16' trailer

BrettW · Jan 8, 2003

16\' trailer

Guys, I'm looking at 16' utility trailers. I need it for my 2500lbs tractor. I had one dealer tell me that square steel tubing was better that steel angle iron, or stronger. What is your opinion on this and trailers in general. I want brakes. 1 axle or 2 axle brakes? thanks, bw

Egon · Jan 9, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

The trailer should be rated for " x " amount of pounds regardless of what it is built of.
The more brakes the better.

Are you sure 16 feet is large enough for future expansion?

Egon

BrettW · Jan 9, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

Egon,
thanks, I think 16'is all my F150 can handle. 16 is big enough for the tractor and one implement. bw

Bird · Jan 9, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

square steel tubing was better that steel angle iron, or stronger

Probably true, but of course it depends on size, thickness, etc. of each, so I'm guessing that he was probably right about the particular angle iron and square tubing he was talking about. And single axle brakes are better than no brakes; two axle brakes better still.

hazmat · Jan 10, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

square steel tubing was better that steel angle iron, or stronger

Probably true, but of course it depends on size, thickness, etc. of each, so I'm guessing that he was probably right about the particular angle iron and square tubing he was talking about. 

pound for pound square or rectangle tubing of the same dimensions [/b]IS[/b] is stronger than angle iron. Ie a 2X2 X 1/8" tube is stronger than 2X2 X 1/4" channel. Has to do with the Moment of inertia

Bird · Jan 10, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

I agree. When I said "size, thickness", perhaps I should have said "different dimensions?"/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

gerard · Jan 10, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

I have a 16 footer and when I went comparison shopping that was the big difference between trailers. Some used 2 inch angle, some 2 inch square tube. BIG difference in strength between the two and the cost isn't that much more so it's what I bought. Labor is about the same, maybe a little more since your welding 4 sides vs 2 and the material itself is a little more but if you're going to have the trailer for any length of time I think it's well worth it.

bgott · Jan 10, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

If you plan on keeping the trailer forever and keep it outside or in a high humidity area you might think about rust. If it starts rusting badly inside the square tubing you won't be able to see it and it will be almost impossible to sandblast out and paint. You can paint angle iron on both sides from the gitgo and avoid the problem. I've seen some old square tubing built lowboys around here you can stick your finger through in some places.

RanchMan · Jan 11, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

Something to consider regarding strength/longevity - Every truck & tractor I've ever seen has a boxed steel frame. Never seen an angle iron frame on a Ford. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Tak · Jan 11, 2003

Re: 16\' trailer

Not trying to be a smart *ss or wise guy, guys . . . just sharing some general information to clarify a few points and shed more light on the subject.

From a strength standpoint, it is the "section modulus" that determines a particular steel members capacity whether its an angle or square tubing.

From a deflection standpoint (amount member will bend when loaded), the "moment of inertia" will determine this.

Generally speaking, closed members / sections such as a tube or pipe tend to be more "stable" (this does not necessarily always stronger) than "open" sections such as angles when comparing members or roughly similar dimensions. This is not from trial and error guessing, it is from published steel property charts for each individual size and shape section.

Of course, practically speaking, assuming adequate capacity in whatever member you choose, the bottom line choice will probably be determined more by the cost of the member, amount of welding required and serviceability (preventing rusting of the member)

In the end, economics (cost and future serviceability) is what governs most all of our decisions.