Aluminum truckbed

[teck_man12]

I'm thinking about making a flatbed out of aluminum for a f150 short bed. It would be about 6' square and with a headache rack. I was thinking AL since its lighter than steel. I have found plans for making the frame, but wondering if I can sub rectangle tube for the frame instead of channel (mainly due to price). If you guys think I can sub it, how thick a wall and what tube dimensions do you think I would need. I'm not planning on using this as a 5th wheel or anything, the flat bed would be more conducive for the stuff I'm doing.

Currently I have a HH210 with a clean unused stinger. Assuming I get the right wire and pure argon, will I be able to weld AL with it or will I need a spool gun? Also, this would be the first structural AL project that I'd be taking on, so any tips or ideas?

[whateg0]

Seems strange that tube would be less expensive than channel. With aluminum, I would probably be tempted to stick with the channel, though because it will flex easier. Tubing is pretty rigid torsionally, which I would think would create more stress on the tubing and the joints. The channel would twist with the frame more easily, so the flexing would be spread out more evenly, maybe.

Just my 1.2¢.

Dave