Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Weight Distribution Welding

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Weight Distribution Welding

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12541
Printed Date: 30 Apr 2024 at 8:06pm
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Topic: Weight Distribution Welding

Posted By: texman
Subject: Weight Distribution Welding
Date 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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TexMan 2015 182g
2018 Sequoia
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods

Replies:

Posted By: offgrid
Date 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

Posted By: StephenH
Date 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,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date 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

Posted By: texman
Date 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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TexMan 2015 182g
2018 Sequoia
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods