Alum. alloy question.

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Ok, I need to build a ladder rack for the new truck. I'm thinking aluminum. Looking at what the local supplier carries, I have a wide choice of alloys. I've done a little mig on 6061-T6 with 4043 in the past for small items so I know this is an option. In 3" channel, I've narrowed the options down to 4. 6061-T6,  5456-H111, 5086-H111, 6063-T52. A welder I know suggested a 5 series alloy that I don't see on their list, I'm going to assume that its not used for channel. Any suggestions on which might be better and why?Also the supplier lists several profiles that I don't recognise, American Standard and Aluminum Association. Any Idea where I can see what the profile would be like. I have a small piece of standard alum channel in 6061 from another job and I understand Square Corner but the others I'm in the dark about. Can I join any of these alloys together or should I stick to one type. Thinking about angle and flats that I need to attach. What filler would you use? My plan is either mig or tig for about 1/2 the joints the other half will be bolted connections.Thanks in advance for the suggestions.
Reply:i would just roll with some 6061 T-6. Either 4043 or 5356 filler will work. You will lose some yield and tensile strength after welding though but its just a ladder rack it's not holding a building. Weld it and be done. --Gol'
Reply:If you send it out for Anodize after..Use the 5356.....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:Welding different alloys together is not a problemAs said, for a ladder rack it doesn't really matter but the properties of various extrusion alloys can be found here...  http://www.capalex.co.uk/alloy_types.html
Reply:If you are bending tubes, then go with 6063, T52. It is a very durable grade, that can be shaped. It also work hardens in the bends, so you get a good mix of strength and resisitance to cracking. 6061 will crack or fold if you bend it in too tight a radius. The tubing that is pre-anodized that we use on boat towers is 6356, in a T55, maybe a T52. Either filler will work. If the runs are all straight, 6061 is not too expensive, and readily available.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I agree with all said above ,6061 nice and strong wont fold the best nor will anodize the best I am told due to the higher Cu content.6063 will fold well , will anodize well not as strong as 6061Sorry I don't use 5000 series much.Your construction method and sectional size will affect the performance far greater than the alloy in this case and all will be OK.I tend to use 5356 filler for everything.A good guess is better than a bad measurement
Reply:Another question for you guys! How do you get a project like the one you're talking about, clean,etc. if you decide to paintthis type of Alum? A do it yourself type of paint job.Thanks,Toolmaker  www.rolxtools.com
Reply:Originally Posted by ROLXTOOLSAnother question for you guys! How do you get a project like the one you're talking about, clean,etc. if you decide to paintthis type of Alum? A do it yourself type of paint job.Thanks,
Reply:Thanks for all the suggestions. I got a quote for some of the metal today and I hope to see the quote for the rest soon.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWThanks for all the suggestions. I got a quote for some of the metal today and I hope to see the quote for the rest soon.