Angle versus box frame

[Ocelli]

see most people building their own trailers are using square tube. Many commercial flatbed trailers are using Angle. I say disadvantages to using the square to such as water collecting inside and it rusting. The advantage to angle is you can bolt straight to the angle without having to add any flanges. So why do most people use square tubing for their trailers?

[terryjones1]

Vast difference in strength!

[Lgboro]

The torsion box formed during a tear build is most of the strength needed. The trailer frame mainly supports the axle so either is more than adequate for a tear used on normal roads. Many including myself have used a Tractor Supply / Carry On trailer with success - it is made with thin angle.

[bobhenry]

Chubby is built on 2 1/2 light gage square tubing with a harbor freight 4x8 axle set

The barn is 5 x 10 on a namco 5 x8 2x2 angle iron frame with 2" cantilevered forward

the chuchwagon is on a 40 x 48 Harbor Freight formed steel frame and then cantalievered almost 3 ' beyond the frame ( 18" forward and 18" to the rear )

And Rip Van winkle the 4 x7 is on a little 4 x 6 all aluminum frame with 3 simple center aluminum hat shaped channels.

I didn't loose a bit of sleep over any one of the 4 different choices and all have proven out to be quite capable.

So build it the way you want to with what you find and just be happy

[aggie79]

I see most people building their own trailers are using square tube. Many commercial flatbed trailers are using Angle. I say disadvantages to using the square to such as water collecting inside and it rusting. The advantage to angle is you can bolt straight to the angle without having to add any flanges. So why do most people use square tubing for their trailers?

On square tube frames, the floor sits on top of the tube and the sidewalls are flush with the square tube or extend down beyond the square tube. Either way there is no place to trap water.

On most trailers built from angle, the angle "leg" is sticking up on the platform. If you inset the sidewall to sit on the flat leg of the angle you create a place to trap water. To get around this, most add 2x wood framing to raise the bottom of the floor to be flush with the top of the angle. This wood framing is "extra" - not needed for structural strength - and therefore adds unnecessary weight to the teardrop.

Take care,
Tom

[Ocelli]

I appreciate your comments, these are just my observations.
I do have reservations of tube frame without drain holes, or sealing/waterproofing underside of trailer.
When, not if, water gets in, it cannot escape. That is where decay thrives.
As a home inspector, I see "waterproof" exteriors installed without drain holes at bottom. They are completely destroyed.
Also look at commercially manufactured tube frame structures. They have drain holes drilled on underside to vent moisture.
In a "perfect" situation, water stays out, but leave a way for the occasional water to escape.

This is a three year old home.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1340118112.472021.jpg (30.08 KiB) Viewed 571 times

Under any bicycle, drain holes

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1340118330.437980.jpg (17 KiB) Viewed 571 times

I am ok with undercoating solid, non porous surface (frame) But not wood floor.
Comments?

[aggie79]

I appreciate your comments, these are just my observations.
I do have reservations of tube frame without drain holes, or sealing/waterproofing underside of trailer.
When, not if, water gets in, it cannot escape. That is where decay thrives.

I guess I don't see how this works. How can an opening let water in without it letting water out? I have a tube frame without drain holes. The only penetrations to the tubes are where the deck screws attach the teardrop floor to the frame. Between the frame and the deck is a bituminous window wrap that would seal the penetrations.

As a home inspector, I see "waterproof" exteriors installed without drain holes at bottom. They are completely destroyed.

This is a three year old home.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1340118112.472021.jpg

Agreed. My teardrop exterior is sealed and covered with aluminum, but the interior surfaces are "breathable. When I'm not camping - which is most of the time - my teardrop is stored in the garage with the vent and the windows open to allow any moisture that may have penetrated the exterior to escape.

I am ok with undercoating solid, non porous surface (frame) But not wood floor.
Comments?

There are composite materials out there but a wood floor will work fine if you add some type of moisture barrier. My floor has 1-2 coats of CPES, 2 coats of epoxy, and 2 coats of automotive undercoating. Overkill - yes - but I can sleep better at night know the bottom of my teardrop will not rot.