Square Tubing Question

[jctex81]

I am building a hitch basket 38"x33" that will will carry 2 65qt coolers back to back or haul corn...

is 14 gauge 2x2 square strong enough to make the main support from the hitch? I will be running additional angle across the center welded to the main 2x2 for support.

I am guessing this basket will never hold more than 500 lbs.

[rcm719]

I'd go a bit thicker, IMO nothing less than 1/4" wall just to be safe.
I have some laying around I'd give for free if you ever make it to Katy

[hammer63]

My opinion is NO. I would use .188" wall or even .250". That's too much leverage and localized stress to put on 14 gauge, IMO. A failure of that structural member could make for a very bad day.

[twosixteens]

Not an engineer but I think it will work. I wouldn't do it though I tend to overbuild everything there is an awful lot of bouncing around back there.

[Gunnyart]

Build good structure and make good welds, but go light gauge metal.

[jathomas437]

I wouldn't cheap out on the receiver tubing. Go to your local metal supply store and check out what they have in receiver hitch stock.

[Gunnyart]

500 lbs static... Don't forget bumps

[jctex81]

I'd go a bit thicker, IMO nothing less than 1/4" wall just to be safe.
I have some laying around I'd give for free if you ever make it to Katy

Thanks for the offer....I'll actually be in Katy on Friday....but in the wife's car

[jctex81]

500 lbs static... Don't forget bumps

This is what scares me ^^^^

[dclifton]

Id go 1/4 wall.

[jctex81]

Can I get away with 3/16? or is 1/4 just plain necessary...trying to keep the overall weight down as well....

[Matt_C]

11 gauge is a better. It also depends on how long the 2X2" will be. If it's say a foot long you should be fine. Any longer than a foot, I'd go 3/16 or 1/4 inch just to be safe.

[Dale Moser]

14ga WILL fold, 3/16" Is perfect, 1/4" is un-necessary weight.

[txwhitetail]

3/16 would be a good size for that

[Killer]

The fun part will be drilling the holes for the hitch pin into it. Unless you have a good press and a big azz bit!