If you’re building your first pressure washing rig or upgrading an old one, you’ll face a fundamental choice right at the foundation: should you build on a steel or an aluminum utility trailer?
This isn’t just about looks; it’s a crucial business decision that pits upfront cost against long-term value and durability. As someone who has built several rigs over the years, I want to share my direct experience to help you make the right call for your budget and your goals.
The Budget-Friendly Starter: The Steel Trailer
When you’re launching a business, every dollar counts. This is where the steel trailer shines. For a new 5×10 trailer, you might be looking at a price of around $2,000. Compared to its aluminum counterpart at $3,500, that extra $1,500 in your pocket can go directly toward a better pressure washer, hose reels, or marketing.
However, this initial saving comes with a trade-off: corrosion. Our equipment is constantly exposed to water and chemicals. In my experience, even a well-maintained steel trailer will begin to show significant rust and corrosion within 3 to 5 years. Beyond just looking bad, this corrosion can become a serious safety issue, compromising the structural integrity of the frame. The model we compared had a maximum payload of 2,076 lbs., a figure you need to respect for safety.
The Verdict: A steel trailer is a perfectly valid starting point if your primary goal is to minimize initial startup costs. Just go into it knowing it’s a shorter-term solution.
The Long-Term Investment: The Aluminum Trailer
If longevity and professional appearance are your main concerns, I strongly recommend an aluminum trailer. The upfront cost is higher—a new 5.5×10 model like my latest build can be around $3,500—but the benefits are undeniable.
The primary advantage is its natural resistance to rust. My current rig is built on a Carry-On Aluminum Utility Trailer and after almost four years of service in Florida’s humid climate, it shows zero signs of corrosion. It looks nearly as professional today as it did the day I bought it.
Here’s a surprising bonus: aluminum trailers often have a higher payload capacity. My aluminum trailer has a 2,352 lb. max capacity, giving me nearly 300 lbs more to work with than a comparable steel model. That’s extra capacity for a larger water tank or more equipment, all while being lighter to tow.
The Verdict: An aluminum trailer is an investment in your business’s future, offering peace of mind, a consistently professional image, a higher payload, and a lower total cost of ownership.
A Critical Maintenance Tip for BOTH Trailers
Here’s something many people overlook: even on an aluminum trailer, key components underneath are still made of steel. The axle, leaf springs, and some hardware will rust if left unprotected.
That’s why preparing the trailer floor is a non-negotiable step for any build. A properly sealed wood deck protects the wood itself from rot and creates a crucial barrier that shields the steel components underneath from constant water exposure.
We believe this step is so important that we wrote a separate guide on it. To see our recommended process and materials, check out our post:How to Install and Protect Your Trailer Floor
Beyond the Frame: Applying the Same Logic to Your Equipment
This “steel vs. rust-resistant” debate doesn’t end with the trailer. Let’s talk about hose reels—a perfect example.
My first sets of hose reels were steel. After 4-5 years of exposure to water and, critically, Sodium Hypochlorite (SH), they rusted to the point of falling apart. It’s a common story. The upfront savings were completely lost.
Today, I run a mix of aluminum and stainless steel reels. After four years of use, they still look and function great. Investing more upfront in rust-resistant equipment will save you money and headaches down the road.
Conclusion: How to Make Your Choice
The decision boils down to your current financial situation and your long-term business plan.
Choose a Steel Trailer if: Your primary goal is the lowest possible startup cost, and you are planning to reinvest and upgrade your entire rig in 3-5 years.
Choose an Aluminum Trailer if: You can afford the higher initial investment and want a durable, high-capacity, and low-maintenance foundation that will last for many years and project a professional image.
No matter which you choose, remember that proper setup and maintenance are key to getting the most out of your investment.
Nick LoomisOwner-Operator
Since 2012, Nick Loomis of Hot Water Pressure Washing has been a trusted expert in Tallahassee's exterior cleaning industry. With over a decade of experience, he's passionate about two things: delivering incredible results for his customers and finding innovative solutions to do the job right.
