Aluminum Tongue

[billfish_1]

The tongue on my Magic Tilt trailer has rusted out and i need to replace. The old tongue was 11 gauge (6' x 3" x 3" x 1/8") galvanized steel. I have a 6' piece of 3" x 3" x 1/4" aluminum that I thought I might be able to use which would avoid rusting out in hte future. Anyone know of any problems using this.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

You talkin' 3"x3" Channel or Angle or Square Tube?...A lot would depend on the weight of your rig/tongue weight, but generally the aluminum should work fine.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

The tongue on my Magic Tilt trailer has rusted out and i need to replace. The old tongue was 11 gauge (6' x 3" x 3" x 1/8") galvanized steel. I have a 6' piece of 3" x 3" x 1/4" aluminum that I thought I might be able to use which would avoid rusting out in hte future. Anyone know of any problems using this.

What is the tinsel strength of the aluminum compared to the steel?

 

[cribber]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

Generally when Aluminum is use to build a trailer its from I-beam type stock. If what you have is a single axle trailer and this is 1/4" walled 3" square tubing you should be okay depending on what your total tongue weight. Pictures go a long way to help get the right answer for you question.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

What is the tinsel strength of the aluminum compared to the steel?

depending on the aluminum, between 18ksi and 30ksi, where common steel is between 30ksi and 36ksi

 

[billfish_1]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

Generally when Aluminum is use to build a trailer its from I-beam type stock. If what you have is a single axle trailer and this is 1/4" walled 3" square tubing you should be okay depending on what your total tongue weight. Pictures go a long way to help get the right answer for you question.

The trailer is a tandem axle, the boat is 3500 lbs with a 200 lb tongue weight and the aluminum is 3" x 3" square tubing. I am just wondering why they don't use aluminum to begin with to avoid this rusting out

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

I am just wondering why they don't use aluminum to begin with to avoid this rusting out

Because aluminum costs 2 x that of painted steel. the average person would not want to pay the higher prices. and this way the trailer company can keep costs low and still make a profit.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

Mine is a triaxle aluminum I beam with a galvanized tounge. I don't think with those tensile strength numbers that the aluminum would hold up as long.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

the beam strength for deflection is based on the thickness of the vertical section and the material strength as well as a few other factors. generally aluminum has a better strength to weight ratio than steel. it has to be twice as thick, however will still be lighter than steel.

 

[loose rivet]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

I'd be as concerned about overall strength of the aluminum tongue as well as dissimilar metal issues or electrolysis.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

depending on the aluminum, between 18ksi and 30ksi, where common steel is between 30ksi and 36ksi

Very misleading information and not appropriate for the discussion at hand.

In dealing with a tongue you’re concerned with the modulus of elasticity of the material. Google "Young's modulus" for an explaination.

Aluminum has a very poor fatigue limit under cyclic load which precludes its use as a structural component in a cyclic application and thus, aluminum trailers with steel tongues.

As someone who participated in a joint research project with Alcan and GM back in the mid-80’s, I don’t think I’d be using an aluminum tongue on a trailer anytime too soon, or any othere structural componet on a trailer.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

Very misleading information and not appropriate for the discussion at hand.

In dealing with a tongue you’re concerned with the modulus of elasticity of the material. Google "Young's modulus" for an explaination.

Aluminum has a very poor fatigue limit under cyclic load which precludes its use as a structural component in a cyclic application and thus, aluminum trailers with steel tongues.

As someone who participated in a joint research project with Alcan and GM back in the mid-80’s, I don’t think I’d be using an aluminum tongue on a trailer anytime too soon, or any othere structural componet on a trailer.

Then why do they build aluminum trailers if that's the case. The I beams down the side are structural. Usually the cross members are galvanized.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

Then why do they build aluminum trailers if that's the case. The I beams down the side are structural. Usually the cross members are galvanized.

Marketing. A solution to a problem that didn't exist. Google crack aluminum trailer Not to mention that they flex like silly putty. Great hull support

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

Marketing. A solution to a problem that didn't exist. Google crack aluminum trailer Not to mention that they flex like silly putty. Great hull support

Don't know how to take this response but i can tell you for fact that there are thousands of them out there.They can't be all that bad. Heck there is railroad cars made out of aluminum.Some of the best made are aluminum. Owens and Sons, Mayco and so on.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

I will agree that ferrous materials handle cyclical loading much better than non-ferrous materials. you can only bend a beer can so much. Titanium is even better for cyclical loading. Maybe we should have trailers made from titanium alloy :facepalm:

The question was asked specifically on comparing tensile strenghts of each material. Not, what is the fatigue limit

However if you know and understand the material properties of anything, have the training and experience - you can build anything. Knowing the UTS is only one step. keep the design well below the S-N curves is another. Understanding the deflection and the induced stresses is yet another.

Many manufacturers of aluminum trailers use aluminum on the tongues as well. Most are built ultra-conservatively to minimize deflection.

 

[briangcc]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a little issue with mixing steel and aluminum....Galvanic corrosion. Where the two dis-similar metals meet, there will be a reaction - RUST.

Best bet would be to stay with a steel replacement tongue.

 

[Shotgun_Luckey]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

I wouldn't second guess the manufacturer unless you have the knowledge and experience to know what you are doing, and since you asked here, I am guessing you you don't.

I would use the same material as original unless you need to beef it up or lengthen it fo some reason. and I agree with the concern of galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

After you price the Steel and Aluminum stock, you may change your mind about the steel issue.
The replacement will likely outlast the boat. Are you really planning on keeping it another 20 years?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

Don't know how to take this response but i can tell you for fact that there are thousands of them out there.They can't be all that bad.

The Chevy Vega received the 1971 Car of the Year and 1973 Car of the Year in the Economy Class from Motor Trend; Best Economy Sedan in 1971, 1972 and 1973 from Car and Driver and the 1971 award for Excellence in design in transportation equipment from American Iron and Steel Institute.

They sold thousands of Chevy Vegas too. :facepalm:

Heck there is railroad cars made out of aluminum.

"Aluminum" railroad cars use a steel superstructure.

Some of the best made are aluminum. Owens and Sons, Mayco and so on.

Best is a subjective term. Best at what? Myco builds both aluminum and galvanized trailers. Obviously, neither material is the ?best? for everything.

The question was asked specifically on comparing tensile strenghts of each material. Not, what is the fatigue limit

I guess dumb questions deserve an answer as well.

However if you know and understand the material properties of anything, have the training and experience - you can build anything. Knowing the UTS is only one step. keep the design well below the S-N curves is another. Understanding the deflection and the induced stresses is yet another.

As someone who possesses those skills, I will agree that it is possible to design a robust, aluminum framed boat trailer but it would not be an economically viable product for the consumer market. The premium you would pay for a properly made aluminum trailer would never be paid back in fuel savings. Aluminum is more corrosion resistant but to what end? The average boater keeps a trailer for 1/3 of the expectancy of a galvanized steel trailer. Where is the value?

Again, ultra conservatism in design costs money. Where is the value?

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Aluminum Tongue

"Aluminum" railroad cars use a steel superstructure.

No galvanic corrosion on them.No galvanic corrosion on my 7yr old aluminum trailer

Owens and Sons builds nothing but aluminum trailers.You failed to mention them along with Mayco

Apparently you don't like aluminum trailers?


The premium you would pay for a properly made aluminum trailer would never be paid back in fuel savings.

It's not about fuel savings, it's about maintenance. No rust like using steel. I guess you would rather have a steel trailer for saltwater use?:facepalm::facepalm: