how many feet of tubing for cage?

[MONSTERxbla]

I am trying to figure out how much 1 3/4" .120 d.o.m. to order for my cage I'm getting ready to build. I am going to do an interior cage and am curious how much tubing you guys used. I'm going to do something similar to the t and j kit but tie it into the frame. I'm thinking about 60'.

 

[xcm]

im guessing mas!

 

[JRW7072009]

I tried to guess this a while back at work and we came up with about 40-50' would be a good start.

 

[Jump This]

Start with 100'.
If you have not done this before (and even if you have!) there is a waste factor and some 'ahh XXXX' factor to work in.

 

[RCman]

Start with 100'.
If you have not done this before (and even if you have!) there is a waste factor and some 'ahh XXXX' factor to work in.

X2.

Also keep in mind what you are looking for. If you have three tubes that are going to be 13' long with bends, you can't just get 40' of tubing. You'll need 3 full lengths to get those otherwise you'll end up need to slug a piece or two together which really isn't the best option if you can avoid it.

Another thing to keep in mind is how your supplier cuts the lengths. DOM in my area runs in lengths from 19'-24'. It is cheaper to get "random full lengths" than to specify you need 20' lengths.

In the end the only thing that is going to tell you what you need is a tape measure.

 

[TomMcD]

X2.

In the end the only thing that is going to tell you what you need is a tape measure.

I think a welder would help too.

:laugh:

 

[Phil]

I think a welder would help too.

:laugh:

Wow, what kind of welder do you have that will provide you with measurements? :confused1

 

[Goatman]

I am trying to figure out how much 1 3/4" .120 d.o.m. to order for my cage I'm getting ready to build. I am going to do an interior cage and am curious how much tubing you guys used. I'm going to do something similar to the t and j kit but tie it into the frame. I'm thinking about 60'.

If you've done a basic sketch of your cage design, just measure the lengths and add about 25% extra for waste. I think you'll need 100-150 feet based on how extensive the age design is. Using 1.75 DOM tubing on an interior cage, it doesn't really need to be much for safety, unless adding rigidity is also a prime design concern.

The main benefit of DOM over HREW is how easily the tube dents, if a tube dents then it looses some of it's structural integrity. Personally, I think 1.75" DOM tube is overkill for an interior cage, but that's just my opinion. Unless the cage is going to be extremely minimal, 1.5" HREW is going to easily get the job done and be cheaper. Nothing wrong with DOM, it is a better material, and if cost isn't a concern no big deal.

 

[Jump This]

If you've done a basic sketch of your cage design, just measure the lengths and add about 25% extra for waste. I think you'll need 100-150 feet based on how extensive the age design is. Using 1.75 DOM tubing on an interior cage, it doesn't really need to be much for safety, unless adding rigidity is also a prime design concern.

The main benefit of DOM over HREW is how easily the tube dents, if a tube dents then it looses some of it's structural integrity. Personally, I think 1.75" DOM tube is overkill for an interior cage, but that's just my opinion. Unless the cage is going to be extremely minimal, 1.5" HREW is going to easily get the job done and be cheaper. Nothing wrong with DOM, it is a better material, and if cost isn't a concern no big deal.

I'd worry about 1.5" HREW for an exo cage. Like you noted, it dents easier than DOM and those exo cages seem to get more punishment than you would think.
Way back when, Taylor and I (along with others) were at Corral Canyon with a guy that had a brand new exo on his Cherokee, the first low rock that hooked the B pillar hoop pushed it back into the back door openning.
Maybe DOM (and a beefier design) would have prevented that.
:dunno:

 

[Goatman]

Uhhh........he said it was going to be an internal cage.

Exo's should all be DOM, though my XJ cage (Cal's) is HREW and it's been over a couple times and rubbed plenty of rocks with ni ill effects. Still, exo's should be DOM.

 

[Jump This]

Uhhh........he said it was going to be an internal cage.

Exo's should all be DOM, though my XJ cage (Cal's) is HREW and it's been over a couple times and rubbed plenty of rocks with ni ill effects. Still, exo's should be DOM.

OH....yeah....inside cage, got this thread confused with another.

 

[x2elite]

My exo has about 160', and I know several that have more like 200' in an exo. Mine is DOM, but for an interior cage I think HREW would be fine, and I would estimate around 100-120'.

 

[MONSTERxbla]

thanks for all the replies! I think I'll start with about 100' and go from there. I just ordered the bender and notcher and am hoping that I will start it around xmas. I will let you know how much I buy, use and waste

 

[Goatman]

Just keep it far away from everyone's head, or it will be less safe rather than more safe. In a violent roll, the type a strong cage is designed to protect you in, bodies can move around quite a bit especially with regular automotive seat belts.

Anymore, I question the logic of a totally internal cage on an XJ that wheels regularly. One good roll and the body is messed up, the aesthetics of avoiding a partially external cage are gone since now the rig looks torn up. Plus, so many people build an internal cage that just isn't safe for the passengers because they'll smash their heads on it.

Think it through, and make it safe. Sometimes less is more.

 

[MONSTERxbla]

Just keep it far away from everyone's head, or it will be less safe rather than more safe. In a violent roll, the type a strong cage is designed to protect you in, bodies can move around quite a bit especially with regular automotive seat belts.

Anymore, I question the logic of a totally internal cage on an XJ that wheels regularly. One good roll and the body is messed up, the aesthetics of avoiding a partially external cage are gone since now the rig looks torn up. Plus, so many people build an internal cage that just isn't safe for the passengers because they'll smash their heads on it.

Think it through, and make it safe. Sometimes less is more.

thanks Richard I tend to over do things so you advice is good to hear! I've got a lot of designing to do prior to making my first bend. maybe a hybrid cage may not be a bad idea.