Second guessing material choice

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I used .080 aluminum to build a double battery box for my horse trailer. I'm mounting it with 12x5/16" fastners on the back. I've seen several made with .080 on new trailers, but now I'm not sure if it will hold the weight. Any suggestions? Last edited by justgurn; 11-19-2013 at 11:28 PM.Reason: add picturesHH 135 / Spoolgun -- TD Cutmaster 52 -- M Thunderbolt 225V -- Victor O/A -- Drill Press -- Wellsaw 58b Bandsaw -- 6" belt grinder.
Reply:If you are real worried just put an additional gusset in the middle. It can have holes for cables etc.
Reply:Walker thanks for the comment.  I did add a gusset.HH 135 / Spoolgun -- TD Cutmaster 52 -- M Thunderbolt 225V -- Victor O/A -- Drill Press -- Wellsaw 58b Bandsaw -- 6" belt grinder.
Reply:Or you can add some hat channel to the bottom.  Or add lightening holes with flanges.  Or add a bead in a double-X pattern.  Or add L channel stiffeners.Here is my side-view diagram of ways to stiffen flat sheets of metal.  Of course, it shows rivets, 'cause that is how I fasten things, but you could do the same with welded parts.But it already looks like you have your answer.  Very nice fabrication.  I'd love to see pics of it installed.KevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Thanks Kev. I think it turned out pretty good for my first sheet metal project, and not having to right tooling. I'll post some pictures after I install it. JgHH 135 / Spoolgun -- TD Cutmaster 52 -- M Thunderbolt 225V -- Victor O/A -- Drill Press -- Wellsaw 58b Bandsaw -- 6" belt grinder.
Reply:its a horse trailer not a ferrari. make one out of ten gauge steel.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadits a horse trailer not a ferrari. make one out of ten gauge steel.
Reply:The forecast is calling for freezing rain & snow until this weekend so I don't know much I will get done. BD1 is right on, todays horse trailers are like homes on wheels. Ours is more like Chevy nice and now 7 years old. Believe me there are units way more expensive and if you can think itis in some. The trailer has been a work in progress, it didn't have a generator or hay rack when I bought it. I installed both and reconfigured the tack room to make room for the fuel cell and swing out saddle rack. Now the battery box. I just figured out I don't have many of the house.BeforeAfterHH 135 / Spoolgun -- TD Cutmaster 52 -- M Thunderbolt 225V -- Victor O/A -- Drill Press -- Wellsaw 58b Bandsaw -- 6" belt grinder.
Reply:i was not being derogatory about horse trailers, just trying unsuccessfully to make the point that the additional 5 pounds  if it was made of steel would not be  an issue.a few  good horse turd would weigh less..
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadi was not being derogatory about horse trailers, just trying unsuccessfully to make the point that the additional 5 pounds  if it was made of steel would not be  an issue.a few  good horse turd would weigh less..
Reply:Braved the 28º temperature less wind chill to mount the box. 12- 17/64" holes drilled and 5/16 rivnuts set. HH 135 / Spoolgun -- TD Cutmaster 52 -- M Thunderbolt 225V -- Victor O/A -- Drill Press -- Wellsaw 58b Bandsaw -- 6" belt grinder.
Reply:That's a really nice project. It looks factory (or better).Tim Beeker.
Reply:Originally Posted by tnjindThat's a really nice project. It looks factory (or better).
Reply:Now make the same thing but go by the outside dimensions for the inside of the new one and make a nice cover for it.It's just gonna fill up with sand/salt/trash in fast order......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterNow make the same thing but go by the outside dimensions for the inside of the new one and make a nice cover for it.It's just gonna fill up with sand/salt/trash in fast order......zap!