Question for the experienced bulders

[azscotts]

So I have scoured the forums and assimilated quite a few ideas from a lot of builds. I have 22 pages of drawings with a pretty specific build sequence.

I'm planning on a 10'x5' "light off-road" trailer box, 4' tongue, 48" tall with a 3,500lb Torflex axle. It will be pretty similar to Panther Trailers Expedition Series. I've also taken ideas from MatthewP and a few others.

My question to the group is around the trailer frame. I'm planning 2"x2" box steel but I cannot decide on a thickness. Picture a 2"x3"x.125" steel angle welded to the top of the steel frame to give me a place to bolt the walls as well.

I cannot decide if 2"x2"x.125" would be adequate for the trailer ladder frame. Also, I want to use 2"x2"x3/16" for the tongue and the V supports from the tongue. The tongue and V support would go back at least 5' under the frame.

Would 2"x2"x.125" be adequate for strength?

Thanks in advance,

- Scott

 

[M35A2]

With the angle, yes, more than enough.

 

[Rutdigger]

Yes, it would be....but out of curiosity, why did you decide to use 2x2? Also, have you actually found 2x3 angle? I'm only asking that because I have not ever ran across that at all the metal places I buy metal from; however, that being said I have not looked on the internet for it either.

 

[azscotts]

Yes, it would be....but out of curiosity, why did you decide to use 2x2? Also, have you actually found 2x3 angle? I'm only asking that because I have not ever ran across that at all the metal places I buy metal from; however, that being said I have not looked on the internet for it either.

The plan for 2"x2" came from other builders. It also seems that mounting a receiver on the 2"x2" provided more options.

I decided on the 2x3 angle on top of the 2x2 to accommodate for the thickness of a floorboard and still allow for a good amount of clearance for the wall frame to mount. Figuring a 1/8" for leg thickness for the angle, 1/2" to 3/4" for the floor that only leaves 1 3/8" for a bolt to mount through. With the extra inch, that jumps to 2 3/8" and gives me more overlap with the wall frame.

As for the availability, I see it advertised online, and Industrial Metal Supply (a local place here in Phoenix) has it.

Regards,

Scott

 

[silvrzuki77]

Structurally 2x3 would be a stronger solution and you could run a thinner wall tube .095. For the main hitch run a .120 wall at least. I understand the angle iron but why not just bolt the body to the frame?


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[Rutdigger]

The plan for 2"x2" came from other builders. It also seems that mounting a receiver on the 2"x2" provided more options.

I decided on the 2x3 angle on top of the 2x2 to accommodate for the thickness of a floorboard and still allow for a good amount of clearance for the wall frame to mount. Figuring a 1/8" for leg thickness for the angle, 1/2" to 3/4" for the floor that only leaves 1 3/8" for a bolt to mount through. With the extra inch, that jumps to 2 3/8" and gives me more overlap with the wall frame.

As for the availability, I see it advertised online, and Industrial Metal Supply (a local place here in Phoenix) has it.

Regards,

Scott

Have you considered 1 x 3 x .120 for your main frame? That is what I have used on all my trailer builds and found it works pretty good. Whatever you choose, I'm looking forward to seeing your build!

 

[azscotts]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I look forward to getting the show on the road too. I should be starting construction when I get back from vacation in July and I'll start up a new thread.

First on the list will be the spare tire carrier/propane holder. So it may not get exciting until the cabin frame is being built