Aluminum Raft Trailer
Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Aluminum Raft Trailer for Your River Adventures
When your river season is right around the corner, the right aluminum raft trailer can make all the difference, both for ease of use and for longevity. In this guide, we’ll explore why aluminum raft trailers stand above the rest, what features to look for, and why Western States Trailer & Auto in Missoula, Montana, is your go‑to for quality, service, and pricing. We’ll also briefly mention how their range complements enclosed trailers Missoula buyers love, and touch on their role as a key trailer dealer in Missoula, MT.
Why Choose an Aluminum Raft Trailer?
Lightweight Strength
Aluminum frames deliver exceptional strength with less weight than steel. Models like Cargo Pro’s aluminum raft trailers are built in Montana and offer simplified towing and easy maneuverability, especially important if you’re launching in remote river access areas.Corrosion Resistance
Your trailer will see sun, water, and sometimes salt, so aluminum’s natural resistance to rust makes it ideal for rafting gear and repeated water exposure.Easy Loading / Unloading
Features such as smooth‑bearing rear roller bars and adjustable winches (standard on Western States’ raft trailers) make launching and retrieving your raft effortless.Customizable Tie‑Downs and Deck Options
Cargo Pro trailers from Western States come with multiple tie‑down anchor points (five per side and two front tie‑downs) and pressure‑treated decking. You can choose from additional features like welded D‑rings, spare‑tire mounts, and more.
The Western States Trailer Aluminum Raft Trailer Experience
2025 Cargo Pro 84″ × 12′ Raft Trailer
This entry is one of the most popular aluminum raft trailer models at Western States Trailer & Auto in Missoula. Priced around $3,830, it includes:
All‑aluminum construction
Torsion ride axles and recessed LED lighting
Adjustable winch with a 24″ post
Rear roller with smooth bearings
Multiple tie‑down points and treated decking
Undermount spare tire holder and grab‑handle on winch post
GVWR 2,200 lb, payload ~1,610 lb, empty weight ~590 lb.
This trailer balances functionality and affordability, perfect for weekend rafters or rental operations.
Why Buy From Western States Trailer & Auto?
They maintain over 115 trailers in stock or available for quick custom ordering, so you rarely wait long for a trailer that suits you.
They’re located within 11 miles of ALCOM (the manufacturer of Cargo Pro, Stealth, Sno Pro, and others), allowing fast turnaround and dealership pricing with minimal hidden fees \.
Transparent pricing: no document fees or markup layers—just your quoted price.
A team blending manufacturing insight with customer service to guide your custom or stock purchase with expertise.
What to Look for in an Aluminum Raft Trailer
Here’s a checklist to keep in mind:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Construction | All‑aluminum builds are strong and corrosion‑resistant. |
| Winch & Roller | Adjustable winches and rear rollers greatly ease raft loading/unloading. Western States’ standard package includes both. |
| Tie‑Downs | A minimum of 5 per side, plus front anchors, helps secure diverse gear. |
| GVWR & Payload | Match trailer capacity (~2200 lb GVWR on 84″×12′ model) to your raft and gear weight. |
| Decking Material | Pressure‑treated wood versus aluminum plating—choose based on durability, weight, and ease of cleaning. |
| Warranty & Service | Western States offers at least a 1‑year limited warranty, plus dealer support in Missoula. |
| Accessories | Spare tire mounts, roller brackets, grab handles, LED markers, and more help customize according to your needs. |
Planning for Specific Use Cases
Solo or Small Rafting Adventures
An aluminum raft trailer like the Cargo Pro 84″ × 12′ is ideal for a lightweight setup. At just ~590 lb empty and ample cargo space, it’s easy to tow with mid-size SUVs or trucks.
Commercial or Group Use
For outfitters or clubs, consider larger or tandem‑axle raft trailers (if available in the Cargo Pro line) or custom builds. Western States can custom‑order sizes and features with lead times as short as two weeks.
Frequent Use in Harsh Environments
If you launch from sandy beaches, muddy access, or saltwater areas, the aluminum frame and recessed LED lights offer higher durability and less maintenance.
Western States Trailer & Auto: More Than Just Raft Trailers
Though specializing in raft trailers, Western States also offers a wide range of utility, ATV, enclosed, cargo, dump, and snowmobile trailers. They carry brands like Mirage, Snake River, ALCOM Stealth, etc.
If you’re also in the market for enclosed trailers in Missoula, this dealership provides excellent options. The XLT economy enclosed trailers built on Stealth platforms are budget‑friendly and rugged, ideal for contractors, recreation, or cargo hauling. For enclosed options, you’ll get similar all‑aluminum quality, plus features like LED lighting, ramp doors, and optional customization.
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Later in this blog, we talked about enclosed trailers Missoula—especially the XLT economy models built on Stealth platforms—that offer a great option if you want enclosed aluminum hauling for gear, storage, or camping. While the aluminum raft trailer gets the spotlight here, Western States Trailer & Auto also excels as one of the most trusted trailer dealers in Missoula, MT, serving diverse hauling needs with top-tier service and transparency.
Buying Process and Tips at Western States
Browse inventory online or in person. They list all in‑stock raft trailers, including the Cargo Pro 84″ × 12′ model, plus other sizes.
Request quotes or custom builds. For special feature needs—like different decking, ramps, or tandem axles—you can work with their team to tailor your trailer.
Financing options are available. They partner with trusted lenders to make payments simple.
Visit their Missoula facility. Located at 4810 Highway 93 South, just south of Walmart and Lithia Ford/Toyota, they’re open Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturdays by appointment.
After‑sales support. Their service and parts operation covers warranty and routine maintenance.
Real‑World Benefits in Action
Imagine a weekend rafting trip on the Clark Fork or Bitterroot Rivers. With the aluminum raft trailer:
You roll into remote put‑in spots with ease.
The rear roller and winch load your raft quickly.
Tie‑downs secure gear or empty rafts efficiently.
The trailer stays low‑maintenance, even if it gets muddy or wet.
You tow confidently knowing your frame resists rust long‑term.
For friends or family who also need storage or hauling trailers, Western States offers enclosed trailers, Missoula models that complement: hauling ATVs, gear, or even acting as mobile storage. And as reputable trailer dealers in Missoula, MT, they help with all stages—from purchase to maintenance, across categories.
Why Their Aluminum Raft Trailers Stand Out
Factory‑direct access to Cargo Pro and ALCOM products.
Competitive pricing, no hidden fees.
Large local inventory and fast custom ordering.
Strong warranty and downtown Missoula service location.
Trusted dealer since 1991 with decades of experience.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a reliable aluminum raft trailer, Western States Trailer & Auto in Missoula offers one of the best combinations of product quality, transparent pricing, and customer service. Their Montana‑built Cargo Pro models deliver outstanding durability, ease of use, and value, making rafting logistics smooth and stress‑free.
And if you’re also considering enclosed trailers, Missoula options, especially for gear or recreational hauling, their Stealth/XLT lines are a strong fit. As one of the top trailer dealers in Missoula, MT, they cater to both river enthusiasts and broader trailer buyers alike.
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