Welding onto frame
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 1
From: Rio Vista, California
Welding onto frame
97 F-250 HD
7.3 diesel
5 speed manual
I was in the process of moving my fifth wheel hitch from my old truck to the 97 and the hitch requires brackets that bolt through the side of the frame rails. I drilled the mounting locations for use with 5/8-11 bolts and bolted the brackets in place but it just seems like these brackets should also be welded. I checked with a local welder and he said NEVER weld to a truck frame because it will cause cracks and the frame could break under stress. I've never heard this before.
Question.... Is it OK to weld these brackets in place or not??
7.3 diesel
5 speed manual
I was in the process of moving my fifth wheel hitch from my old truck to the 97 and the hitch requires brackets that bolt through the side of the frame rails. I drilled the mounting locations for use with 5/8-11 bolts and bolted the brackets in place but it just seems like these brackets should also be welded. I checked with a local welder and he said NEVER weld to a truck frame because it will cause cracks and the frame could break under stress. I've never heard this before.
Question.... Is it OK to weld these brackets in place or not??
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 16
Bolting the hitch brackets to the frame is all you need as long as you use Grade 8 bolts.
I have installed several 5th wheel hitches and I think other components on the hitch would fail before those bolted brackets.
I have installed several 5th wheel hitches and I think other components on the hitch would fail before those bolted brackets.
