Can Homemade ATV Trailer Be Constructed of Aluminum Tubing

Updated 03/11/2022 | Published 03/10/2022

Question:

I am building a pull behind ATV trailer with 2inch steel square tubing. Can I use aluminum instead of steel for the 2inch tubing that ties the 2 side together. Looking to reduce weight.

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

You can uses aluminum tubing if you wish, however there are a couple of potential difficulties you'll want to be aware of.

• I'm assuming you'll be welding the aluminum tubing, and that the rest of the trailer will be constructed of steel
tube. Welding steel to aluminum isn't a simple process, and requires quite a bit of skill to be done correctly.

• When you compare the same length of steel tubing to one made of aluminum, the steel will weigh 3 time more,
but in order to obtain the same strength, the wall thickness of the aluminum tubing would need to be 3 times
thicker which would negate any weight savings.

If it were me, I'd simply use the steel tubing. A frame cross member needs to be very rigid to prevent the frame from flexing and keep it square. If you're planning on using the # ASR1200S02 Timbren Axle-Less suspension, you'll need a rigid trailer frame as the Axle-Less suspension doesn't use a traditional axle tube.

expert reply by: Mike L