frame material?

[cruzzer]

I'm going to build a trailer, to bang around off-road and camp out of. My question is,, I have enough steel to do the frame from 2.5 square tubing, but its 3/16 thick. This would be for the main frame parts. The ladder parts would be 1/8 2x2. It would be a similar design to the mil specs here,, Our Products
My question,, would this be too heavy a frame? I'm thinking it is,, The steel was free,, so I wanted to use it but I didnt expect it to be 3/16 thick.. If I don't use it for this I guess a set of sliders or bumpers will be in the works,,
Thanks,,

[archtimb]

Yeah, I would save that for bumpers and sliders. 2.5x2.5x3/16" is going to be 5.59 lbs. per foot. You need to do the math.

Mitch

[REZARF]

It would be overkill, but if it is free, I would go for it! For two frame rails you would be adding negligable weight...

You can save weight in other places but it will only add up to about 20-40lbs...

I say go for, just check out steel prices right now for another good reason why!

[KY854RUN]

Yes, it would be overkill. The frame on my M416 is 12 gauge C-channel. It is only .095 to .105 thick and only C-channel. The draw bars are .125 thick and this is where some extra thickness is needed. Extra weight costs you gas money while you are towing it, even empty. My M416 is rated as a 1/4 ton trailer, but I have been told that it can carry about twice that weight without much trouble. So evaluate what you plan to carry and do with you trailer. This will give you a better idea on how thick the frame needs to be.

[cruzzer]

I think I might save it,, I know about the 416 metal,, thats my 416 thats in the other post, the one thats for sale in pa.. I just dont feel like hacking a 416 up thats in decent shape(let the next guy do it) and I'm gonna build exactly what I need/want. Really just haven't figured out a good way to fit two dirt bikes in it without hacking it into almost nothing of the original. So,, I'm building a 7' box with a tailgate that resembles a 416 or at least a military style trailer..
If I could teach myself the cad program the wifey bought me I'd draw it up and post but point and click is hard enough for me,,, I'll have to get my 10yr old nephew to help me!
Thanks,
Steve

[inkpot]

Howdy! Build it with what you've got. It's free. Otherwise go aluminum if weight is that important. I am building a trail trailer from an 87 mini frame and axle because it was all free, including a bed. Even has a 3"lift kit on it. Yes, it is heavy, but I can bang the snot out of in on the trail and it won't bend or break, and it is as high as my Piggy. I don't care if it is a bit overdosed on RedNeck!! John

[RHINO]

i built my whole frame outta 2x2-.120.... its proven super beefy and and light.

[Wile E Coyote]

Originally Posted by RHINO

i built my whole frame outta 2x2-.120.... its proven super beefy and and light.

What's roughly your dims, weight you usually carry, and what you personally would consider max weight you'd feel safe carrying?

If that's not ax-ing too much ? hehe

[RHINO]

the box is 5ft long and the tongue is 4ft, its got the same track as the cruiser i think the box is 40" wide. i usually carry a few hundred in it, basically all the stuff i used to pack in the cruiser, includes a full set of cast iron. i have had some pretty heavy loads with firewood and other things in there. i feel fine with any weight really but i didnt use brakes so i try to keep it conservative.

[cruzzer]

I think I might have scored some 2x3 1/8" tube,, I'll know tonight. I'd rather use that as its more reasonable weight wise. I figured each stick of 2.5x2.5x7'weighs around 75# when I'm done the bare frame alone might be 500# or better, thats not including the box or even axle and wheels.. This metal is way heavy..
Thanks,
Steve

[REZARF]

2x3x.125" is what I used it is a nice compromise between weight and strength, 2x2" would work as well.

Rezarf <><