Steel VS Aluminum Transition Plate For 7x12 Enclosed Trailer

Question

Question:

Any reason to go steel over aluminum? I’m hauling dirtbikes and some garden equipment in a 7x12 enclosed trailer.

asked by: Patrick

0

Expert Reply:

Good question, Patrick - both do the same job, but here are some differences for you to look at.

The # M368FR steel is heavier at 40 lbs and better for constant heavy loads like pallet jacks or commercial carts.

The # M348FR aluminum is lighter at 23 lbs and rustproof, great if you’re dealing with rain, mud, or coastal air.

So, if you’re mostly loading dirtbikes and yard gear, I’d go aluminum. What kind of climate are you in?

expert reply by: Andrew N

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Answer 1

Hey there Mike; both M-3 plates are built heavy duty, but they don't really have a weight rating. They use a 3/16 inch thick tread plate and come in steel #M386FR or aluminum #M348FR, fully welded with a piano hinge. They’ll take the full load of…

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Answer 2

Hey Alan - you can absolutely use the M3 plate at the door-to-floor gap. Many folks run one on the outside edge and another inside for a totally smooth roll-through. The steel plate #M368FR gives you extra strength if you’re using pallet jacks or…

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Answer 3

Hey Brandon! Yes, either M-3 transition plate (steel #M368FR or aluminum #M348FR) will do the job, but I’d go aluminum #M348FR since it’s easier to trim and won’t rust if water gets in that recessed area. Just mount it across the lower edge of the…

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Answer 4

Great idea, Leo - we don’t package the M-3 plates as a set, but you can just grab two of whichever version you prefer. Many folks use the steel plate #M368FR for the exterior edge where it takes more impact and the aluminum plate #M348FR for the…

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Answer 5

Hey Jeff! Yes, the M-3 steel plate #M368FR is perfect for that setup. It’s about 81-3/4 inch wide, so it’ll span your ramp nicely, and the welded steel with a tread-plate texture gives great traction even if your wheels are wet or muddy. You’ll just…

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Answer 6

Hey Corey, good catch - hardware isn’t included with either the #M368FR steel or #M348FR aluminum plates. Most folks just source stainless or zinc-coated hardware locally so they can match what’s already on their ramp. It also depends on the style…

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Answer 7

Hey Jack, If you're talking about a transition plate then you'll want the etrailer Enclosed Trailer Transition Plate #e32JR. This can be installed on either end of the ramp to help make the transition onto easier or at the hinge of the ramp…

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Answer 8

We carry all sorts of RV door parts including hinges and latches that you can see on the linked pages. I included links to hinges, latches and weather-stripping like #WS1434 and vinyl trim like #CAM25103. Since trailer makers do not keep track of…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Steel VS Aluminum Transition Plate For 7x12 Enclosed Trailer

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