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cutting I beam flange narrow

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Eaglescout94

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Central IL
I'm working on building a 5th wheel hitch dump trailer. Instead of buying the dimension beam most trailers use I picked up some beams from the scrap yard for alot less than new prices. Is there any reason I couldn't cut the flanges down to make the beam more narrow? Currently its a W12x30 I think, it has about a 6.5" flange. I was thinking about cutting it so its about 4-4.5" wide. While it would save some weight on the overall trailer the rest of the reasoning is looks if Im being honest. Plus it gives me an excuse to buy a plasma cutter.
 
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cvairwerks

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That changes the entire set of numbers for the beams. Need to do the calculations again, as the strength number will have significantly changed.

Probably could have bought the correct size materials, even new for less money when you factor in buying the plasma cutter and the time required to do all the cutting and cleanup work.
 
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Eaglescout94

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I admit I’ve done no calculations for beam sizes needed. But I have looked at many of the big manufacturers for the sizes they use. Their trailers of similar size use w12x16-22 beams. While yes, cutting my beams down would decrease their original strength, they would still be every much as strong if not stronger than a factory built beams in that size range
 
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Eaglescout94

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Probably wouldn’t save me that much weight to be worth it, it’s gonna have 10k axles. The one area it might be helpful is between the beams where the bed will sit. Should fit as is but little more clearance is always good.
 
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jblnut

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Use them as is and upgrade to 12k axles if you’re worried about weight.

I would not go through the effort of cutting them down. They’re likely perfectly straight now, if you cut them down you’ll create wide and narrow points that will react differently causing potentially a single weak point in the beam.

I’ve built dozens of trailers but lately have been buying what I need used as the condition around me and prices being asked are close to what I could build it for. I just picked up a 5yrs old 32’ Felling gooseneck with tandem 12k axles and a hydraulic dove for $13,500. Not a spot of corrosion and it looks almost new. I already have a buyer for it for a decent profit. The deals are out there if you keep an eye out.

Building your own trailer is worth it if you want an adventure or want something crazy custom. I’m planning on scratch building a spray drone trailer and am quite excited.
 
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Eaglescout94

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Central IL
As best as I can figure the beams are w12x26, the measurement charts are close to what they measure but not quite there. I have the beams, the axles and start of the bed. I’m undecided on what height to make the walls and still figuring out the hoist mechanism.
For the side walls I’m waiting to see what a local fab shop has for cutoffs to use as the ribs for the sides. I have a twin cylinder scissor hoist but the bed side of the hinge is mostly seized.
 
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PugetDude

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If you do cut them down ( I wouldn't)
the best way to minimize warping is to stitch cut them. Track burner is ideal, but you can do them by hand with a angle guide. Leave an inch or so every foot uncut, let the beam cool, then go back and finish the cuts alternating from side to side.
Good luck, post pics of the build.
 
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