Trailer Building Question: Fender support through the frame?

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Good afternoon, everyone!!So, I've been working on my BBQ trailer recently, and I've decided that it needs fenders...I took a few steps back and thought of a few ways I could mount them... First thought was to weld some kind of bracket directly to the axle, but I decided against this because the fender would have a LOT of leverage against the bracket and axle tube if it ever got hit, and  that would've been sketchy in the first place...Next thought was to run a couple pieces of 2.5" round tube that I've had laying around forever, across the "body" of the trailer and out each side. I liked this idea much better, but it would look a little "hacked" and would interfere with the storage part of the trailer.So, then I thought I should shoot a couple holes in the 4" channel that comprises the main frame, and run the tube under the deck of the trailer, and out both sides.And this is what I'm asking y'all about... It seems like it'd be just fine to me, but I'd still be taking a lot of material out of the center of the channels, which I'm afraid might impact the soundness and structural rigidity of the trailer. But at the same time, this is how they run cross members in pickups, so it can't be that bad, can it?Idk. Thoughts? This is a picture of the channel-based frame rails I want to run the fender supports through... Id probably put them right about where the spring shackles mount... Thanks in advance, guys [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Grab a shot looking at it straight on from the backI used a lot of 1" x 10 or 12" channel to make fenders over the years. tough as hell.http://www.wsstrailers.com/images/T83x16LS3.jpgLast edited by Burpee; 11-09-2013 at 06:29 PM.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Why go THRU the frame rail at all? Why not just weld the brackets TO the frame rails and call it good? Fenders aren't THAT heavy after all. Besides, having a piece of 2.5" round going all the way across the trailer just adds unnecessary weight when some smaller brackets will do the job just fine.
Reply:... Thanks for the replies, guys.So long story short, no body thinks this will cause any structural issues?[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Weld two pieces of angle 1.5" or 2" to side of frameat front and back of tire - place fender between -and weld -The main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS,  MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC
Reply:Originally Posted by Lanse... Thanks for the replies, guys.So long story short, no body thinks this will cause any structural issues?
Reply:If the brake mounts are there, I might use them to mount the fender. You can keep the fender tighter to the tire if it moves with it.Millermatic 200Hobart Handler 120Victor O/A & Ramco BandsawLincoln 225 ACSnapOn AD HoodMiller XMT304/22AHypertherm Powermax 1650 G3Lincoln Idealarc DC600 w/Extreme 12 VSMiller Digital Elite "Joker"
Reply:On my 18 wheelers the fenders were bolted to 2" +- round tubing.  The tubing was welded to flat sq. plate 3/16? then bolted to the frame rail.  I personally think that's the way to go.  Sooner or later someone will hit one or blow a tire and the fender will need to be replaced.  Much easer if it's bolted on.Just my opinion based on 45 yrs of playing with trucks.Good luck on however you do it.Bob
Reply:don't go through the frame. added work, extra weight, and really no added benefit. You should have enough cross members supporting the deck already anyway. and as mentioned easier to repair when something happens.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:If you want your fenders to stay on and not sag, run a cross member in front and behind under the main rails. This is just my experience. In this case I would use 2x2x3/16 angle or tube. Also for future reference when building trailers, put a cross member at every spring hanger every time. You are covered on the rear with the box, but I don't see any evidence of one at the front. With a single axle you are probly ok, but it's a good rule to remember.