Stainless Steel Trailers

[Buckshaw]

Hi my husband and I are interested in a camper trailer, however the trailer is made from stainless steel and we're a little worried that it might crack etc around welds. It's from Wholesale Camper Trailers (we are buying it 2nd hand though).

Does anyone have any experience with this type of trailer?  There isn't much information (reviews etc) that I can find.

TIA

[scarps]

For what it's worth, I'd be checking out the quality of the stainless steel.
Doubtful it's marine grade and therefore will rust. May not affect structural integrity, but will look terrible after a while and then difficult to paint over.

[KingBilly]

Think Wholesale Campers were, or are now, called Freedom Campers.  Try Googling that name.

KB

[achjimmy]

Your concerns are well founded. stainless does suffer from work hardening and stress cracking. Even the lesser austenetic steels punted as stainless have issues.

[thommo19]

I would steer clear of S/S  in this application. As was mentioned the grade of S/S is important.
In years gone by some ocean racing yachts had S/S fins and t/plates with a lead bulb. After a period of time with the flexing of the fin the weld joints started to show  cracks, and in a few cases the keel fin breaking.
I am no expert but why change from what has worked before ,good old steel.
Jeff

[gronk]

I know a bloke who has a ski boat trailer made of stainless,,,,,been going strong for over 5 yrs....and would do a fair bit of flexing  as well !!

Depends on who and how it was made really.......

For bling value it would be nice !!   

[Tjupurula]

I have been known to do the odd bit of steel work and welding, and stainless steel is one thing that I would stay away from when it comes to something that requires any real sturdiness.  Good for decorations and attractiveness, not much else when it comes to practicality.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Buckshaw]

Thanks for your responses, we have decided to pass on this one.