Square tubing size for roof raise

[gobygoby]

I found a great deal on 2"x2"x59" square steel tubing 1/8" thick. Does anyone know if this will fit inside the wall support hat channels on a 98 Thomas MVP? I want to use it for my roof raise in a couple weeks.

[Tango]

As I recall, most ribs are about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 on the inside(?) Don't think I've ever seen 2".

[slaughridge85]

yep, mine was 1-1/4" it would be best to measure your busses ribs. Rectangular tubing actually will work best, atleast in my bus the rib rails arent square but rectangular maybe like 1-1/4"w x 1-3/4"d. I used square tube but it would be much easier skinning the bus if you use rectangular.

[gobygoby]

I did a very accurate measurement of the support ribs a few months ago, but I left the data on another computer and I won't see it again until this weekend. I remembered something about the ribs being a little over 2 inches, but now I remember that was the length from one side of the hat channel to the far side. You are right about the size of tubing inside the channel itself.

Darn. The 2" square tubing was $125 for 49 pieces, each 59" long. It seemed like a really good price.

[Tango]

If you plan on building hangers for tanks, a rear deck or much else...I'd snag that 2". Too good a deal to pass up.

[keiffith]

Good for a roof rack too.