C-Channel size and thickness of metal?

[pinkflamingoes]

I looked all over the forum and can't find this specific information. Sorry if this is a duplicate or in the wrong place.

I'm about to purchase some aluminum channel. We would fabricate ourselves but we don't have time, or the tools to do it.

So...what dimensions and what thickness of aluminum is recommended? I have a curved piece from the front of our trailer shell, but I don't know metal thickness. I've also read that the height of the sides is easier to attach if they are higher than the ones that came with the trailer. Any advice on the dimensions.

[submariner]

The last ones I had made were out of .42 aluminum and I had them made at a local metal shop in 10 ft length.
1 1/2" outside height, 1 1/2" wide and 3/4" inside height.
Don't make the inside any higher, since you got to get the bucking bar in.

I suggest to double check dimensions with your old c-channel. Needs to be as same as wide as your ribs in the airstream.
Hope that helps


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[pinkflamingoes]

It does help, thanks. I'll double check like you said though.

[tjoneillMO]

First post to what looks like a great forum--

You probably want to ask for .042 inch sheet thickness instead of .42? Slightly thicker wouldn't hurt either as long as your inside dimension between the bent sides was the same as the frames. And you would want aluminum alloy 5052 if you have a choice.

tim
'76 23" safari almost gutted--leaning toward top removed repairs.
"the journey of 1000 miles starts with the first step"

[pinkflamingoes]

And your first post was to the notorious pinkflamingoes!

[pinkflamingoes]

And by the way, thank you for that. I found a place about 30 minutes from here that sells premade C channel. I don't know how much it costs if it's way too expensive we may buy a bending brake and try to make some of our own.

[pinkflamingoes]

Where can I order this c channel? All I can find is 6061. No one fabricates around here, it's prefab. Help.

[pinkflamingoes]

I found a place finally that sells pre-fabricated aluminum 5052 .042 channel. The other places I looked either had the metal or had prefab that was only 6061. The place is called Metal Supermarkets and you should call them rather than online ordering because it's considered a custom order. The guy on the phone was very professional and knew all the questions to ask. He's going to call me back with a quote, let's hope it's not too much.