Weight Distribution Welding |
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texman
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jul 2014 Location: TeXas Online Status: Offline Posts: 446 |
Topic: Weight Distribution Welding Posted: 16 Jan 2019 at 8:18am |
I have my weight distribution (fastway e2) installed and set where i think is the "sweet" spot. My question for the group is your thoughts on welding the brackets to the Aframe instead of using the bolts. I was thinking i could have a pro weld them where they are and then remove the bolts. I know the welder will have to remove first to prep the area by removing the paint and then reattach and then weld. Couple of reasons for: 1. I don't have to check the torque of the bolts if welded 2. it frees up some room inside the a frame if the bolts don't protrude into the inside for the battery box to set down in the cavity instead of on top on tubing. Couple of concerns: 1. will a different tow vehicle require me to move the brackets ? i don't think so since they are set by distance from the hitch and the weight of the trailer. 2. would welding to the a frame create a spot that is weaker at the weld? I don't think so because welding usually creates a stronger point because of the fusing of the materials. Thoughts and concerns?
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Posted: 16 Jan 2019 at 8:46am |
Question 1). A TV change shouldn't change the bracket location.
Question 2) The weld itself will be strong but you should spread out the load a little by welding to a sufficient area not to cause a localized high stress in the trailer frame which is only 0.1 inch wall thickness if I recall correctly. A welding professional will know how to make it work.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6289 |
Posted: 16 Jan 2019 at 10:13am |
There are times and situations where you may need to adjust the brackets. If they are welded, you won't be able to do this. I would not recommend it and I think it would also void any warranty you may have left from Forest River and from Fastway.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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GlueGuy
Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2630 |
Posted: 16 Jan 2019 at 10:28am |
I agree with Stephen for a couple of reasons. First, you would never be able to change the hitch, and second, the welding could affect the integrity of the A frame unless done perfectly. Forrest River would never approve this. In fact, the hitch manufacturer would probably not approve either.
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
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texman
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jul 2014 Location: TeXas Online Status: Offline Posts: 446 |
Posted: 16 Jan 2019 at 11:15am |
Good points. no warranty left on Pod, probably some on the hitch. i wasn't sold on the idea, but didnt really like the way i had to remount my batteryt box because of the bolts. no big deal and i agree not worth the risk to the a frame and hitch down the road. Thanks for your input.
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