round vs square steel

mbuckner

Adventurer
Hello,

What are the pros & cons of using round steel tube vs square steel tube
for expedition trailer construction?

I cannot recall seeing any trailers, being built on Expedition Portal, using
the round steel.

Best regards,

Mike
 

I Leak Oil

Expedition Leader
Rectangular tubing is far more appropriate for this construction given the direction of forces involved. Basically it's up and down, not so much torsional. More importantly, the average Joe will have an easier time working with rectangular tubing with the average set of tools. Then there is the whole practicality of it. Ever try bolting flat panels to round tubing? What do you have to do to do that? Make flat bracketry and that means more work.

Bottom line is it's easier all around.
 

summerprophet

Adventurer
For the most part, its strength requirement.

Actually, Strength to weight, round tube is the strongest, if you compare equivalent cross section area. Thats why everything from race cars to baja buggys are framed up in round tubing.

That being said, round tube cross section will have a larger width than square, so if you are just comparing width, than square wins the strength, but it is not a fair fight.

The enormous pain or dealing with round tube is why everyone without access to a full machine shop uses square tube. Just think of joining two pieces of tube into a T shape. With square tube all you require is a chop saw. With round you need more specialized tools, and infinitely more production time.
 

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