metal frame

[skipper]

I'd like to build a TTT/teardrop trailer. i want to use it off road some of the time but for the most part its my insane desire to over build and my love of very sturdy objects that makes me wanna make the frame n' walls out of metal.

does anyone have any expierience or suggestions on how to frame a TD out of metal? i'd love any help, how to get the flowing TD shape out of metal is the major issue i'd love any help or suggestions u have

thank you

[doug hodder]

I just got back from the Dam Gathering and one of the 5 wide guys bent up his profile using a ply jig and cold bent the tube, ...It was just a metal frame covered with tarps and duct tape, but the profile looked really smooth...I would think that unless you have a connection and can provide a computer file, or all the radiaii and dimensions that a commercial roll on it might be a bit pricey...but I haven't had any material rolled in years...Doug

[skipper]

you say he had a jig on plywood and he cold bent the steel? did he use anytrhing to extend his leverage?

haveing anything rolled is pricey... i have a friend that has a bender but its for roll bars and things like that, i dunno if it would work for square stock.

[kerryd]

Hello Skipper,I've bent aluminum around ply wood before, not tried steel though . If you're looking for someone , try a railing shop . Kerry

[Trackstriper]

kerryd,

Did you have to anneal the aluminum tubing first? Was there much spring back problem?

[kerryd]

Hey Trackstriper , no I did'nt need to anneal the aluminum . What i did though was bend both sides at the same time . That way they're both the same . you don't have much deflection .I used 6061 alloy too . If you're going to use plywood there will be some . I used a three roll bender on our . Try 6063 alloy . Good luck . Kerry

[bobhenry]

I'd like to build a TTT/teardrop trailer. i want to use it off road some of the time but for the most part its my insane desire to over build and my love of very sturdy objects that makes me wanna make the frame n' walls out of metal.

does anyone have any expierience or suggestions on how to frame a TD out of metal? i'd love any help, how to get the flowing TD shape out of metal is the major issue i'd love any help or suggestions u have

thank you

Find a good custom exhaust and muffler shop tell them what you are trying to do and show them the profile. Now with stainless stock it will be plenty strong ! They may be able to cut and cope the cross spars as well!
You may be onto something electrical chases and built in heat ducts as well

[doug hodder]

Skipper...to bend around ply, you'd want to go fairly light gauge and I think a piece of tube that you could slip over the piece to be bent, like a cheater pipe that protects from kinks and then work your way down the curve slowly and not take large "bites" as you go ...a longer piece as a cheater pipe will give you more leverage. You are going to end up with some extra material in the end that needs to be cut off as I'm sure you won't be able to bend the very ends without it. just an idea..Doug