Welding Trailer Balls

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I've researched the subject to death and can't come up with what "alloys" trailer balls are made from, or if they are weldable. I see "mulit-ball" mounts on the road all the time but wonder if those welded balls are made of something different than the chromed balls found in every other store in America.I have a boat trailer and utility trailer both of which I use every weekend. Problem is they require to different ball mounts. The boat needs a 3/4" rise while the utrailer needs a 2" drop. So basically I have two- 2" ball, 2" drop mounts. One ball upright on one, one ball down on the other. I am tired of fumbling for my other mount or hearing it clank around the back of the truck. What I want to do is just weld two balls on the same mount; one up, one down. I'll cut the shank off a couple older balls and go after it with .035" solid, or .035" flux. If need be I can go get a roll of .045" flux core if you think I need it.What is yalls experience welding assuming "hardened" steel trailer balls?FWIW the boat weighs about 3.5K, not that is should matter as I don't want to lose any of the 5K rated capacity of a "normal" setup.Thanks,Allen
Reply:I assume you know this job can only be done with a  120V Harbor Freight FC welder... Last edited by Kelvin; 01-13-2011 at 03:06 PM.
Reply:This "question" was posted as a joke right?Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Some balls are threaded on the inside. If you can find one of these and one with the stud may be your best bet .Then if you insist you can weld  them...IN GOD WE TRUST
Reply:Jack the u-trailer suspension up to match the same ride height as the boat trailer.  Skip welding or trying to weld the trailer balls themselves.Or just get an adjustable-height ball mount.$80, for instance.  http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/...tch/80414.html  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtZKL74LgMg[/ame]  this should solve all your ball issues
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIThis "question" was posted as a joke right?
Reply:My balls came attached the way they were needed. Delicate work though... Best to let this work to be done by professionals. Stitching is usually the preferred method-I can remember in the 7th grade my mom said "people will offer you drugs" by the 10th grade I was like, "where the hell are these people?"
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomOF coarse. Trailer balls are not to be welded at all. Welding hardened steel is not allowed on trailer parts.
Reply:sometimes there good resting on the chin.....see where this goes...LOL
Reply:Originally Posted by roadkillbobbsometimes there good resting on the chin.....see where this goes...LOL
Reply:Originally Posted by minnerSomebody is doing it.
Reply:If your trailer or trailers  allow it.  move your coupler up or  down.   there was a thing call  hitch macth or something.   basicly a lift kit for a ball coupler.Daye
Reply:Thought maybe he was talking about these balls; http://www.bullsballs.com/flesh/truck/balls.html "The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:That Vid was too funny!
Reply:Why not just get and adjustable ball mount?  Welding trailer balls to a hitch is a VERY BAD IDEA!!!   DO NOT go out and do this.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:I had an adjustable one in the past, a cheap one like the one linked above. I absolutely hated that thing, way too much play and was extremely noisy. I will just have to stay with to different mounts if I cant weld a new one up. I do appreciate the few serious replies I have gotten although I am not sure why there are "factory" welded balls out there if this is such a bad practice.Thanks.
Reply:Best of the breed. If these don't do it for yah nothing will.  http://www.turnoverball.com/tow.aspLast edited by KGIOR; 01-14-2011 at 01:04 AM.
Reply:Im wondering if they are a different grade of steel? The local guys at Princess Auto has the multi ball hitch. HERESo what happens if you balls are exposed on the road during the winter? Are they salty balls? Shrinkage...
Reply:Originally Posted by KGIORBest of the breed. If these don't do it for yah nothing will.  http://www.turnoverball.com/tow.asp
Reply:My engin's laggin' My woman's naggin' My rear is saggin' and my Balls are Draggin'"
Reply:Originally Posted by minnerSomebody is doing it.
Reply:Just buy one of these and change out a coupler.  OR deal with it like the rest of the world.  I have four ball mounts and usually only have one with me.  At the most, I might have two.  The rest stay at home where my trailers are stored. Attached ImagesMy name's not Jim....
Reply:I have a 3-ball hitch like the one in the photo.  It's not light gauge, it's solid steel.  Probably weighs 40 lbs, bought it at TSC.  The tow rating was either 12,000 or 15,000 lbs.  I don't use it often, but never had any problems with it.  Agree with everyone else here.  Don't weld something like this up yourself.  Some things just aren't worth it.
Reply:Allen..Research the other options because welding trailer balls is a disaster in the making.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.