Tubing Size Thickness

[Lavender Sidebottom]

I'm looking to build my first buggy. I expect to be taking it off jumps and rolling it (accidently). What size tubing should I use? My father is a mechanical engineer and suggests 1 1/2 in tubing. His reasoning is that I can then use less tubing and still have a strong frame. I'd like to hear some opinions from people who have already built a buggy. Thank You!

[diirk]

How big is the buggy going to be? What type of powerplant? Do you have a general idea of the expected weight?

[Bugpac]

Originally Posted by Lavender Sidebottom

I'm looking to build my first buggy. I expect to be taking it off jumps and rolling it (accidently). What size tubing should I use? My father is a mechanical engineer and suggests 1 1/2 in tubing. His reasoning is that I can then use less tubing and still have a strong frame. I'd like to hear some opinions from people who have already built a buggy. Thank You!

IMO i would do nothing less than 1.5 for the main frame, it is cheaper per foot dollar wise, and .083 weights only a fraction more than 1.25 .095 wall, and is about 2x as strong...

[ProtoDie]

I second what Bug said.

We have been using 1 1/2" x .083 for years, and it has proven very strong, and cost effective.

[yummi]

There was an interesting thread on that topic a few months back....

Cockpit tube size/thickness discussion