Looking for an oddball square tubing size

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Ok, I just took on a job that requires 4' of 2.25 x 2.25 x .109 wall steel tubing.  I can buy a 20' stick through Ryerson, which is the only steel company in the Atlanta area that says they can get it.  Problem is they are a royal pain to deal with when you're not a very big company, and while the tube is expensive for tubing, it doesn't meet the order minimum and will cost even more!  Any ideas on other places to find this?  It's the size tube most trailer hitch receivers would be made of...Thank you,Jason
Reply:www.metalsupermarkets.comI have never used them, though they metal processor and will sell metal in various sizes, shapes and quantities.Their local distriburtor purchases some metal where I purchase metal.
Reply:You are looking for DOM tubing, right?  Otherwise, you'll get a welded seam on the inside.
Reply:I agree with Tap Welder ... Metals supermarketThere is one at:4301 Pleasantdale RoadSuite 1Doraville, GA  30040(678) 421-0054Iv'e used them before they are very helpful and cary a lot of variety in steels. They are kind of a small operation but they have gotten every thing I have every asked for. Stainless, Carbon, Alu ....And they will cut anything for your ... For a charge of courseYes they probably are a few buck more but .. They are half the hassle and everyone needs a job! Washman
Reply:Well, I checked with them yesterday and they can't get that size.  Doh!
Reply:Go to:http://www.ontheball.com/hitch_fabrication.htm   I found them in a search. Or any trailer hitch fabrication parts supplier. Often a good rental company may have this.  It was about $42.00 (+S+H) for a 4 foot section. This is 1/4" wall stock, it's the most common for receiver hitches.Last edited by tessdad; 08-19-2006 at 04:34 PM.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:Well, I guess I had a brainfart when I said it's the common size for a trailer hitch receiver.  The tube I need is 2.25" on the outside with a .109 wall.  And, I am not finding it anywhere!  Meanwhile the deadline on a batch of parts I bid on is quickly approaching...  Doh!  I think I see myself making some tubing!BTW - thanks for the suggestions.  Those 2 companies have been recorded in my suppliers list...
Reply:Just curious if its the OD or ID that's critical...or both?  Reason is you have a 2.03 nominal ID with thin wall.  Why not something a tad heavier walls and larger OD as long as the receiver works?http://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant...owunits=inchesI'm a believer in doing what the customer wants but sometimes they're receptive to a reasonable alternative...sometimes not.   Clay
Reply:Unfortunately the customer will not accept a different wall thickness.  These are prototype parts to prove out a design - will be tested and eventually go into production in a quantity that will make a custom mill run a non-issue.  I have been in touch with the customer and am going to fabricate the tube with the correct thickness sheet metal bent and welded into a tube shape.  I basically need 6 pieces 8" long each, so this will be the easiest alternative.That website is interesting, though.  Add yet another bookmark to my favorites!
Reply:Standard Hitch tube size is 2½" x 2½ x .215If you went 1/4" wall thickness - there is no leaway for the hitch to slide in or out.  You would have to hammer it in and that's where it would stay.Here in the Great White NorthMosquitoes can't fly at 40 below
Reply:Build it yourself that size...John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com