Will it work?

[creekslick]

I am planning on building my trailer (5'x8') from scratch and was thinking about using 2x2 14ga tubing for the outside frame and cross members. Will a 2x3 14ga tubing for the tongue be strong enough? I am going to try to stay as light as I can. I already have the 2x2 but not the 2x3. I wanted to use 2x3x1/8 but my supplier did not have it. He went from 14ga to 3/16.

[Alphacarina]

I am planning on building my trailer (5'x8') from scratch and was thinking about using 2x2 14ga tubing for the outside frame and cross members. Will a 2x3 14ga tubing for the tongue be strong enough?

Depends on many factors not in evidence

Single 2X3 or two of them in a Vee?

Through the front crossmember . . . . or under it?

How long?

How much tongue weight?

Don

[creekslick]

Don. the 2x3 will go under the front cross member. The tongue weight 150lbs (I hope). I am planning to use some of the 2x2 to make a Y tongue like the red trailer in the generic Beneric plan.

[Esteban]

Don, up above is a Design Library. Click on it then, then open the Tongue Strength information. With it you can calculate the strength needed for a tongue built from the materials, length, design, and weight capacity you want to use. Andrew has written that the Aussie Rules may be twice as strong as is needed for a non off road trailer.

You could lighten your frame, a little, by using angle instead of tubing for some or all frame cross members that are inside the outer tube frame.

[creekslick]

Decided not to risk the thin tongue so I bought the 2x3 3/16. I cut the outside of the frame this afternoon after work. Will try to get it welded together tomorrow.

[bdosborn]

According to Andrew's Tongue Strength Page, a single 2x3x3/16" tongue at 42" should be good for a 1500# trailer. Looks like you should be fine.

Bruce

[creekslick]

Got the frame welded together today, will try to hang the axle and paint tomorrow after Church. Will also try to post some pictures.

[creekslick]

Got the axle mounted and the bottom of the frame primed. Here are some pictures, I hope.

[Alphacarina]

Plenty of beef there - That's for sure. You won't bend that tongue

I LOVE your adjustable height 'sawhorses' - Sure makes it easy to weld up a flat, square frame, doesn't it?

Don

[creekslick]

Plenty of beef there - That's for sure. You won't bend that tongue

I LOVE your adjustable height 'sawhorses' - Sure makes it easy to weld up a flat, square frame, doesn't it?

Don

I "borrowed" them from work. They made it possible for me to weld it together with no extra hands.

[bdosborn]

Boy you made fast work there. Looks good and I like your sawhorses too.
Bruce

[TD4FREEW/CTD]

Single 2X3 or two of them in a Vee?

Through the front crossmember . . . . or under it?

what is the significance of going through vs under?

[bdosborn]

Under is stronger. Through requires a *qualified* welder as the whole thing will fall apart if the welds fail. But through can make it easier to match the ball height of your tow vehicle. I went under and made a riser to raise the hitch to my ball height.

Bruce

[TD4FREEW/CTD]

i take it people generally weld all the possible connection points between frame and tongue?

[creekslick]

i take it people generally weld all the possible connection points between frame and tongue?

I welded anywhere there metal was touching metal.