Need RHS or SHS for Trailer Frames in Melbourne? Get Custom Steel Fabrication Today
Blog | July 24th, 2025
RHS or SHS for trailer frames in Melbourne by McKean’s Sheetmetal Fabricators. Expert custom steel fabrication ensures consistently high-quality results.
When constructing trailer frames, selecting the correct steel sections, such as RHS or SHS, is fundamental for ensuring structural integrity and long-term durability. These materials not only provide a strong foundation for various trailer applications but also support optimal performance under diverse operating conditions.
RHS or SHS: Which Steel Profile Is Best for Trailer Frames?
When building premium trailer frames, understanding the difference between RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) and SHS (Square Hollow Section) is crucial.
RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) is a steel profile with a rectangular cross-section, designed to offer directional strength and efficient support.
• Ideal for side rails and cross members: Provides superior strength where it’s needed most, making it perfect for the main structural elements of trailer frames.
• Excellent for high-stress applications: Handles concentrated and dynamic loads, ensuring the trailer frame remains stable under varying conditions.
SHS (Square Hollow Section) features a square cross-section, delivering uniform strength and a balanced appearance throughout the frame.
• Best for drawbars and frame corners: Ensures even load distribution and additional torsional resistance, enhancing stability in critical areas of the trailer frame.
• Enhances symmetry and aesthetics: Offers a clean, balanced look, while contributing to the overall rigidity and longevity of the trailer structure.
The Role of Tailored Fabrication Solutions
Off-the-shelf steel products often fall short when constructing a trailer chassis, especially when particular sizes or profiles of hollow steel tubing are needed to achieve specific load-bearing properties. Relying on standard steel box sections can lead to misalignment and insufficient support in areas that require precise engineering.
Custom fabrication addresses these limitations by allowing every part, whether it’s for main rails or connecting elements, to be accurately cut, shaped, and assembled to match the unique requirements of each trailer build. This tailored approach ensures that the finished chassis offers the ideal combination of strength, fit, and durability for its intended application.
Key Factors to Evaluate Before Starting Your Build
Before commencing any trailer fabrication project, several key factors must be considered to ensure the best outcome:
• Weight and Size Considerations: Selecting the appropriate steel section size will directly impact the overall weight and handling of the trailer.
• Intended Use and Load Requirements: Understanding the trailer’s primary function and maximum load is essential in determining the most suitable steel profile.
• Galvanising and Corrosion Protection Options: Implementing protective finishes will enhance longevity, especially for trailers exposed to moisture or corrosive elements.
For a comprehensive understanding of the industry standards applicable to trailer frame manufacturing, refer to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2312 Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing classification.
Get Custom Steel Fabrication Today with McKean’s Sheetmetal Fabricators
Achieving excellence in trailer frames, RHS, or SHS relies on meticulous attention to specification and quality at every stage. McKean’s Sheetmetal Fabricators ensures that every project, from straightforward builds to highly detailed fabrications requiring precision cutting, folding, or welding, is delivered to exacting standards.
Our products and services consistently uphold the highest levels of quality, meeting and often exceeding expectations.
Trust our team for reliable fabrication solutions that are engineered for durability and performance. Contact us today.
Related Blog: Trailer Fabrication for Optimal Handling and Control by McKean’s
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