About Platinum Trailers

Established in 2002, Platinum Manufacturing, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, quickly distinguished itself as a leader in “Upper End” aluminum trailers.  We have been involved with Platinum since 2003 and their philosophy and commitment to building the best built and best looking aluminum trailer in the industry is stronger than ever.  But to really appreciate the engineering and structural toughness that goes behind each trailer, and to understand how Platinum builds a trailer compared to other trailer companies, you really need to have them side by side.  Examine closely the hinges, top rails and bottom rails, doors, I beam thickness and spacing, floor thickness, and the quality and quantity of the welds.  Don’t purchase a Platinum thinking your are buying the lightest aluminum trailer made because you will be disappointed.  Although they don’t “pull” like it, they are one of the heaviest made aluminum trailers on the market.  Platinum Coach Trailers include a 5 year warranty. Custom ordered trailers are quite common and normally takes 6-8 weeks to construct (does not include living quarter installation). Here are a few characteristics that set them apart from other trailer companies:

I Beams

The I beam used by Platinum is one of the largest in the industry, it measures  3” wide x 4” tall x 3” wide, and .125” thick. On stock trailers, standard spacing (from center to center) is 9.5” wide but can be reduced on some of our heavier models (28’, 32’, 34’, etc.) to 5” width.  On horse trailers, standard spacing is 12” from center to center.

Roof Cross Members

Roof cross members are constructed of 1”x2.5” enclosed tubing and are placed on 24” centers.  After the one piece roof is rolled and riveted on to the top of the trailer, the cross members are then bowed upward.  This creates a tighter, quieter, stronger roof, plus it gives the roof slope to shed water easier.The roof is a one piece aluminum sheet that measures thicker than most trailer, measuring in at .040” thickness.  After rolled across the top of the trailer, it is then riveted and siliconed every 3”.  Notice how a bow is put into the roofs to shed water, increase strength, and ride quieter.

Welds

Though the welds usually blend into the trailer, the structural integrity depends heavily on these.  Compare the quality and lengths of each weld as well as how many different welds you see.  

Hinges

Due to Platinum’s doors being heavier, it only makes sense to use a heavier type hinge that is welded on as opposed to a bolt on or a piano type hinge.  With the exception of their RV doors, all other doors have 2” aluminum hinges with a stainless steel pin and they are all welded directly to the trailer. There are 2 on all drop down windows, 2 on small manger doors, 3 on large manger doors, and 5 hinges on all horse compartment doors and tack doors.

Doors

Platinum constructs all of their doors, including manger, tack, and drop down windows “in house”. The only exception to this is the RV door (includes the screen door) that is installed on most living quarter trailers. 

Top Rails

Built on a 5” radius and ¼” thick at its widest part.  Corner posts are 5”x6”x 3/16” thick.

Bottom Rails

9” tall and ¼” thick at its widest part. 

Uprights

These are the vertical aluminum posts in the livestock area, the dressing room/living quarter area and the nose area.  These posts are constructed on enclosed tubing and are typically 1”x 2 ½” wide.  Uprights willl be upgraded to a 1”x5” post when next to fender wells, windows, doors, in the nose area, and are sometimes increased in size for larger, heavier stock trailers. Notice how Platinum welds, each upright comes into contact with the extruded side on both sides of the post (on the interior of trailers).

Floor

The Platinum floor is constructed of a Marine grade cold rolled aluminum sheet that is .125” thick.  This thickness and type of floor guards against corrosion from livestock urine.  5/8” rubber mats are used in most trailers also.

Exterior Extruded Slats

The exterior slats are the pieces of extruded aluminum that run horizontal above the bottom rail.  They normally run 3’ to 4’ above the bottom rail and pre painted white aluminum skin is usually above the slats.  These slats are a huge part of the structural strength of the trailer and are a unique design.  Platinum has two distinct looks, simply called the New Slat (wider, smoother picture) and the Old Slat (more ridges).

Tapered Wheel Wells

Starting with 2008 models, all Platinum Trailers now come with a tapered wheel well in the livestock/horse compartment.  This gives less of a “ledge” and fewer angles for an animal to catch a leg on.