Trailer Repair, I need a source for a piece of galvanized tube steel...

[Water_boy]

The company who built my trailer is out of business and I need to replace one of the cross beams due to rust. I realize I should probably just replace the whole thing but I'd like to get another couple years out of it if possible.

The piece I'm looking for is 3"x3" square galvanized tube steel, I believe it's 1/8" or 3/16" wall thickness and 5' long, no bends, just straight. I can drill the holes and I don't need the ends and holes hot dipped. One quote I got was $170 for 3/16", another company quoted me $210 for a 27' section but they wouldn't cut it to my size, that's why I think I can do better. The parts guy at Dave's Trailer sales has one for $115 that is made by another trailer mfg but he said the holes won't line up and when I drill new holes it will weaken it too much. My boat only weighs $1500 lbs so I'm inclined to just drill the extra holes if I can't do any better. He said the issue is - the holes are off by about 1/2 inch but I think I could just turn the bar on it's side and drill the new holes in the opposite walls if you know what I mean...

I've made a few calls but not getting much of a response, any help would be appreciated.

[PLAYIN' HOOKIE]

Give Boat Trailer Services a call at 757-857-8687.

[POLECAT]

WHY DON'T YOU GO TO A WELDING SHOP AND GET A RAW PIECE OF STEEL TUBE (Not Galvanized) and get a couple cans of galvanized spray paint???? Sure the steel will show some rust in a year or sooner, but it can be painted again after cleaning the rust away. You'll save at least $75.00!

[crabbyd]

Try this company. I have had good luck with them. not sure if they carry galv but you can do like Jerry says and paint it.

http://www.speedymetals.com/ps-4796-205-3-sq-x-76864-wall-square-steel-tubing.aspx

[Water_boy]

Thanks Guys, after a lot of calling I finally found a local metal shop who had the exact piece I was looking for in their scrap pile for $31.

[bob the welder]

If you need any more steel contact access metals or metal express they will sell you any size piece and they specialize in small orders. I f you need any other metal work call me Bob"s specialty welding (410) 913-1249

[Water_boy]

Thanks Bob, my trailer is pushing 20 years old now and getting long in the tooth so I'll save your contact info. If I hadn't just done a bunch of other repairs it would be in the scrap pile for sure...

[POLECAT]

SCRAP PILE?????????????????


Man..... there's gold in them trailer parts!!!!!

Don't waste them by sending them to the dump. Plenty folks need frame sections from time to time............ just lke what we're talking about here.