On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 07:43:15 -0700 (PDT), stryped
wrote:

I am just thinking here about that trailer. I may never build it but
if
I did get materials and did try to make it out of that 2x2 or 2x3
square tubing, what if I mafe a triangle gusset for each corner on the bottom.
Drilled through the top tubing through the gusset, then installed a
grade 5 carriage bolt or something. Then welded the whole thing also? I
guess I am trying to "over engineer' it. I can weld, but have never had
training. I have never had anything really come apart that I have
welded, but on something like a trailer, I would like to take every
precaution I could.
A bolted joint takes some engineering too.
Don't want the bolt just squeezing the tubing.
If you can't trust your welding design for a properly bolted trailer
and use the weld as a backup, not the other way around If bolting
through tubeing, drill your holes big enough to put a pipe with the ID
to fit your bolts. Weld the "bushing" into the tube, grind the ends
smooth, and bolt it together with washers under head and nut. This way
you will not collapse the tube.

Or just use channel. On some channel you need tapered washers on the
inside because the "legs" of the channel are tapered.
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