Wood vs aluminum studs in a wheelhouse--need help

[J.Iverson]

Looking at wheel houses and wondering if the aluminum studded ones are worth the upgrade over wood frame houses. How much lighter would say a 6.5x14 foot house be if it were aluminum instead of 2x2 lumber assuming they were both similar steel retractable trailers with similar interiors. Builders I have asked of both have told me their houses are around 1800lb, but I would think the aluminum one would be lighter. Any help or input would be appreciated.

[erik-the-great]

wood is a lot easier to work with and they dont sweat or condisate

[eyebjim]

I had a 6.5 x 10 aluminum and now have a 6.5 x 12 wood. The aluminum had thinner walls but was much warmer. The aluminum was noticeably lighter when pulling with the 4 wheeler or the truck but you would expect that with the size difference. If money was no option and I was buying a new house it would definitely be aluminum studs.

[DRH1175]

Where do you buy aluminum studs. I have seen steel 2x4's @ menards. but where would one find Aluminum ones. Are they stronger that wood, or the same?

[eyebjim]

I'm not sure the house I had that had aluminum studs was a manufactured house from ultra-shack.

[hibanks1]

any welding shop should be able to give you an estimate...7ft steel 1x1 weigh about 7lbs a piece..I plan on buying a trailer and having steel studs, with wood fir 1/2 and a vapor barrier...

[trapperdirk]

Usually steel/ aluminum studs are used below grade . I hope your hut stays above grade so wood is the way too go .. Heavier slightly but also leaves you more options and the screws nor nails sweat or bleed the cold outdoors like steel . Metal transfers cold more than wood .

TD

[blue_healer_guy]

I have always looked at is alum might get you on the ice 4 days earlier but feel wood has many more advantages.

[J.Iverson]

I can see how an aluminum house might be stronger because all the studs are welded, but by the time you add the 3/4" firring strips to the aluminum studs to prevent frost lines it is probably close in weight to a 2x2. This year it was 3 weeks of 4-wheelers before we could drive a vehicle on the ice, and it seemed like every pound made a difference moving houses with the wheelers. Good point that wood is definately easier to work with when it comes to fastening things to the walls like bunks and cabinets.