Car Haul Trailer, Steel vs Aluminum, Which Would You Choose?

I have to go along with the steel guys for ease of repairs and mods if you're not making a lot of long tows. I have a steel tilt bed (that I seldom tilt), with expanded metal floor, a winch and ramps. I can drive right onto the trailer or use the winch to drag one on. The tilt is nice for vehicles that are real low in the front and also can be handy when working on uneven ground.

That being said, my brother has about a 40' enclosed aluminum trailer (5th wheel) that he tows with a Super Duty that I really like as well. I wouldn't want one that big but the big advantages for me here in Utah would be being able to store a car (or whatever) inside out of the weather. Also it's nice to be able to lock things up away from prying eyes. The downside is the larger hole you've got to punch in the wind with an enclosed trailer in addition to the extra weight and the effect on fuel mileage.

But here's where you have to weigh the amount of miles you'll be towing and where against what you're towing. My brother and his riding buddies makes frequent tows out of state with multiple motorcycles on board and having them on an open trailer is just an invitation to getting them stolen. With them locked up inside with an alarm on the trailer they rest easy at night. Plus when he's not traveling he stores most of his bikes (I think he has 14 now) in the trailer which frees up room to work on one or two in his two car garage.

Lots to consider. An open steel is the easiest and least expensive for sure. But an enclosed definitely has some big advantages. kind of like the difference between renting an apartment and buying a house I guess.