Weld Class 4 hitch.

[gschretter]

The manual says not to weld the hitch.

Why not?

I was going to weld the hitch parts together and still use the bolts.

Also will weld the hitch to the frame.

Why would the manual say, not to weld to hitch?

[CRAWFM]

hitches & frames are heat treated. if you weld on them, they will loose their temper.

[gschretter]

Originally Posted by CRAWFM

hitches & frames are heat treated. if you weld on them, they will loose their temper.

Good point.

But I could weld two of the ends of the hitch to the frame.

I wanted to do this in case someone hit me from behind.

[catback23]

If your a good welder and trust your welds then you can go ahead and weld it but it won't be much more sturdy and stronger than if you just bolted it, when it comes to trailer hauling. The main reason why hitch manufacturers prefer that their bolt-on's not be welded is because not only is the hitch heat-treated but because if you apply to much heat you can distort and/or weaken the metal to a point where it doesn't meet the hitch makers standards and thus becomes an unsafe hitch.

[gschretter]

Originally Posted by catback23

If your a good welder and trust your welds then you can go ahead and weld it but it won't be much more sturdy and stronger than if you just bolted it, when it comes to trailer hauling. The main reason why hitch manufacturers prefer that their bolt-on's not be welded is because not only is the hitch heat-treated but because if you apply to much heat you can distort and/or weaken the metal to a point where it doesn't meet the hitch makers standards and thus becomes an unsafe hitch.

Good point.

I guess I will buy some Grade 8 bolts and double bolt it.

Thanks for the input.

I hope I am a good welder. I rebuilt my whole frame on my jeep. - haha.

[jumpingjack66]

overkill may be the case here afterall your installing a class four hitch...JJ

[gschretter]

Originally Posted by jumpingjack66

overkill may be the case here afterall your installing a class four hitch...JJ

Overkill is not in my vocabularly.

I thought the class 4 was the hightest rating.

I just want the hitch to stay if someone hits it.

[Silverado Brethern]

I have a class five hitch on my 97. and i seriously doubt it will move if someone hits it. i yank and yank on things all the time with my truck and the hitch hasnt moved at all.

[gschretter]

Originally Posted by Silverado Brethern

I have a class five hitch on my 97. and i seriously doubt it will move if someone hits it. i yank and yank on things all the time with my truck and the hitch hasnt moved at all.

What is the max weight you can pull with a class 5?

Thanks.

[catback23]

Class V:
12,000 lbs Weight Carrying (WC)
14,000 lbs Weight Distributed (WD)
1,200 lbs tongue weight WC
1,700 lbs tongue weight WD

[gschretter]

Originally Posted by catback23

Class V:
12,000 lbs Weight Carrying (WC)
14,000 lbs Weight Distributed (WD)
1,200 lbs tongue weight WC
1,700 lbs tongue weight WD

Holy Moly, Gosh batman I wish I would have gotton of those.

What is the difference between WC and WD?

Carrying - Weight of item
Distributed - Weight of item plus trailer

Thanks.

[rsad74]

Hey everyone, please note that before you weld anything on your vehicle, disconnect your battery!!!!!!! If you don't you're taking a chance of frying your CPU.

[gschretter]

Originally Posted by rsad74

Hey everyone, please note that before you weld anything on your vehicle, disconnect your battery!!!!!!! If you don't you're taking a chance of frying your CPU.

WORD!

Some how I once screwed up a optima red top like that.

The side look like they were going to bust.