I put together a tripod hanging feeder and purchased the boss buck header and winch and their hanging bail that will hook to a 55 gallon feeder. They recommend using 14ft legs. Question is I already have the galvanized top fence rail to use as legs which is 1 3/8 size. The header will accept up to 1 5/8 but I already own the 1 3/8. Anyone have any problem using the 1 3/8 size? Will be using tpost parallel on all three legs for extra support but didn't know if that's enough when filled with 400#'s of corn. Trying to not have to spend another $90 for 1 5/8 size

Personally I would not do it. That top rail is going to be 18ga or 17ga max (too thin), depending on where you got it. Don't want to gamble with that much weight in the air, IMO.

Also, how long is the top rail? I build my winch ups with 14' legs because cows can still get to your feeder with 12'ers.

I cut it at 14 ft each. Its an older top rail about 15yrs old but perfect condition. Not sure the angle of the legs but probably 23 degrees or so. It seem a lot thicker then the Moultrie legs on my other 55 gallon feeder.

Gotcha. That's good you have 14's. Well, if older it might be a heavier gauge. I know the stuff you can currently get at Lowes or HD is usually 18ga.

Might want to measure the thickness and just see for sure. You will wind up spending more than $90 if your feeder comes crashing down to a leg that fails.

Again, just my opinion. Good luck!

anyone know a place in tyler tx or near bye that might have 1 5/8 preferably in 14 gauge or used pipe in 1 5/8 in 16 gauge? Something other then galvanized fence post or something cheaper as lowes etc just has 17 gauge regardless of od.......cant find anything online

TxAg,

Thank you for your comments as I would feel better with something stronger if I can find it without breaking the bank.

How about using the legs you have but put only 250 lbs in the barrel.

our lease is 5 hours away and I already have a 30 gallon but from bow season thru rifle I had to add a bag almost every trip to be sure it would not run out climbing a ladder and that is the reason I purchased another 55 gallon so only have to fill it once plus one bag like the other 55 gallon and getting too old to keep climbing the ladder when hunting by myself. Just trying to make things easier and safer in the future. My current 55 gallon Moultrie feeder is just standard tripod not a hanging feeder.

Sd get your hacksaw out and cut those legs off so you can stand and fill...put a fence or panels around the feeder. Short legs would be stronger.

Commercial fence companies have sch. 40 top rail in 1 1/4'' id and larger sizes. Galz. and strong. Cheaper than box stores. Was paying $21 for 21'