sheet metal thickness for floor and side walls of trailer - Pic attached

[cparkerc]

The frame is complete in my build...now I need to build the side walls and put down a floor. What gauge did you use for the floor and sidewalls? Would you do anything different next time?

Thanks for any help!

 

[cparkerc]

She sits perfectly level with the Max Coupler set up! :victory::victory:

 

[cparkerc]

 

[PCO6]

I used 14 gauge aluminum for the walls of my box but a lot depends on the structure of the box. The floor is 14 gauge steel.

My build thread ...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303504

 

[capnjackcanon]

I'm using 16 gauge cold rolled steel for my sides, but I have a bit more or a compact box, with more support beams. I will probably go with 14 gauge for the flooring (only 6' long by 4' wide).

Because I'm breaking mine up into compartments I have four 1" tubes that breaks my sides into 3 compartments. I didn't bother going with a large sheet to cover since I'll have doors that open outward and then will have additional 1" tube frames to add extra support, so I don't need all the strength in a 14 gauge or 11 gauge. ( I have resolved myself to avoid aluminum after I saw a buddies pride and joy trailer get his door bent just from brushing past it.

I would say, if you're going to use aluminum, make sure none of your door hinges are aluminum.

Here's a link to my build.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ot-in-the-budget-Custom-Exp-Trailer-to-follow

 

[OverlandKyle]

mine is 11 gauge which is 1/4" steel..... only deflects slightly under heavy pressure

 

[tgreening]

mine is 11 gauge which is 1/4" steel..... only deflects slightly under heavy pressure

Uhmm, might want to recheck that.

 

[oscar the grouch]

yeah thats wrong.


i just did this and asked the same question. for my skill set i used 14 guage for the floors and walls and was very happy with it. rock solid and not to heavy. I had an easier time welding the 14 gauge than some of the thinner stuff.

to skin my lid i used 16 gauge to save some weight.

 

[cparkerc]

yeah thats wrong.


i just did this and asked the same question. for my skill set i used 14 guage for the floors and walls and was very happy with it. rock solid and not to heavy. I had an easier time welding the 14 gauge than some of the thinner stuff.

to skin my lid i used 16 gauge to save some weight.

Thanks for the info Oscar, appreciate it. I want to keep the weight down, but don't want the floor to be flimsy either.

 

[oscar the grouch]

14 for sure then. with all the cuts i need a 5x10 sheet did it and only ran me 110 bucks all cut to the sizes i needed.

 

[OverlandKyle]

Uhmm, might want to recheck that.

Ahh brain fart.... It's .1250 inch which is 1/8"

 

[achuto]

I used 16 gauge but as you can see my vertical supports were close together

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Trailer box is only 4'x5'

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I used plywood for the floor but will replace it with steel someday in the future