Replacing trailer tongue 3” x 3” square tubing

[Sheppie62]

So what is the original thickness? Was it really 1/8”? And is 1/4” square best, or is 3/16” sufficient, would 3”x 4” 3/16” be stronger than 1/4”? Trying to find galvanized as well. What is recommended for cross bracing at back of tube, and leaving a hole for water drainage? Do I just drill a small hole on bottom. Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

[Tomfoolery]

The original, at least for the 26X, was 3/16" wall. All HSS sections are defined by the outside dimensions plus wall thickness, by the way.

Going up to 1/4" wall increases bending strength by about 21%. Stiffness is similarly increased.

Increasing the depth to 4" but keeping the 3" width and 3/16" wall increases the bending strength (in the vertical direction) by about 50%, and stiffness to about double. There's only a small increase in the other direction (side to side). But I'd have to plug the values into cantilevered bending formulas to see exactly how much stiffer.

And yes, I would drill a hole in the bottom of the tube to drain water, where it terminates at the cross member.

[Sheppie62]

Thanks Tom!

[C Buchs]

I like the idea of 3X4 tubing because the back end wouldn't be closed off. It would be low enough to drain.

Jeff