welded hitch

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Jun 26, 2007 | 12:07 AM

DieselRunner

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: North Van, B.C. Canada

welded hitch

just got a hitch and bolted it up i have a welder that can weld it to the frame is this popular, its probably not nessesary but i figure it would help, any down sides other then removing it?

Jun 26, 2007 | 12:30 AM

khadma

Carpenter Local 745

Joined: Apr 2006

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From: on da beach

Is the hitch installed according to the instructions of the manufacturer?
Did you use new/correct bolts, nuts and washers?
Is this the correct hitch application- for the truck?
If so, I would leave it at that.
No weld. IMO.

Jun 26, 2007 | 01:52 PM

rclarke

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Joined: May 2003

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Modern truck frames should never have anything welded to them. If you are completely convinced you need to weld it be sure to disconnect all computers and the batteries from the frame. One hot arc can fry the computers.

Jun 26, 2007 | 05:55 PM

firesoutmatt

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: Nothern Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselRunner

just got a hitch and bolted it up i have a welder that can weld it to the frame is this popular, its probably not nessesary but i figure it would help, any down sides other then removing it?

I know that when I had my fiver hitch installed they told me it had to be welded to the frame to pass DOT inspection. It passed but don't know if it would not have if it wasn't. This was from a large volume hitch installer and they seem like they know what they are talking about.

Jun 26, 2007 | 05:59 PM

DieselRunner

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From: North Van, B.C. Canada

yeah its a brand new hitch with new hardware so ill just leave it alone.
thanks.

Jun 28, 2007 | 02:34 PM

5_labsownus

FTE Chapter Leader

Joined: May 2002

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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV

Most vehicle Mfgs state to not weld on a frame because it will weaking the frame unless done correctly. In most states welded on hitches don't pass inspections and are not as strongly secrured as with bolts.

Jul 1, 2007 | 05:30 PM

fasthauler

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 1,398

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From: Hesperia, CA

Man I have got to admit that I have never heard this. I've been around for a lot of years and never saw a hitch welded. My hitch wasn't welded on my big rig and I went through a lot of DOT inspections in the years of driving.