2x2 angle frame

[lilgription]

I just wanted to ask because I have a butt load of this 2x2x1/4 angle given to me. I know most people who build their frames use box tubing , but how many use angle instead. I see a lot of HF trailers being used also and I know a 2x2x1/4 inch angle frame would have to be stronger. If a person builds an angle frame to where the body of the camper sets in the framework ( where a deck would normally go ) would that be a strong enough base. I realize that the upper angle railing is where an angle frame trailer gets half it's strength from. Do you guys that have built think that this method would be O.K. to use. Like I said I have quite a few sticks of this angle on hand and would like to use it to help keep cost down on a soon coming build

[eamarquardt]

I can't find the post or link but simple "angle iron" has a very low strength to weigh ratio. You'd be far better off to use 2X2 tubing which would weigh about the same but be considerably stronger.

The steel for your frame is a fraction of the cost of your build. I'm guessing the tubing required could be had for less than $100.

I'd spring for tubing and get a stronger frame for less weight. Perhaps you can horsetrade your angle for tubing with a metal dealer.

As Slow says: "just my two sense".

Cheers,

Gus

[angib]

I believe 2x2x1/4 is actually overkill for the 'main frame' - the bit under the trailer body. I reckon 2x2x1/8 is enough for that.

Where the 2x2x1/4 is bit more marginal is as a tongue material. But even there, if you don't go wild, a decent A-frame can be built from this angle. The new tongue strength spreadsheet allows for 1200 pound teardrop with a 36" long A-frame tongue for unbraked road use.

[lilgription]

I believe 2x2x1/4 is actually overkill for the 'main frame' - the bit under the trailer body. I reckon 2x2x1/8 is enough for that.

Where the 2x2x1/4 is bit more marginal is as a tongue material. But even there, if you don't go wild, a decent A-frame can be built from this angle. The new tongue strength spreadsheet allows for 1200 pound teardrop with a 36" long A-frame tongue for unbraked road use.

I would use a piece of 2x2 1/4 inch thick box tube that I have for the tongue and probably use the 2x2 angle to tie in the tongue making it an a frame

[lilgription]

angib that was a great link. going on what material I have and using composite tongue construction I would say that I have more than enough strength for a tear drop

[kludge]

2x2x1/4 angle is used for utility trailers all the time, some are even 2x2x1/8 angle. Tractor Supply Company sells one such trailer. http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/c ... d-capacity Of course they use a second rail a foot above the first to resist bending, but the camper bolted to the frame will more than make up for that top rail not being there.

Find a piece of 2x2 or 2x3 tubing for the tongue and brace it with the 2x2 angle and you'll be fine for the kind of stuff that most people here build.

[lilgription]

2x2x1/4 angle is used for utility trailers all the time, some are even 2x2x1/8 angle. Tractor Supply Company sells one such trailer. http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/c ... d-capacity Of course they use a second rail a foot above the first to resist bending, but the camper bolted to the frame will more than make up for that top rail not being there.

Find a piece of 2x2 or 2x3 tubing for the tongue and brace it with the 2x2 angle and you'll be fine for the kind of stuff that most people here build.

Thanks kludge.. I was hoping that the body would strengthen the frame up if bolted in properly. I have built several utility trailers and I know that without that upper railing that they are way too flimsy , heck the little trailers they sell without a floor you can put your foot on a corner and they flex like 6-8 inches.. I have a 9' piece of 2x2x1/4 box for the tongue

[RandyG]

If you have enough could you double it up on the side rails? And weld every so often, I dont think welding the whole length would be needed. That would also give you a good point to weld in some cross members. And of course use square for the tongue, but the A frame could be the angle iron.

[dguff]

I have home built three teardrops with angle iron frames. None exhibited any problems with strength or durability. I used 2x2 1/8" angle with a few pieces of 3/16 for mounting torsion tub axles. All were bolted together. For tongues I used 2x3 1/8 square tubing. Go for it.

Jerome

[rowerwet]

my TD is built on a carry-on trailer from Tractor supply, it is all angle iron except for the tongue. It is rated for 2,000 lbs, of course by the time you subract the weight of the trailer, and the lawyer factor the actual DOT weight rating is 1,250 lbs. Plenty for my TD.
before the TD was on the traler it was a rather flexible from corner to corner, once the TD was bolted on, it doesn't flex.

[citylights]

My teardrop is on a 2x2 angle frame with 2x3 box tongue. It is solid.