There has been an age-long debate on which trailer finish is best. With the line drawn on galvanised trailers vs. painted trailers, some are in camp galvanised, while others are willing to die on the painted trailer hill. So, which trailer finish is really the best option? To help you understand the differences between these trailer finishes, we look at their features and let you decide which is best for you.
Types of trailer finishes
At Trailers 2000, we have several trailers, such as tandem axle box trailers, water cartage trailers, mining trailers, and tradesman’s trailers, among others. Each of these trailers is built for different purposes and, as such, needs different finishes.
Browsing through our website, you’ll find finishes such as painted galvanised, galvanised steel, and hot dip galvanised. There’s also the special TuffMate 2000 polyethylene trailer which is exclusive to Trailers 2000. Let’s look at each of these finishes along with their pros and cons.
Hot Dip Galvanised
Hot dip galvanised trailers are immersed in molten zinc under a controlled process. In this process, the steel and zinc are bonded, providing excellent protection from corrosion and rust. At Trailers 2000, our experts use the best methods to ensure hot dip galvanised trailers are protected from rust and corrosion.
Hot dip galvanised trailers generally require minimal maintenance and typically have a longer shelf life. However, they cost more upfront than other trailer finishes. The dull finish also means your trailer might be a bit bland, but this is better than the rust streaks that appear on painted trailers over time.
Pros of hot dip galvanised trailers
- Material is coated in a protective zinc layer
- Extra durable and resistant to corrosion and rust
Cons of hot dip galvanised trailers
- Less appealing look
- Costs more upfront
Trailers 2000 offers a wide range of hot dip galvanised trailers in single and tandem axle models.
Painted Galvanised
Perhaps the biggest selling point of painted galvanised trailers is their wide range of colour and graphic options. Compared to their dull-looking galvanised counterparts, painted galvanised trailers are easier on the eye.
With our range of 12 exciting colours, your trailer can be painted to match your personality. What’s more? When you purchase a painted galvanised unit from Trailers 2000, it can be painted to match your business brand or vehicle.
Besides their aesthetic value, painted trailers don’t leave a dent in your pocket as they are affordable.
Yes, painted galvanised trailers look sleeker and cost less than galvanised trailers, but this comes with a price: maintenance. Painted trailers require more maintenance and are prone to rust and corrosion if not adequately maintained.
Pros of painted trailers
- More affordable
- Available in up to 12 colour options
- Paint can be customised to reflect your business brand or vehicle
- Better aesthetics
- Lightweight
Cons of painted trailers
- More maintenance
- Prone to rust and corrosion
Galvanised Steel
Galvanised steel is the basic trailer finish and involves coating the trailer’s body with a zinc layer for extra protection. The major difference between galvanised steel and hot dip galvanised steel is in the smoothness of the finish. While galvanised steel typically has a smooth surface, hot dip galvanised steel is mostly rough. Also, the procedure for both finishes differs.
Our galvanised steel trailers come with additional cold galvanised treatment on all welded areas.
TuffMate 2000
Unlike every other finish mentioned above, the Tuffmate 2000 is exclusive to Trailers 2000 and no other trailer manufacturers.
Built with cutting-edge technology, the TuffMate 2000 trailer is an innovative polyethylene trailer designed in Australia for Australian conditions. Besides its multi-purpose capacity, you can rest assured that the TuffMate 2000 won’t rust, fade, or dent.
Some of the irresistible features include:
- High Impact Resistant LLDPE (polyethylene) body
- Immune to rust and corrosion
- Impervious to almost any chemical
- Seamless Dual Skin Technology gives the body superior Tuffness
- Chip and scratch-resistant colour
- Quick and easy to clean
- Lighter and stronger
- Increased load-carrying capacity
- Extra heavy-duty tailgate hinges for added durability
- Can come in various colours, such as Charcoal Grey, Yellow, Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Merino and Black.
The TuffMate 2000 also has a 100% recyclable body and is eco-friendly. Whether you need a trailer for camping or home gardening, the TuffMate 2000 is up to the task. Its accessories include vinyl cage covers, cages, ladder racks, tonneau covers, and new spare wheels.
Which trailer finish is best for me?
Selecting a suitable trailer finish can make a big difference. It is important to consider certain factors like usage, budget, and maintenance before investing in a trailer finish.
If you’re searching for a durable finish resistant to rust and corrosion, think of hot dip galvanised trailers. If you’re on a budget or simply need something to reflect your brand, then a painted trailer might be best for you. On the other hand, our TuffMate 2000 is ideal for those searching for a tough trailer that wouldn’t rust, fade, or dent.
Now you know the different trailer finishes, their features, and limits, picking a trailer becomes easier. Head over to our trailer page, or contact our experts to select a trailer that suits your unique needs. Trailers 2000 is also a custom trailer manufacturer, and we can help design and build the trailer of your dreams. All you need to do is fill out this form to get started.