What size steel square tube for trailer build
- Thread starter Grasslakeron
- Start date
If you'll be walking on it, then I'd keep the cross braces, but change them to 1" X 2" and keep the wall pretty thin. Maybe .095 wall...
If that short stub at the rear is intended to be a hitch receiver, I would extend it to the last crossmember for greater strength.
SwampfoxSC
Observer
Can any of you guys that buy steel regularly give rough prices? Like 2x3 per foot, 1x1. 3/4" square, 2x4,ect. Just trying to get a rough estimate of what cost would be for a m416 size trailer. And what wall thickness is best for the 2x2 tongue? So a standard receiver will fit.
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CodyY
Explorer
Its all in the mass, not just the shape and size. Doubling the wall thickness doubles the price, and then you get into DOM and CREW vs. HREW... Etc etc. Best advice is to call a couple wholesale steel suppliers and shop prices. Get in the phone book.
2.5x2.5- 14 ga you'll usually get for about 30$ per joint (20ft). 3/4 sq 14 ga primed is about $12-15/stick, 2x4 .120 I buy for $40 a stick.
The tongue should be 11ga (.125-ish) or 3/16"
SwampfoxSC
Observer
What is a good length tongue for a m416 size? I know stock is a bit tough on backing. And I would like a bit more clearance in the tight stuff.
How long is your bed going to be? Do you plan on putting a tongue box on? Make sure to make it long enough to open the tailgate with the trailer hooked up.
What makes backing a trailer hard is width, try to make it as wide as your tow vehicle so you can see it and what it's doing.
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What you need is 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 3/16 wall. Around here they'll usually ask if you need a piece a hitch will go in, I guess that what a lot of the 21/2 square gets used for.
I have used the website for metal supermarkets for estimating the metal costs for various projects.
Their website is really good. http://www.metalsupermarkets.com
I have been told by a supplier that their hitch reciever tube is 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.238. I am sure the tube size mentioned by xsapper would do the job but a little thicker wall would not hurt and would make for a snugger fit with less slop.
I was quoted around $130 for a 16 foot length.
Their website is really good. http://www.metalsupermarkets.com
I have been told by a supplier that their hitch reciever tube is 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.238. I am sure the tube size mentioned by xsapper would do the job but a little thicker wall would not hurt and would make for a snugger fit with less slop.
I was quoted around $130 for a 16 foot length.
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That's the correct size, but some of your local places don't stock it. A lot stock 1/8', 3/16 and 1/4 wall only. The place I usually buy at they ask if it's for a receiver hitch and they know which one to give you. Have seen people use 3/16 but is a sloppy fit.
Another place to look up is Harbor steel and see how close one is to you.