A stage truss system is a set of lightweight aluminum truss sections that bolt or pin together to support overhead gear. It gives you stable mounting points for stage lighting, a sound system, and video, then breaks down fast for transport. Most trusses use 6082-T6 aluminum for a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Think of an aluminum truss system like a building-block set for production. You connect straight truss segments, corners, and circles into the exact shape your space needs, then strike it and pack it into a vehicle the same night. 

Each truss section is built from main tubes called chords and smaller diagonal braces. Steel carries more weight but stays put, so crews choose lightweight aluminum truss for touring and mobile work where speed matters.

What Types of Stage Truss Can You Buy?

Stage truss comes in five main shapes: tube, flat, triangular, box, and 5-chord. Each shape carries a different load and suits a different job, from light stage decoration to a heavy-duty lighting truss system. Corners, circles, and totems are configurations built from these shapes. 

Match the type to your load and span before you compare prices.

Tube (Single) Truss

Tube truss is a single round chord and the lightest option in the lineup. It suits stage decoration, light signage, and dj lighting totems where loads stay small and crews want fast setup.

Flat (Ladder) Truss

Flat truss joins two chords with braces in one plane, like a ladder. It spans short distances for backdrops, banners, and a row of stage lighting, and its low weight fits mobile rigs and trade-show walls.

Triangular (Tri) Truss

Triangular truss uses three chords for a strong balance of weight and capacity. It handles medium spans for a lighting system and small audio without the bulk of box truss, so crews keep it on hand for flexible builds.

Box (Square) Truss

Box truss uses four chords for the highest stability of the common types. It anchors main spans, LED walls, and heavy-duty lighting truss systems, making it the standard beam truss when a stage set carries real weight.

5-Chord Truss

Five-chord truss adds a fifth chord and thicker tube walls for long spans and heavy loads. Large festivals use it for wide overhead runs and truss roof systems, so reserve it for builds that need the extra capacity.

How Do Truss Sizes and Model Names Work?

Truss model names tell you the cross-section size. The F-number and metric names refer to the measurement from chord to chord. F34 truss, also called 290 truss, measures about 290mm square. Once you can read the size, you can compare any engineered truss system on a spec sheet.

The Global Truss F-series covers the sizes you will see most often on AVGear. F34/290 truss is the all-rounder for stage and event work: it uses 50mm main tubes and 20mm braces in 6082-T6 aluminum. A top plate and base plate bolt to the ends of a vertical truss section to spread the load. Smaller F31, F32, and F33 sizes trade some capacity for lighter weight and tighter budgets.

Sizes connect through different hardware, so confirm the type of connection before you mix sections. You can see how the full category fits together under Truss, Rigging & Staging.

How are Stage Truss Load Ratings Measured?

Load ratings tell you how much weight a truss span carries safely. The figure changes with span length, load placement, and movement. Make sure to read it from the manufacturer’s load and span tables rather than guessing. Published ratings already include the truss weight. Always plan loads for an engineered truss system with a qualified rigger.

Use these terms when you read a load chart:

• Point load vs. uniformly distributed load (UDL): A point load hangs from one spot. A UDL spreads evenly across the span. The same truss holds more as a UDL than as a single point load.
• Static vs. dynamic load: A static load hangs still. A dynamic load moves, sways, or catches wind, which raises the force on the truss. Outdoor and motorized rigs face dynamic forces.
• Span length: Longer unsupported spans bend the top and bottom chord more, which lowers the safe capacity. A short F34 run holds far more than a long one.
• Loads are not additive: You cannot add the numbers from separate chart rows together. Read the value for your exact span and load pattern.
• Sign-off: Add up everything you hang, including motors, cable, a load cell, and fixtures, then have a qualified rigger or structural engineer verify the structure.

What are the Most Common Stage Truss Use Cases?

Stage truss works for almost any event that requires overhead equipment. 

Mobile DJs, houses of worship, corporate planners, concert crews, and retailers each reach for a different size and shape. Match the use case to the truss type, then size it to your heaviest load. The right stand system keeps your lighting system safe and visible.

For the fixtures and the lighting stand hardware that go on these structures, see Stage Lighting and Light Stands & Mounting.

What Should You Check Before Buying Stage Truss?

Check four things before you buy: the type of connection and brand standard, the alloy and build quality, the accessories you also need, and the condition of any used sections. Truss performs only as a complete, compatible system. A short inspection for the highest quality you can find protects both your budget and your crew.

• Connector standard: Confirm the type of connection. Conical (spigot) and bolt or fork systems do not interchange. Standardize on one so sections and accessories fit.
• Alloy and welds: Look for 6082-T6 aluminum and clean welds at every chord and brace for the highest quality joints.
• The full system: Plan for base plates, a top plate, junction blocks, and clamps, plus motors, hoists, and stage decks for a heavy-duty build.

Round out the build with Truss Clamps & Accessories, Motors, Hoists & Lifts, and Stage Decks.

How Do You Inspect Used Truss Before Buying?

Inspect used truss before buying for damage that affects its strength. Walk through each section and look for the warning signs below. 

• Cracks in the welds where chords meet braces
• Dented, bent, or out-of-round top and bottom chord tubes
• Bent, cracked, or missing diagonal braces
• Corrosion, pitting, or heavy oxidation
• Twist or bow when you sight down the length
• Complete conical connectors, pins, safety clips, base plate, and top plate

Should You Buy New or Used Stage Truss?

Both work, and the right call depends on budget and need. 

Buy new when you want a warranty and a current production line. Buy used, tested, and graded when you want to stretch budget or find a discontinued size. The highest quality aluminum truss lasts for years, so well-kept used sections perform like new.

Used truss carries less risk when a specialist tests and documents it first. AVGear logs each item, grades function before cosmetics, and photographs every angle, so you see what arrives before you order. 

Where Can You Buy or Sell Stage Truss?

Buy new and used stage truss, stage lighting systems, and rigging from AVGear. As the modern, innovative solution for used pro AV, AVGear tests and grades every item to the highest quality standard in its Las Vegas warehouse.

When you upgrade, trade, or sell us your gear and turn idle truss and AV equipment into cash.

 

Is aluminum or steel truss better for stage use?

Aluminum truss wins for stage and event work because it is lightweight, fast to assemble, and easy to transport. Steel carries more weight but stays heavy and fixed, so it fits a permanent roof system or industrial frame. Touring and mobile crews almost always run lightweight aluminum truss.

Can I mix truss brands or sizes?

You can mix truss only when the size and type of connection match exactly. Conical and bolt systems do not interchange, and different sizes need adapter plates. Standardize on one engineered truss system to keep sections and accessories compatible across your inventory.

How much weight can F34 truss hold?

F34 capacity depends on span length and how the load sits. A short span holds far more than a long one, and a UDL beats a single point load. Read the published F34 load and span table for your exact run, and confirm any heavy duty overhead load with a rigger.

Do I need a rigger or engineer to hang truss?

Yes, for any overhead structure. A qualified rigger or structural engineer confirms the truss, motors, and rigging carry the planned load with proper margin. This step protects your crew and keeps your engineered truss system within the ANSI E1.21 standard.

What size truss do I need for stage lighting?

Most stage lighting runs on F33 or F34 box truss, sized to your span and fixture count. A lighter tube or flat truss suits a small dj lighting or lighting stand setup. Add the weight of every fixture, clamp, and cable, then pick a size the load chart supports.