Starting SoftWash Bussiness - Need Help Choosing Trailer

Newbie Questions
1

I need help with choosing a trailer. I have a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. It has a v6 and can tow 3600 lbs. Which is the above max weight of trailers in my price range and needs.

TLDR- What are the pros and cons of aluminum vs steel in a 6x10 utility trailer.

I plan on using a 6x10 trailer. My main choice is between two trailers. 2500$ Steel frame with treated wood floor or 4600$ aluminum with aluminum flooring. I have experience with steel trailers as my previous employeer had one. Aluminum I never used. My main concern is welding on mounts, I know steel can be done but am unsure about aluminum. Aluminum is half the weight at 500lbs and has a higher weight capacitity. The 1100$ price difference will be offset on less wear and tear on the vechile.

Known Pros and Cons
Steel-
Pros - Cheaper
Cons- Heavier 980 lbs, Lower 2000lbs carry weight, Rusts, Requires yearly painting, Wood Rots

Aluminum-
Pros - Significantly lighter 460lbs, Greater 2600 lbs carry weights, Doesnt Rust, No painting, shiny, flooring will not corrode, easier to drill

Cons - 1100$ more, unsure of ability to weld mounts.

2

I will be putting an 8gpm machine along with a 12v bleach pump with pro-portioner.

3

Careful towing with that front wheel drive van. I tried to do that with my Sienna, the hitch kept scraping up driveways, and I had a lot of problems getting traction on wet roads, especially from a stop turning right.

I’ve been using my AWD 4runner towing the trailer which has been a lot better but space inside for other stuff is tight.

1 Like
4

Yeah, if you can go the truck route you’ll be glad you did.

5

I’ve used both and highly prefer the trailer. Mainly because I paint and dont have another car. So a trailer I can detach and have a dual use from my van.

I can also bring my van on parkways, which on Long Island is huge.

I have about a 11k to start-up. Basic Marketting, Insurance, and License eats about 40% of that up. I would like a truck but its not in the budget.

6

Good Advice.

Most my business is local within 5-15 miles. I have towed alot with this van, Im single owner at 150k miles. The sweet spot with saftey is around 2900 lbs.

I’ve done the math with weight. I will be well under the 3600lb tow capacity. I can safely drive with about 100 gallons of water and be around 2700 lbs. We dont have wells around here and I have never needed to bring water. The 100 gallons will just be a buffer in case they have a slow spicket. I like to talk to customers so I usually have 5-10 mins of time to fill up before we start.

The price difference with a vehicle that can really add more is just so extreme. The van and trailer cost me 2500$. The only benefit of a better vehicle would be to have more water, which isnt vital.