Wheel-less trailer

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I have decided to build a wheel-less trailer, one that plugs into a 2" receiver hitch. I think I will frame it with angle iron, maybe 1.5"x1.5" top and bottom with some 4" or so long vertical stringers run from the top to the bottom. I have looked at various pictures of the different models, but I can't pin down what thickness to use. I am leanings towards 3/16". The width will be about 64" to stay well within the width of the truck and maybe 24" to 30" long. What say you all in regards to material thickness? Is 3/16" about right? If any of you have built one of these I'd love to see some pictures.Thanks,BrentLincoln 3200HD MIGLincoln AC/DC 225 Stick
Reply:Originally Posted by Brent13 What say you all in regards to material thickness? Is 3/16" about right? If any of you have built one of these I'd love to see some pictures.
Reply:The cargo platforms that attach to a hitch receiver have some load limitations that are due in part to the weight limitations of the hitch.  Remember you are placing a vertical load on the receiver so the max weight you can effectively carry would be the equal to the tongue weight of a trailer.  For example, a Class III hitch is rated at 5000 lbs towing weight; the typical tongue weight would be 10% of that or 500 lbs.  That 500 lbs would be the load on the hitch and the rear suspension of the truck.  So depending on the material type (and how much you use) to create the carrier, it's weight has to be subtracted from what the weight of the cargo will so that you don't exceed the "tongue" weight on the hitch.Most of the carriers I have seen in stores are really made to carry lighter weight bulky items rather than heavy loads.  To carry a weight of 400-500 pounds, you would need to add some sort of stabilizer bars at the outside ends of the carrier.  The receiver is strong, but the hitch insert is a failry sloppy fit and you could see a lot of swaying/tilting without some form of support at the ends.
Reply:Was this ever built?I'm 21 and learningAvid 4wd enthusiastASE Master tech (Automotive), mechanic/fabricator by trade
Reply:I've seen these.  They're like carryalls that fit into the receiver hitch.The biggest concern would be the square tubing that actually is fitted inside the receiver.  Lot of leverage at a concentrated point.  May also be very hard to find tubing that fits the receiver without a lot of slop.  I think manufacturers use custom sized tubing to fit the ID of receiver hitches.An alternative, if you can't find the right sized tubing, would be to machine(or use your grinder) a solid piece of stock to fit the receiver then stub onto it.  Hell, even go the extra bucks, and purchase enough solid square stock to completely reach the tail end.Take care in how far the tail end of the carrier extends beyond the receiver.  LOT of leverage."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:the one at the local parts store has a 200lbs rating on it
Reply:Figure liability, lawyers, and folks that file frivolous law suits.....  The real Honest to God rating is probably near twice, or better, than that.  I've noticed a lot of stuff nowdays is rated way low, and has about 20lbs of warning stickers on it."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:HF has them: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=2915 They also have one made out of aluminum.
Reply:I have made a couple carriers. I used standard 2" square tube and 1 1/2 x1 1/2 x  1/8 angle. The angle by itself is flimsy but I added a rail made out of 1/2" rebar 4 inches up from the angle. I also put a sort of truss with rebar . Attached are some pics I just took in the dark. Attached Images