aluminum trailer questions

[rhino ak]

Hello all
I am wanting to build a aluminum trailer for atvs and side by sides.
I need it to be about 6 foot from hub to hub and about 14 foot long.
I just built a steel trailer out of 2x3x1/8" tubing. My problem is i dont know what equilevant aluminm thickness i need. So any ideas?

[aametalmaster]

Figure twice as thick and wider tubing for 14'. Nothing smaller than 4" wide and at least a 1/4" thick. Just my thoughts....Bob

[Jigantor]

It is half the strength so you would have to double the size of the members in every dimension. That said aluminium deflects 2/3 more than steel, welding removes any tempering for 2" from the bead and flexing will lead to fatigue cracking.
By the time you account for all of this the cost will become a problem.

Ji

[rhino ak]

Thanks for the advise. I was thinking of going over to my buddys and measuring his 14' aluminum trailer. Is that reasonable?

[aametalmaster]

Thanks for the advise. I was thinking of going over to my buddys and measuring his 14' aluminum trailer. Is that reasonable?

Maybe. Is his a factory built welded one or a bolt together like these.
http://www.trailex.com/ My family started this company in the early 60's....Bob

[rhino ak]

Maybe. Is his a factory built welded one or a bolt together like these.
http://www.trailex.com/ My family started this company in the early 60's....Bob

no its a karavan welded trailer. I just built a tandem steel out of 2x3x1/8" tube, my thinking is if i built the whole aluminum trailer exactly the same just twice the thickness i should be ok?

[rhino ak]

[QUOTE=aametalmaster;304360]Maybe. Is his a factory built welded one or a bolt together like these.
http://www.trailex.com/ My family started this company in the early 60's....Bob

WOW those are some nice trailers!!