Welding trailer a frame coupler

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I have a 5000 pound rated open car trailer.  The coupler no longer closes and need to replace the a frame. Does anyone have experience with this?I am going to cut old one off with angle grinder then grind smooth.  I have a miller 140. Do u think this is strong enough to weld this on? I have no checked the thickness yet of the a frame.  If not I'm going to put a few good tacks with the 140 just to trailer it to friends shop down the block with no weight on it to weld it up with the big welder.Thanks
Reply:The welder is only rated at 3/16". Most trailer frames ive seen are at least 1/4" or more. I don't have a engineering degree my common sense sais inferior welds will break. When a trailer breaks it causes bad things to happen. You may be in front of the trailer but when the uncontrolled trailer sways off into the opposite lane or something you wont be thinking tack welds should hold. you will probably be thinking about that kid who just died in the accident.PROUD   AMERICAN
Reply:Wait a while. I am sure DSW will respond. Popcorn ready.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:I am only saying tack it so I can pull it less then a half mile down the street to the shop.  I guess you guys are saying bein the welder here instead
Reply:what I'd do is before cutting the existing coupler off is to hook it up, get the coupler closed by whatever means necessary, chain it up good, and carefully get it down to your buddy's shop and do the work there. Or I'd bring buddy's welder to your shop.Last edited by JD955SC; 09-16-2013 at 01:23 PM.Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:That's a good idea, I can actually probably put the latch on as much as I can before where it would normally go down. And I'll weld the latch so it can't pop open
Reply:Any chance you could convert it to a bolt on coupler when you get it to the shop?That when next time the coupler goes bad all you need is two wrenches and a new coupler and you can fix it any where.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:I am sure I can drill four holes through the a coupler and frame and through bolt it.  But will that hurt the integrity?
Reply:The proper way to do it, if you want a bolt on coupler, is to buy a bolt on coupler.  From what I read the other day, you don't want to convert a weld on coupler into a bolt on.  I could be wrong, but yea.Miller MM140Lincoln Weldanpower 250 g9 proSureweld ac something or other21st century beast.
Reply:Ok ill just weld it. He has a Lincoln 180 mig and miller syncrowave tig .  Which would b the better option
Reply:Originally Posted by TJSWait a while. I am sure DSW will respond. Popcorn ready.
Reply:I'd pick the syncrowave and some dry 7018s.
Reply:He can definitely weld any position... He does mig and tig on a daily basic
Reply:If he is going to do it for me and he is as good as claimed.I wouldn't tell him which machine to use.He should know already how to fix it right."Unless he isn't that good?"
Reply:Originally Posted by Fadetoblack188I have a 5000 pound rated open car trailer.  The coupler no longer closes and need to replace the a frame. Does anyone have experience with this?I am going to cut old one off with angle grinder then grind smooth.  I have a miller 140. Do u think this is strong enough to weld this on? I have no checked the thickness yet of the a frame.  If not I'm going to put a few good tacks with the 140 just to trailer it to friends shop down the block with no weight on it to weld it up with the big welder.Thanks