How to add a weep/drain hole?

[ykket]

Hey folks,

I am in the process of planning/designing out a trailer that would involve actuators and a downtube sliding into a vertical tube. This would obviously allow for water to fall down the vertical tube. The bottom of the vertical tube was going to be welded to the frame in the corners. My question, how would I put some sort of drain? I can't imagine drilling a hole straight through the bottom of the frame, through the 45* cuts and into the vertical tube... I am having a hard time trying to visualize how to accomplish this. I know others have probably done it, so I am asking for any sort of guidance . Attached is a rendering from a couple weeks ago, but it shows the general idea. Thanks

 

[NatersXJ6]

I personally would drill the hole before welding the vertical on, but basically, yes, do what you described.

Or: drill sideways at the bottom of the tube.

And, set up the tube tube so that the outer sliding tube is up if possible…. But I would still use a weep hole.

 

[ITTOG]

If it was me I would weld a vertical cylinder in the frame to ensure the water doesn't go into other parts of the frame.

 

[ykket]

I personally would drill the hole before welding the vertical on, but basically, yes, do what you described.

Or: drill sideways at the bottom of the tube.

And, set up the tube tube so that the outer sliding tube is up if possible…. But I would still use a weep hole.

Thanks. Something like this? Have a hollow cylinder go through the frame into the vertical tube. This way, the frame is still sealed off? I think this is what @ITTOG is referring to?

 

[NatersXJ6]

My experience and suspicion tells me that you will never successfully keep water out of a tubular frame. I think that effort invested in the tube and trying to seal the frame are wasted. Better to drill big holes and know it can be washed out and painted occasionally. Currently owning a tube frame trailer, and living in desert, I still have rust inside “sealed” tubes. I think I’ll stick with channel or wide open tube next time.

 

[Alloy]

Weld a doubler plate to the top of the frame. Weld the outside (socket) tube to the doubler plate. Drill a drian hole on the inside (toward the center of the trailer) of the socket tube so any rust cooming out of the tube cannot be seen from the outside.

The socket could be made out of stainless or aluminum avoiding any rust and bolted on

Take a look at the platic insert the legs on Pop-Up canopies use

 

[ykket]

Great, thanks for all the info

 

[Alloy]

If its of any comfort. Once oxygen inside those tubes is consumed rust inside will stop.
Fwiw,
Linseed oil sealed inside steel tubing is an oldschool method to pervent rust inside aircraft frames.

We used water soluble cutting oil.