Advice needed on trailer repair

[koshari]

I vote for the square tub and welding.

thats the path i would tread, plonk the box section in the vee cavity, screw a couple of tec screws to pull the distorted angle into place and then seam weld at 4 inch intervals.

 

[Aquamoose]

I'd cut the bent ones out and replacement them with 3/16 or 1/4" angle iron.

I second this. Quicker, simpler, and stronger.

 

[Reb954]

I would still straighten what was there then reinforce by welding angle or square tubing to what was already there. Final straightening can be done by matching the existing piece to the new piece with C-clamps.

If the existing piece is cut out it is hard to say where the sides will go.

 

[nyone]

Dont use square or round tube if your in the salt belt. You can never seal up the ends enough to keep salt out. This leeds to the inside rotting out. C channel or angle iron would be the best material for this. A piece of C channel should be on the back of that trailer too. Thats where alot of the load is when loading/unloading.

 

[jlawso21]

I used the method Reb954 suggested, a couple of pictures below. I could not get all of the "sag" out but I got about 2/3 to 3/4 of it out. The trailer door now closes easily. I also added a couple of screws to the piece of metal that is spot welded at the rear through the wooden floor. That tied it together a little better and will keep the metal in place. I am pleased with the result. It's not perfect but very functional and as long as I don't abuse it again it should last another 10 years. Thanks again to everyone for all the help, that's what I love about this site.