For folks growing and selling plants, such as greenhouse or nursery owners and Christmas tree farmers, moving living or freshly cut plants can be a challenge – but ALCOM builds all-aluminum solutions.
Why choose an aluminum trailer (or trailers) for a plant nursery or greenhouse operation? We’re glad you asked.
First, aluminum is a lightweight construction material that boasts a superior strength-to-weight ratio than steel. Lighter trailers save wear and tear on your tow vehicle and on your property when you move them around between greenhouses or growing fields. Most importantly, aluminum is naturally rust-resistant. Plants need water, and moisture is an inevitable part of plant transportation, but with aluminum construction, that moisture won’t lead to rust spots in your trailer. Rust is one of a trailer’s worst enemies, and once it starts, it can be difficult to mitigate and expensive to repair. Start with a trailer that won’t even start rusting.
ALCOM builds open and enclosed trailers for plant nursery owners, gardeners, Christmas tree farmers, homesteaders and any other plant pros who need a dependable trailer. An open aluminum landscape trailer offers ventilation and easy visibility, but exposes plants and other cargo to the elements. An enclosed aluminum landscape trailer offers protection, but requires careful temperature management for plant health. Check out some of our favorites, then learn more about customization options and where to find your local ALCOM aluminum trailers dealer.
ALCOM’s open aluminum landscape trailers are available in a wide range of sizes, with plenty of ramp, tie-down, rail and decking options.
The open aluminum SSR Utility Trailer offers the best of both worlds: it’s an open aluminum trailer with fixed 20” sides for easy cargo containment. For trailer size options and easy-install rail and tie-down kits to customize the trailer, explore our RA 2.0 Series, FA 2.0 Series, and Wood Deck Landscape 2.0 trailers.
Our all-aluminum dump trailers, available in 4.5’ and 5’ wide homeowner models and 6’ and 7’ wide commercial models, offer multiple functions in a variety of sizes. An all-aluminum homeowner dump trailer acts like a miniature flatbed trailer that’s so compact, even a side-by-side can tow it. A commercial utility dump model has a higher-sided, open body trailer with more space and payload, with up to 48” solid sides plus 24” expanded mesh available for containment.
To create an enclosed, temperature-controlled plant hauler, start with an ALCOM aluminum trailer. A basic enclosed cargo trailer with tandem axles and some interior upgrades can then be transformed into the custom plant trailer your nursery needs.
Our all-aluminum cargo trailers are available in all sizes from 4’x6’ and up. Go for an 8.5' wide trailer and add extra height and length to the trailer body as needed. Then choose your aluminum side panel color scheme and add from a nearly-endless menu of upgrade options.
For an easy-to-own model without all the fuss of choosing options, check out the XLT Pro Series cargo trailers, available in 6’ wide and 7’ wide models. Bring one home and add a fully DIY interior buildout or keep it simple with standard water resistant decking and walls, all LED lighting, and aluminum Jeep fenders.
Trailer Size & Payload: Choose a trailer that’s large enough to accommodate your plants and other cargo without over-crowding or going over the trailer’s carrying capacity. Overloading your trailer can cause damage not only to your cargo, but to the trailer itself and your tow vehicle. Matching the correct trailer and tow vehicle is critical for safe hauling; your local ALCOM dealer can help you choose the right trailer for your truck or SUV.
Open vs. Enclosed Trailers: Open aluminum landscape trailers offer versatile, multi-season hauling for exposed cargo. Enclosed aluminum cargo trailers deliver weather-proof, lockable hauling in any weather. You can’t go wrong with either, but your trailer choice will depend on multiple factors. How far do you generally plan to haul plants, and how often will you be doing so? What other types of cargo do you need to bring?
Anchor Points, Bracing & Tie-Downs: Securing plants for transport looks different depending upon the plant type, size, and other factors. Consider what you’re moving, and how you need to secure it. Then, consider ALCOM trailer upgrades like the integrated wall stud package in our enclosed aluminum trailers, or rail and stake pocket kits for open aluminum landscape trailers. Add D-rings in various sizes and types; get E-track for versatile configurations. Work with your ALCOM dealer to build the ultimate customized anchor point and tie-down combination to secure your most precious plant cargo.
When you choose an aluminum landscape trailer or enclosed aluminum hauler from ALCOM, you can add tie-downs, decking, ramp and rail options, and more to start your customization process. Add shelving, cabinets, lights and a power package to your enclosed trailer; if you're planning to build a custom shelving setup inside, don't miss our integrated wall stud package.
Once your trailer arrives, put the finishing touches on using DIY skills and your plant-friendly know-how. Don't worry if you aren't completely sure what to do. Start browsing today and soon, you'll have more ideas than you can keep track of for your nursery trailer build! Here are a few examples:
In this two-part series, follow the folks at Flomaton Famous channel on a DIY roll-out plant trailer conversion. Finish the trailer’s interior, add tie-down points, and build rolling plant tables for market events.
Watch this plant loading seminar with Sean James Consulting & Design; you’ll see how a team of pros loads an open utility trailer with various bushes, shrubs, and trees. They use minimal equipment, arranging the plants carefully to conserve space and minimize movement during transport. Keep exploring the wide web of DIY videos and tutorials online to get more inspiration and instruction for your personalized all-aluminum plant hauler.
If you're ready to invest in an aluminum trailer or trailers for your greenhouse or plant nursery business, don't wait: find your local ALCOM dealer today!
Our North American dealer network includes hundreds of aluminum trailer dealerships across the continental USA and Canada. Browse our brand sites to explore aluminum trailer models and options, then use the Dealer Locator on any of our brand sites to find your nearest ALCOM aluminum trailers dealer.