold up well with heavy bales and rough terrain? And how's it with dents or cracking over time? Trying to find something tough but low-maintenance.