Where is the best place to buy chassis steel on line?

[tommyt]

I'm interested in building a CT conversion around 7'x12' from scratch since I haven't found anything even close to the specs that I want. Even places like trailershowroom with all their options won't do what I'm interested in. I figure I can build to my exact specs and do it for less than a stock 7x12 CT.

Where is the best place to buy chassis steel on line? I'm thinking 4x2x1/4 tube for the tongue and main chassis that supports the axles and 2x2x3/16 angle for most everything else.

I've been looking and found a couple places like metalsdepot but OMG are they expensive! I've also called a few local placed and either they don't have what I want or are just as expensive.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Tommy

[Blotto Bros]

Its not the metal but the SHIPPING that kills me. I have had great luck with a local company that makes security doors/gates. He likes my wacky ideas so much he orders at cost for me.

[doug hodder]

Just my opinion, but your wall thicknesses & tube size are way too heavy. I'd make more of an effort for local suppliers...maybe do the drive to the next largest town.

[eamarquardt]

I agree that the shipping will make it difficult. Where are you? If you figure out your cuts, perhaps you can have it cut to length and make it easier to transport.

On your tongue, a 3 inch wide tube will be easier to mount a coupler on unless you're using the angled coupler.

Good luck.

Cheers,

Gus

[dave_dj1]

Depending on what you plan on hauling that sounds like an extremely heavy duty design. I have a 7k dump trailer that I built and the main frame (the part that holds the axles) is 2 x 5 x 1/8". The cross pieces are the same except for the very front it's more like a U shape of about 16 gauge.

I get my steel delivered from a place about 65 miles away and they don't have a delivery fee. Of course when I order it's usually a coupel hundred to thousand dollar order.

I would call around and see if you can find a supplier that will deliver locally.
good luck,
dave

[Dale M.]

Use the "old fashioned way" it called the phone book....

Let you fingers to the walking... Right to pages with "Steel Sales"....

If you use anything over about 1/8 inch in thickness its going to make trailer really heavy and add nothing to the "party" but extra weight....

Dale

[CarlLaFong]

I agree about the thickness. 1/4 inch is absurdly heavy. Crawl under a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup and look at the frame. It is nowhere near 1/4 inch and it supports a lot more weight and tolerates a lot more abuse than a trailer. Those that have recycled popups into TTTs will tell you that the frames are pretty flimsy, yet they do the job

[Wishbone_aaa]

Finding local suppliers for metal products sometimes takes some leg work.
Here's a few resouces that may be available for information.
All you need to do is ask. Most people in the trades are happy to share
information.

1. a Vo-Tech that offers welding classes in your area, check with the instructor.

2. Welding shops

3. Construction companies

[Trentb]

Finding local suppliers for metal products sometimes takes some leg work.
Here's a few resouces that may be available for information.
All you need to do is ask. Most people in the trades are happy to share
information.

1. a Vo-Tech that offers welding classes in your area, check with the instructor.

2. Welding shops

3. Construction companies

#4 machine shops

[rowerwet]

my local scrap metal dealer advertises they can sell or get any metal you could want, I plan on calling them for my dream td build