Lightweight Spigot Truss for Portable Stage: A Buyer's Guide

August 6, 2026

When you're setting up a portable stage, the truss you choose needs to balance weight, strength, and ease of assembly. A lightweight spigot truss for portable stage applications is often the ideal solution because it combines quick pin-and-cone connections with a design that's easy to transport and rig. In this guide, we'll walk through what makes a spigot truss lightweight, how to read load tables, and which of our factory's models might suit your next project.

What Is a Spigot Truss?

A spigot truss uses a conical spigot (male end) that fits into a socket (female end) on the adjacent section, secured with a quick-release pin. This connection system is faster to assemble than bolted or coupler-based trusses, which is why it's popular for portable stages, event roofs, and exhibition stands. The term "lightweight" generally refers to trusses with a smaller cross-section and thinner wall thickness, making them easier to handle without heavy lifting equipment.

Key Materials and Construction

All trusses we manufacture for portable stage use are made from 6082/6061-T6 aluminum alloy. This material offers a good strength-to-weight ratio and is widely used in structural applications. The main tubes are typically 50x3mm, providing the primary load-bearing path. Sub tubes and brace tubes vary by model, affecting both weight and load capacity.

For example, the WRF-29 Ladder Truss uses a 25x2mm sub tube and 20x2mm brace tube, which keeps it light. The WRT-29 Triangle Truss uses a larger 30x2mm sub tube for increased rigidity. Larger square trusses like the WRS-4060 use 50x2mm sub tubes and 30x2mm brace tubes, offering higher load capacities while still being manageable.

Understanding Load Tables

When evaluating a lightweight spigot truss for portable stage use, you'll often see load tables like the ones below. These tables list the maximum distributed load (kg/m) and point load (kg) for various spans. It's crucial to select a truss that can handle your specific configuration.

For instance, the WRS-29 Square Truss has a distributed load of 1942 kg/m at a 1-meter span, but this drops to 317 kg/m at 6 meters. The WRS-40 Square Truss offers 936 kg/m at 3 meters, decreasing to 176 kg/m at 8 meters. Understanding these numbers helps you avoid overloading.

Comparing Lightweight Spigot Truss Models

Here are some of our most popular models for portable stages, with their key specifications and load data.

WRF-29 Ladder Truss

Main tube: 50x3mm
Sub tube: 25x2mm
Brace tube: 20x2mm
Lengths: 50cm to 300cm
Load table: 1m span: 990 kg/m distributed, 990 kg point; 6m span: 26 kg/m, 10 kg point

Ideal for lightweight applications like lighting bars or small stage roofs. Its ladder design is easy to rig and transport.

WRT-29 Triangle Truss

Main tube: 50x3mm
Sub tube: 30x2mm
Brace tube: 20x2mm
Lengths: 50cm to 400cm
Load table: 3m span: 371 kg/m, 557 kg point; 8m span: 67 kg/m, 268 kg point

A triangle truss is often used for ground-supported structures or as a main support in smaller stages.

WRS-29 Square Truss

Main tube: 50x3mm
Sub tube: 25x2mm
Brace tube: 20x2mm
Lengths: 50cm to 400cm
Load table: 1m span: 1942 kg/m, 1942 kg point; 6m span: 317 kg/m, 948 kg point

Square trusses are versatile and can be used for both overhead and ground support.

WRS-30 Square Truss

Same specs as WRS-29 (main 50x3, sub 25x2, brace 20x2)
Load table: identical to WRS-29

This model is essentially the same as WRS-29 but may have different end fittings or manufacturing tolerances.

WRS-40 Square Truss

Main tube: 50x3mm
Sub tube: 30x2mm
Brace tube: 25x2mm
Lengths: 50cm to 400cm
Load table: 3m span: 936 kg/m, 718 kg point; 8m span: 176 kg/m, 560 kg point

Heavier sub and brace tubes give this truss higher load capacity than WRS-29, making it suitable for larger stages.

WRS-4060 Square Truss

Main tube: 50x3mm
Sub tube: 50x2mm
Brace tube: 30x2mm
Lengths: 50cm to 400cm
Load table: 4m span: 805 kg/m, 1610 kg point; 9m span: 210 kg/m, 945 kg point

With a larger cross-section (400x600mm), this truss offers significant load capacity while still being relatively lightweight.

WRS-52 520x520 Square Truss

Main tube: 50x3mm
Sub tube: 50x2mm
Brace tube: 25x2mm
Lengths: 50cm to 400cm
Load table: 7m span: 460 kg/m, 1255 kg point; 12m span: 164 kg/m, 782 kg point

This is a heavy-duty option for larger stage roofs, with a 520x520mm cross-section.

WRS-5060 500x600 Square Truss

Main tube: 50x3mm
Sub tube: 50x2mm
Brace tube: 30x2mm
Lengths: 50cm to 400cm
Load table: same as WRS-4060 (4m: 805 kg/m, 1610 kg point; 9m: 210 kg/m, 945 kg point)

Similar to WRS-4060 but with a slightly different cross-section (500x600mm).

How to Choose the Right Lightweight Spigot Truss

When selecting a lightweight spigot truss for portable stage use, consider these factors:

Span and load: Determine the maximum span you'll need and the expected load (lights, speakers, banners). Use the load tables to ensure the truss can handle it.
Weight: Lighter trusses are easier to handle, but they may have lower load capacities. For example, WRF-29 is lighter than WRS-40 but has much lower load limits.
Connection type: Spigot connections are fast but ensure they are compatible with your existing equipment.
Certifications: Look for TÜV-tested load data, which we provide for all our trusses.

Sourcing Tips for Portable Stage Truss

When buying from a factory, you can often get custom lengths and finishes. Here are some tips:

Request the load tables for the exact models you're considering.
Ask about the aluminum grade (we use 6082/6061-T6) and welding standards.
Consider the truss's cross-section and how it fits with your stage design.
If you need a lightweight truss for frequent touring, prioritize models with smaller cross-sections like WRF-29 or WRS-29.

FAQ

Q: What does "spigot" mean in truss systems? A: A spigot is a conical male connector that fits into a female socket on the next truss section, secured with a pin. This allows for quick assembly without tools.

Q: Can I use a lightweight spigot truss for overhead lifting? A: Yes, but you must follow the load tables and ensure proper rigging. For example, the WRS-29 can support 1942 kg at a 1-meter span, but only 317 kg/m at 6 meters.

Q: Are these trusses suitable for outdoor stages? A: They are made of aluminum, which is corrosion-resistant, but you should check wind load requirements and use appropriate ballasting.

Q: Do you offer custom lengths? A: We offer standard lengths from 50cm to 400cm. Custom lengths may be available upon request, but we cannot guarantee without specific inquiry.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lightweight spigot truss for portable stage applications requires careful consideration of load, span, and weight. Our range of trusses—from the compact WRF-29 to the robust WRS-52—offers options for various needs. Always refer to the TÜV-tested load data and consult with a structural engineer if you're unsure. For more details, visit our product pages: WRF-29 Ladder Truss, WRT-29 Triangle Truss, WRS-29 Square Truss, WRS-30 Square Truss, WRS-40 Square Truss, WRS-4060 Square Truss, WRS-52 520x520 Square Truss, and WRS-5060 500x600 Square Truss.