Most RVers I’ve met tend to collect many things throughout there travels. I personally already had a lot of stuff before I even bought my camper. Whether you collect or already have stuff, then finding places to store your stuff can be difficult. After all, campers and RVs lack the space like a garage back home has.
As your collection of bikes, kayaks, dirt bikes, and any other toys grow. You’ll need a way to take all of them with you. In this article, we’ll talk about why a galvanized utility trailer is a great investment for you. Also, what “galvanized” means and why it is a great option for RV owners. Next, I’ll go over the price, size, features, and compare them to other types of trailers. Finally, I recommend a trailer and personal experience.
Why Consider Buying a Galvanized Utility Trailer?
Being able to easily load and unload your kayaks, bikes, or whatever you need allows you to be ready for any adventure at a moment’s notice. Nothing is worse than trying to unload stuff from off the roof or inside your RV. It’s hard, takes to much time, and can be unsafe sometimes, not being able to see or trying to balance an object while on a ladder.
Having a small trailer to hold all that stuff and be readily available is a game changer! Trust me, there have been dozens of times I arrive at a campground before my camping spot is ready and have to kill some time. Being able to quickly remove my bike to go for a bike ride without having to move anything is beyond convenient.
What the Heck is Galvanized?
I know its a bit weird looking word, In the automotive industry there are a few ways that metal can be protected. Some common ones are Enamel paint (a.k.a clear coat) and Powder Coating metal. The process of Galvanization is the starting point for every galvanized utility trailer.
The process is fairly straightforward, the steel or iron metal that is used to build the trailer is dipped into molten zinc. Zinc has a lower melting point than iron or steel so there is no damage or weakening of the metal used to make the trailer. This process allows for even and completes coverage of zinc over everything.
There is electro galvanization which is very similar to powder coat paint. This option produces more of a chrome look to the metal. The electricity also causes the small zinc particles to combine together in a uniform way giving it a much smoother feel. The drawback to this is it you end up sacrificing longevity to get a shiny chrome look. The good news is they don’t make trailers this way, at least I have never seen a chrome trailer rolling down the highway…
The zinc coverage helps protect the metal from any kind of rust or oxidation that may occur over the years. In my opinion, stands up to the elements a lot better than powder coating. Honestly, hitch companies live for powder coating it’s cheap and you have to buy a new hitch every 8 years!
Anyway, now that you know how galvanized utility trailers are made let’s move on.
Not All Utility Trailers Are Equal
As with any trailer, camper, and RV, there are trade-offs wither it be weight, price, capabilities like solar, or capacity. Trailers are no different, Utility trailers are often viewed as work trailers. However, there has been a growing community transforming them into small stealth campers. Check out my article on Tall enclosed trailers for more info on that.
Enclosed trailers are just that, Enclosed so they have a roof and walls, this keeps the things you are transporting dry. The trade-off with this is that the trailer is much heavier and the plastic outer shell can be cracked easily. If the crack isn’t fixed quickly the water can ruin the wood that makes up the floor and walls. These trailers have a higher price as well but if you have stuff that needs to stay dry and money go for it!
This is where galvanized utility trailers are different. They are meant to take a beating and stand up to any weather you have to camp or drive through. You gain a lower purchase price, lighter weight, and no wood to plastic to get ruined. Another selling point for them is the lack of walls. Being able to quickly load and unload your gear from the trailer is the reason I prefer this option over an enclosed trailer.
Finally, the galvanization process protects the metal of the trailer for many years to come. The zinc creates a lightweight strong barrier that protects the body of the trailer.
Personal Experience and Recommended Galvanized Utility Trailer
My personal experience with my galvanized utility trailer has been a great one. I have owned 3 over the years, they can last if you take care of them. What do I mean by that? For instance, my fist 2 trailers I used on and off throughout the years but when they were being used they sat outside in the elements. The one I currently own I plan on keeping in my garage when not in use.
Another thing I have noticed is they don’t hold up well in winter. Here’s the kicker, they do great in snow and actually handle quite well too. The drawback is the galvanized coat does not do the best with road salt. If you live in a place that uses road salt to melt snow in the winter try to avoid using a galvanized utility trailer during these times.
Lastly, I can’t recommend one specific galvanized utility trailer for you, but I can recommend a brand. You see, each camper will have different needs, uses, and size requirements when looking for a trailer. There are plenty of options and features depending on what you want. I personally have always bought Felling trailers I find their trailers worth the money and love the fact they are built in the USA.
