5'x10' angle iron frame

[Jerry in Georgia]

Today at lunch I grabbed the digital caliper from work (Automotive machinist) and went to Tractor Supply.I measured the 4x8 and the 5x10 trailers,they both were made with 2" angle iron .125 or 1/8 thick,the tongue was 1/8 also . The 5x10 was rated at 1600 lbs.So is the 2" angle .125 good for the frame?

[madjack]

...yes, however, I wouldn't consider it enough for the tongue with out beefing it up somewhat.........

[Jerry in Georgia]

Yeah I was going to use 2x3x 3/16 or 1/4 for the tongue.Thank you for the input.

[angib]

I think 2x2x1/8 angle for the main frame is fine - the loads in that part are pretty low.

You can use a bigger angle (bigger is always better than thicker) for the tongue but angle isn't a very efficient section, so it would be lighter and probably cost less to use square or rectangular tube for the tongue.

For example, 2x2x1/8 square tube is nearly four times as strong as 2x2x1/8 angle and yet the tube is effectively just two angles welded toe-to-toe.

Andrew

[Jerry in Georgia]

I meant say 2x3 box not angle for the tongue.Sorry to be confusing.I hope to be able to start buying the material to build the frame by the first of the year.Money is tight so this will be a long build.When I start I will post pictures as I go.