Weight Distribution Welding

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   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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texman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List 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?
	TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia TexManMods

offgrid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List 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.
	1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6285	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.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

GlueGuy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2627	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.
	bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

texman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List 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.
	TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia TexManMods