The Benefits Of Aluminum Flatbeds

Posted on: 1 February 2017

If you are looking to buy a flatbed for your pickup truck, you will likely be considering either aluminum or steel, as these are the most popular options. There are advantages and disadvantages to both materials. Taking the time to learn about these will help you hone in on the material that is best for your flatbed. Here are a few of the benefits associated with aluminum flatbeds for sale.

Aluminum Doesn't Rust

One of the primary benefits to an aluminum flatbed is that you never have to worry about it rusting. This is because aluminum does not rust. One of the biggest disadvantages to a steel flatbed is that steel does rust. This means that you have to properly care for the steel flatbed to prevent rust, and then spend time removing any rust that does develop. If you are looking for something low maintenance, an aluminum flatbed is perfect due to aluminum's natural resistance to rust.

Aluminum Is Lighter in Weight

Another advantage that an aluminum flatbed has over a steel one is that aluminum is lighter in weight. Steel is much heavier than aluminum. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can be. The heavier your truck is, the more gas it will use. A lighter material helps to keep the weight of your truck down, helping you to use less gas. Additionally, every truck has a towing capacity. The weight of the bed factors into how much weight your truck can haul. For example, if your truck has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and your aluminum truck bed weighs 500 pounds, you still can haul 4,500 pounds of material. But if you go with a steel bed that weighs 1,000 pounds, you reduce your towing capacity to 4,000 pounds. If you are never near your towing capacity, this may not be a concern, but if you are frequently near it, this is something to keep in mind. 

Aluminum Flatbeds Tend to Have Longer Warranties

The last benefit to considering aluminum flatbeds for sale is that aluminum flatbeds tend to have longer warranties than steel flatbeds. This is because rust can affect the performance and function of steel beds. As such, many manufacturers simply won't put a warranty on them for as long as they will aluminum. If you do not want to have to worry about any problems with your flatbed or making repairs to it, buying the option with a longer warranty may make the most sense for you.

There are many advantages that aluminum has over steel. If you are looking to purchase a flatbed for your pickup truck, take the time to learn about these benefits to make an informed decision as to whether an aluminum flatbed best meets your needs. For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.hillsboroindustries.com.

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