First Attempt at RV Gates

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I had RV parking on the side of my house going to waste due to the builders of the tract brilliantly rendering it useless with a 6’ block wall.  I knocked the wall down and had a friend build two columns on each side.  (I was flushing away $150 a month to store my boat.)  This left me with a 16’ span.  The biggest gate I had ever built was a 3’ x 6’ side yard pedestrian type, but I thought I’d give it a shot.  Now I’m sure there are tried and proven methods used by professionals to do this size of a gate, jigs etc., but I used the old “lay it out on paper, make sure everything’s square and strong, and start cutting and welding style.” The posts are 2” x 0.1250 sq. tube fastened by three 5/8” bolts set into the mortar – the frame is 1.5” x 0.0625 sq. tube – and the pickets are ½” x 0.0625 sq. tube.  I used 2 ½ sheets of 4’ x 7’ expanded sheet for the backing.  I went with 4” hinges and welded the posts to the frames (with one hinge upside down to prevent someone from simply lifting it up and walking in). A locking hasp and two cane bolts 6” into a pipe in the ground hold it closed.  The series of photos aren’t great (taken with my phone as I went along), but show the basics.  My self-diagnosed OCD forced me to hang the gates several times during construction to ensure everything stayed square.  The final shot shows it painted, and the addition of a ton of rock added to level out the ground.  I have a weekend/side business fabricating and powder coating miscellaneous things; mostly automotive and off-road stuff.  Prior to making them, I got quotes from two local gate builders – one being $1,950 and the other $2,600.  I’d appreciate the critique of a professional regarding my materials and build.  I spent around $380 for everything. Attached ImagesMiller Dynasty 200DXMillermatic 210 w/ Spoolmate 3035Hypertherm Powermax 380JD Squared Model 32Multiple fabrication tools & equipmentFull Powder Coating Setup
Reply:A few more pics... Attached ImagesMiller Dynasty 200DXMillermatic 210 w/ Spoolmate 3035Hypertherm Powermax 380JD Squared Model 32Multiple fabrication tools & equipmentFull Powder Coating Setup
Reply:I like it. I would certainly have you build me one of the same.How are the 5/8th bolts anchored in the mortar? Any chance of them pulling out?Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Robert, I doubt they'll pull out.  Each bolt is set 7" into the mortar in between blocks.  To test the gates strength, I hung on the end of each one myself and let the gates swing open and closed.  I assure you that I looked like a complete idiot.  But I'm 6'1", 290 lbs., and those gates held up like a champ and didn't budge.Miller Dynasty 200DXMillermatic 210 w/ Spoolmate 3035Hypertherm Powermax 380JD Squared Model 32Multiple fabrication tools & equipmentFull Powder Coating Setup
Reply:Say no more But why not swing on your gate? I think there were many a gate I was told to get off of as a kid. Maybe if we just built them stronger, there wouldn't have been such angst.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Looks pretty nice.  The diagonals on the lower part of the gates adds just a little bit of 'different' to the design.I think the hinges could have been a little beefier, just an IMHO.All in all though, looks pretty nice.  And hmm ~$400 in materials versus ~$2000 for having it hired out, yeah that's some nice savings there.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:thats the cost of a pretty decent welding machine. Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:i'm no gate man.  but I think there pretty damn coolnice workDaye
Reply:Very nice!Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:I am not a gate man either but they sure look nicely built.All we need now is  a gate swinging partyCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I like the expanded metal to "semi-hide" the space.  Much lighter than a solid panel or wood slats.Nice design, I may use it in a couple gates.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Thanks to all for the comments.Moon, the barrel hinges do look a little whimpy, but each one is rated at 500 lbs.  My calculations put the weight of each gate at just under 200 lbs. so I think they'll hold up.  When I tested their strength using my fatass hanging on, the passed with flying colors. Miller Dynasty 200DXMillermatic 210 w/ Spoolmate 3035Hypertherm Powermax 380JD Squared Model 32Multiple fabrication tools & equipmentFull Powder Coating Setup
Reply:Nice work, very clean lines, good design, visually looks great, like the expanded metal backing. Well done!Gordhttp://gordsgarage.wordpress.com/
Reply:Very nice, but after you saying you tested them yourself, does this mean you "swing both ways?"
Reply:Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:nice work