Frame design

[Lonnie Mac]

Howdy folks!

New here, but gosh, I have spent hours on this site.

I am starting my frame design for (likely) a 5 X 8 TD. It will be very much like this design:



Although I am ready to jump in with both feet, (I need a new project), I was not sure the wife was. So last weekend we rented a brand new Little Guy 5 Wide. Needless to say she is in with both feet too! So my question is, given the design I linked to above, I am sure that 2 X 2 steel is plenty sufficient, but I really loved the profile of the Little Guy frame, which was made from 2" X 3". I am assuming it was probably about .083" wall. The ring test sounded pretty thin. I could not find a place to measure the wall thickness to be sure though.

What are your thoughts about 2" X 3" X .083 wall? I hope to start gathering some steel soon. I build a lot of things, mostly brewing equipment in my link below, and I have been accused of going overboard many times, but as each is own, the 2" X 3" profile really calls me for some reason.

Thanks!!

http://www.alenuts.com/Alenuts/Alenuts.html

[48Rob]

Sorry I can't help you, but the trailer design you pictured is very appealing!

Rob

[Lonnie Mac]

Sorry I can't help you, but the trailer design you pictured is very appealing!

Rob

Thanks Rob! I wish I knew more about it, I just found it on Google Image on the net.

[halfdome, Danny]

That teardrop is from Vacations In A Can


I use 1.5" x 2.5" with a thickness of .125 for my chassis. Haven't had any problems. Danny

[KCStudly]

I believe that photo is from the Sunset magazine cover. Search in the general discussion thread for Sunset magazine and you should be able to find more info on it (I hope).

[KCStudly]

Here's the thread I was referring to.
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50081&p=932377&hilit=sunset+magazine#p930436

[Lonnie Mac]

Thanks all! Looks like I have some trailer frame sizing to work out. I like the idea of 1.5 X 2.5 as well. I wish I had not sold my welder!!! Just when you think you don't need it anymore...

[angib]

2 x 3, even at 14ga (0.083) thickness, is a seriously strong section that can carry a heavy teardrop or allow a long tongue. But because it's thin, it's not too heavy - for example it's lighter than the more popular 2 x 2 x 11ga (0.120, 1/8) square tube.

For a modest teardrop, 1.5 x 2.5 seems a good choice, though in 11ga or 1/8 thickness, it's actually heavier than the 2 x 3 x 14ga. I imagine 1.5 x 2.5 x 14ga exists but it's such a rare size that I don't have strength data for it.

[Lonnie Mac]

2 x 3, even at 14ga (0.083) thickness, is a seriously strong section that can carry a heavy teardrop or allow a long tongue. But because it's thin, it's not too heavy - for example it's lighter than the more popular 2 x 2 x 11ga (0.120, 1/8) square tube.

For a modest teardrop, 1.5 x 2.5 seems a good choice, though in 11ga or 1/8 thickness, it's actually heavier than the 2 x 3 x 14ga. I imagine 1.5 x 2.5 x 14ga exists but it's such a rare size that I don't have strength data for it.

Thanks! Yes, I have been leaning toward the 2 X 3 14 gauge. I like the profile, (esthetics) as well. Availability is a big issue too. I built my brew system from 2 X 2 X .125 stainless, like a tank, but the material was actually much cheaper as it is more widely used in the industry. Not sure why Little Guy chose the 2 X 3, but the frame looks great. There are a few other details about the Little Guy that I did not care for in the design, but alas, that's why we build our own!

[bobhenry]

I saved this picture of Plano Vets frame for future reference. There is no issue with tongue flex or tongue failure with this bad boy. The channel framed tongue was most impressive to me.