welding new square sewer hose bumper on

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Okay, I have to cut off this very long bumper welded to my fifth wheel I bought used, and then I have to weld a new 4" square tube on to store the sewer hose, I am sure you have seen those.What would be a good rod? As I am going to have to weld up, down and across.
Reply:If you have a typical AC stick welder and need to make out of position welds ( anything but flat looking down at the metal) use 6011.
Reply:Hey partsman,What gauge is the tubing?  If its 14g or thicker, tresi's recommedation is perfect.  If it's thinner, you'll have to watch your amperage, or maybe bump to 6013, with care.  Also, have you considered welding a bracket to the frame, and then welding a mount on the bumper so you can replace it easier?  Those things are prone to rust at an accelerated rate (no thanks to poopy water!), plus you can do less welding out of position and put your work on a table or bench.cricman
Reply:Actually the bumper now has two small but thick plates welded to it, then the plates are welded to the frame of the fifth wheel, the tube is thin, but the frame must be 3/16" at least.So I guess the plates get mig welded then the guy arc welded the frame to the heavy plated so the bumper would not have direct heat.Your idea sounds good.Thanks for the feedback guys.
Reply:Just guessing but the thinner tube is likely to be either 11 or 14 gauge. 11 gauge will be just under 1/8" thick while the 14 ga. will be thinner. You can get some 3/32" 6011 and weld it the the thicker brackets by keeping the rod aimed mostly at the brackets and whipping it over the tubing just enough to tie it in. Welding 14 ga. with 3/32 rod is possible but tricky for a beginner. Get some extra metal the same thickness and do some practice before welding on your project.
Reply:Changed my bumper to a structural tube some years ago, 3/16 wall I believe. Used 7018 lower amp setting and move quickly . Used the heavier tubing in order to mount bike racks and other items as needed. That stock non structural bumper was more like 16 ga if not thinner and was useless for anything other than carrying the poopy hose. watch that plastic membrane under the camper when you put the heat to it. I kept a pail of water and a wet rag with me while I welded just in case."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Here is the bumper as is, too long for my liking, it was built for a motorcycle, but upsets the balance of fifth wheel.And a picture or two of my machine.Last edited by partsman; 04-24-2007 at 12:32 AM.
Reply:I added pictures.
Reply:You could always leave the bumper where it is and add a cargo basket, like I did to this one last summer. Attached Images
Reply:Now I like that, but mine is around 32" long and the steel is quite heavy to hold a motorcycle, so I planned on cutting it down to about 16" over all length and I think maybe instead of a platform, I will try your idea if I can.Its weight is really noticable and means I have to load more weight forward.I would never have carried a motor bike on it, that would have been too much I feel.How deep is yours?It looks like I might get away with that style too.
Reply:It looks like someone made your task a little easier for you if you were counting on reusing the tube. Leave these plates on and cut the channel close to the plate and grind smooth. Those doubler plates welded between the tube and channels will be easier to weld to than the thin tubing. Much less chance for burn through. However, you'll still want to practice welding uphill before trying it on your RV.Last edited by tresi; 04-24-2007 at 09:52 PM.
Reply:I believe it was 22" wide and 19" deep.
Reply:Thanks for the measurments, I just may have to build what you built.I should have mentioned the tube is rotting through, so I figure best to change it now.Plus the wife noticed the holes in it so I probably will have to change it.