I ordered some 2x4 (only available to me in 20' lenths, on an island with limited recourses) steel the other day for making crossmembers & the options were.130" or .180" thick, the 31 A frame is .150" thick, I opted for the heavier .180" & received it today, amazing how much difference .030" makes, its much heavier than the A origonal frame material, did I make the right choice or should I save the heavier stuff for another project & get the thinner stuff? Whats the standard thickness for frame material? Thanks
The .130 is a little over 1/8" wall, and would honestly be fine. But the .180(about 3/16" wall) will be nicer in a couple of ways. I like the heavier wall tubing because the corners have a nice round radius in the corners-the thinner wall has a real squared off look. So it will look a little better. And the extra strength, though maybe not required, will certainly not hurt you any. And in the grand scheme of things your frame might be 50 lbs heavier-not a big deal