Is Mild steel ok for hat channels?

[MorningOwl]

I got a quote from a metal fabricator for;
For 32 pieces 18" long, formed to a Hat Channel;


Option 1- 14 ga mild steel $446.65
Option 2- 14 ga. Galvanized $515.20


I wanted to go with galvanized for rust protection, but after reading some posts on here (thanks for those by the way), and talking to my welder, galvanized is not a good plan for me. Is Mild steel a good options? I googled mild steel;
Mild steel is suitable for mechanical engineering and general purpose fabrication. Its strength makes it a terrific choice of material for the construction of cages, frames, fencing and in other applications where it will not be subjected to high stress.

What worries me is the last sentence - not be subjected to high stress.
I would think holding up a school bus roof is subject to high stress. Any advise from you veteran skoolie owners. What kind of steel did you guys use for your hat channels? What gauge? Thank you for any advise.

 

[musigenesis]

Mild steel is fine for this purpose. Holding up a school bus roof is not "high stress" in terms of the kinds of loads a steel structure will be exposed to. Your custom hat channels made from mild steel will have roughly the same strength characteristics as the factory ribs.

 

[EastCoastCB]

yep. mild steel.

 

[MorningOwl]

Thank you for your response. These questions may seem silly to some, but I don't know what I don't know. I don't want to make a mistake that will cost me $2k.

Thanks again.

 

[musigenesis]

Thank you for your response. These questions may seem silly to some, but I don't know what I don't know. I don't want to make a mistake that will cost me $2k.

Thanks again.

There are no silly questions when most of us here are trying to figure out how to do stuff we've never done before. It's perfectly reasonable to wonder if something called "mild steel" is up to the task of not being ripped apart in a crash.