What is box truss?
Box truss, also sold as square truss, is aluminum truss with a square or rectangular cross section. Most of it runs four 2 in (50 mm) main chords, one at each corner, braced diagonally, so it resists bending in every direction, which is why it is the profile for DJ goalposts, lighting rigs and trade show frames. Buying it comes down to two choices: the size of the cross section, and how the segments join, with conical connectors or with bolted end plates.
Which box truss size do I need?
Match the size you already own, or the size your rig plan calls for, because each size joins only to its own kind. These are the box truss sizes we carry:
| Size | How it joins | Lines we carry |
|---|---|---|
| 290 mm (11.42 in) square | Conical (F34) | Global Truss F34, ProX XT-SQ, XT-SQPL and K-Truss, Show Solutions SCT290, Galaxy Stage GS34, TRUSST CT290, BrightBox TZ34 |
| 290 mm (11.42 in) square, 3 mm wall | Conical | Global Truss DT34P |
| 400 mm (15.75 in) square, 3 mm wall | Conical | Global Truss DT44P, and DT46 with six main chords |
| 12 in square | Bolted end plates | ProX BoltX, Galaxy Stage GS-12, Show Solutions ST-1212 and EP1202, Global Truss DT-GP |
| 18 x 12 in rectangular | Bolted end plates | Show Solutions ST-1812 |
| 20.5 in square | Bolted end plates | Show Solutions ST-2020, Galaxy Stage GS-20, Global Truss DT-GP20 |
| 3.93 in (100 mm) and 8.66 in (220 mm) square | Conical | Global Truss F14 and F24 |
290 mm conical is the size we sell the most of, and the one with the widest choice of lengths and brands here. Two lines are built lighter on purpose: Global Truss describes F24 as light duty, and ProX sells K-Truss, on a 1.5 mm wall, as economy light-structural truss for light-duty use. Read the model number before you buy.
Is 12 inch box truss the same as 290 mm F34 truss?
Not always, so check how it connects. 290 mm is 11.42 in, and some makers sell it as 12 inch: our Global Truss SQ-4112 listing calls it the 12-Inch Truss Series, and BrightBox sells its F34-compatible TZ34 as Square 12-Inch. True 12 in box truss is a different system that bolts together through end plates: ProX BoltX, Galaxy Stage GS-12, Show Solutions ST-1212 and Global Truss DT-GP. The two do not join. If the listing says conical, it belongs to the 290 mm family; if it says bolted or end plate, it belongs to the bolted 12 in family.
Conical or bolted: can I mix box truss brands?
Conical truss joins each chord with a conical coupler held by pins and safety clips. Bolted truss has an end plate at each end of the segment, and four bolts join one plate to the next: ProX BoltX and Galaxy Stage GS-12 both publish a 6.75 in bolt pattern with 5/8 in bolts, Grade 8 in Galaxy Stage's case. Conical and bolted truss do not join each other. Within one connection type, several makers say their truss fits other brands: ProX says its XT-SQ mates with most other brands of the same size and connector type, and Galaxy Stage and TRUSST say the same of theirs. Global Truss makes no such claim, Show Solutions describes the iConical connector on its SCT290 as intended for the SCT290 system, ProX calls its K-Truss compatible in size only, and each maker's load table covers only its own product. For a goalpost, a roof or anything else carrying load overhead, stay with one brand and one series.
How much weight can box truss hold?
There is no single figure. It depends on the span between supports, how the truss is supported, whether the load hangs at one point or spreads along the span, and the exact series and part number. Where the maker publishes a load table, we host it, exactly as published:
- Global Truss F34 load span tables: sheet S0.0, dated 05/27/2026, engineer-stamped (PDF)
- Global Truss F34P / DT34P load span tables: sheet S1.0, dated 01/22/2020, engineer-sealed (PDF)
- Global Truss DT44P load span tables: signed 07/16/2024, engineer-stamped (PDF)
- ProX BoltX loading chart: for ProX BoltX 12 in bolted truss only (PDF)
- ProX K-Truss loading chart: for ProX K-Truss only (PDF)
Each document rates only the truss it names. For any other line, call 1-800-700-4542 and we will send you the manufacturer's table for your part number, or tell you plainly if there isn't one.
Disclaimer: Hollywood DJ provides load information, including the manufacturer load tables we host, for general reference only. It is not intended to replace a qualified engineer or professional rigger, who should plan and approve any truss or staging installation.
What else do I need to build a box truss rig?
Straight segments are the start. Add corners or junction blocks where runs meet, base plates or crank stands to stand the legs up, and the joining hardware: couplers, pins and clips for conical truss, or bolts for bolted truss. Our ProX BoltX, Galaxy Stage GS-20 and Show Solutions ST-1212, ST-2020 and EP1202 listings say the bolts are included; for conical truss, check each listing, because some include the connecting hardware and some do not. Then a clamp and a safety cable for every fixture, and truss spacers if two runs travel side by side. For a DJ goalpost parts list, see our Lighting Truss guide.
Should I buy box truss or rent it?
Buy when the rig repeats or you need it on a date you cannot move; rent for a one-off event. Truss has no consumables, so the cost per use falls every time you set it up, but owned truss has to be stored and hauled. We do both: we sell box truss, and we rent box truss and Global Truss segments, corners and ground support. See DJ Equipment Rental for an event you only need it for once.
How does box truss ship, and can I pick it up in Los Angeles?
Longer segments ship LTL freight, which needs a quote and a delivery appointment, so call 1-800-700-4542 and we will price it with the order. Some ProX XT-SQ and Show Solutions SCT290 lengths, and the TRUSST CT290, are stocked at our Los Angeles warehouse at 934 E 11th St, for will-call pickup. The rest, including all Global Truss, Galaxy Stage and bolted truss, is not stocked in Los Angeles, so lead time depends on the maker, and Show Solutions builds its 18 x 12 in truss to order. Call before you plan around an event date.