Trailer frame

[tsmartin]

Hi all,
I am new to the web site, its nice to be here. I started building my first tear drop this weekend and got the frame welded up, sides cut out and floor done... BUT when I looked down the the front of the frame (the 2x2 sq tube the ball hooks to) it has a bend in it. The steel had to have been bent prior to me welding it up. But I did not notice it until it was all done. So should I cut it out and replace it or will it be OK. The tube is about 8' long with a 1/2" bent front front to back. Thanks for the help TIM

[asianflava]

Are you using 2x2 square tubing for the tongue?
Is it a single tube tongue or an A-frame tongue?
How big is your trailer, 4x8 5x10?

I can tell you from experience, a single tube 2x2 tongue o a 5x10 trailer is not enough. You should use 2x3x3/16 for a single tube tongue on a trailer that size.

[tsmartin]

the tongue is 2x2x1/8 "A" frame and it is a 5x10. I have thougt about cutting the tongue and A frame off and like you suggusted 2x3 tongue. I think I will also increase the angle of the A frame. After looking at it, a 45 degree angle is not enough. Im glad I did not attach the bottom yet. Thanks for the help.

[angib]

A photo would help.

If the bend is sideways in a central tongue member then it will push the coupler off to one side - but if the bend in the tube is only 1/2" and you've got the front end of the tube central, it doesn't matter.

If the bend is up/down, then it really doesn't matter.

But it would be good to see a photo to be sure to understand your description (you know exactly what you mean, but we ain't quite so sure....).

An A-frame in 2x2x1/8 is fine for any reasonable teardrop.

Andrew

[cuyeda]

Are you a proficient welder? I am not, but can tell you that it is possible to heat the metal up to much such that it will bend during the welding process if you are not careful. If you are an experienced welder, nevermind what I said, because I am not... yet... and you probably already knew that. Or, like you stated, was bent before you started.

[tsmartin]

Thanks for the tip... I am an OK welder. I try to weld alittle on one side then the other to try to keep the heat down and the amps enough to do the job without to much heat. Well what i did do last night is cut and grind and cut and grind and grind WOW the old (new) tongue off and welded on the new tongue and "A" frame. I now have about a 60 degree angle fron tongue to "A" frame all with 2x3x1/8 tube steel. Also mounted the axle and got her welded up. A little more welding and on to installing the floor Thanks again for the help TIM