Saw this trailer hitch today

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So I'm a motorcycle cop in Southern CaliforniaI stopped this guy today and couldn't help but take a few pics of his hitch. Not sure if I attached the pics correctly. Never posted from my phone
Reply:Pretty welds. Hate to be behind that when something goes wrong.
Reply:Well that's special...did you have a "word of prayer" with him concerning that?Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:Is that a ten bolt diff.? It looks like a 1/2 ton something or another. City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:California has rules for everything.... but no safety inspections for vehicles.Miller Syncrowave 350Millermatic 252/ 30A spoolgunMiller Bobcat 225g w/ 3545 spoolgunLincoln PowerArc4000Lincoln 175 Mig  Lincoln 135 Mig Everlast 250EX TigCentury ac/dc 230 amp stickVictor O/AHypertherm 1000 plasma
Reply:Hate to be behind that when something goes wrong.
Reply:What part of California are you from?  I am in Los Angeles...
Reply:Krikey. Should that go in the "weld fail" post or the "trailer fail" post!?!?Must have weirded the guy out to have the cops taking photos.
Reply:Are citations issued for stupidity ?  Fortunately nothing was attached to it !
Reply:Anyone else think its a little off color for a police officer to post a picture of a person's truck online.   Especially with part of the license plate showing?  It seems like there may be a better use for the tax dollars.....don't know....just my opinion.Farmer2Hobart Champion EliteMiller S-32p 12Lincoln sp175tLincoln 225 ac tombstoneHarris oxy/aceteleneMakita grinders/chopsawHypertherm Powermax 45
Reply:Originally Posted by farmer2Anyone else think its a little off color for a police officer to post a picture of a person's truck online.   Especially with part of the license plate showing?  It seems like there may be a better use for the tax dollars.....don't know....just my opinion.Farmer2
Reply:looks like only a partial of the plate.  and no,  i don't have a problem with it.handler 187hobart air-force 625one old azz lincon cracker box
Reply:Originally Posted by farmer2Anyone else think its a little off color for a police officer to post a picture of a person's truck online.   Especially with part of the license plate showing?  It seems like there may be a better use for the tax dollars.....don't know....just my opinion.Farmer2
Reply:While I certainly don't think this is a big deal, I just don't think its appropriate.  My opinion has very little to do with the plate.  My main issue is that the person being pulled over was kept on the side of the road in California traffic while a police officer took pictures of his vehicle for the purpose of putting them on an online forum.  This is not fair to the driver, or the other drivers that are driving passed trying to avoid an accident.  To me it doesn't matter if it took 20 seconds or 20 minutes.  These pictures had nothing to do with the driver being pulled over and should not have been taken.  While I am not in law inforcement, I can only imagine that his superiors would probably agree with me.  Again, its not a big deal, and I have the utmost respect for law enforcement, I just don't agree with pictures being taken.farmer2Hobart Champion EliteMiller S-32p 12Lincoln sp175tLincoln 225 ac tombstoneHarris oxy/aceteleneMakita grinders/chopsawHypertherm Powermax 45
Reply:The cop that pulled me over for going a "little" too fast on my bike didn't have a problem with me taking a picture of his vehicle so I would have to say I don't have a problem with this.  Maybe it will encourage the driver to get this fixed since a cop paid attention to it (probably not though).GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelThe cop that pulled me over for going a "little" too fast on my bike didn't have a problem with me taking a picture of his vehicle so I would have to say I don't have a problem with this.  Maybe it will encourage the driver to get this fixed since a cop paid attention to it (probably not though).
Reply:It was my profile picture on FB for a while.  GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I'm sure the hitch is only used to tow his paddleboard.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert HallI'm sure the hitch is only used to tow his paddleboard.
Reply:You are correct in the fact that there is nothing wrong with taking the picture.It is within public view all the time. Just the same as people taking pictures of us. And as far as wasting tax payers money while taking the 10 seconds to take the picturesI was waiting on the side of the road for my tow truck to arrive. He's was stopped for doing 73 mph in an 50 mphzone. The reason for the tow was because his license has been suspended since 2011. You are welcomethat I got him off the road so he didn't crash into a family and not have insurance
Reply:Thanks for getting him off the streets and be safe out there.
Reply:Just a question out of curiosity on this hitch situation. If you had pulled over someone towing a trailer with a very questionable looking hitch such as this, are you able/allowed to do anything to keep them from continuing pulling said trailer with this hitch? If you deem the hitch is not safe to continue towing, can you do anything to prevent further movement of the trailer with the hitch?
Reply:Originally Posted by KMcCurdyYou are correct in the fact that there is nothing wrong with taking the picture.It is within public view all the time. Just the same as people taking pictures of us. And as far as wasting tax payers money while taking the 10 seconds to take the picturesI was waiting on the side of the road for my tow truck to arrive. He's was stopped for doing 73 mph in an 50 mphzone. The reason for the tow was because his license has been suspended since 2011. You are welcomethat I got him off the road so he didn't crash into a family and not have insurance
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauJust a question out of curiosity on this hitch situation. If you had pulled over someone towing a trailer with a very questionable looking hitch such as this, are you able/allowed to do anything to keep them from continuing pulling said trailer with this hitch? If you deem the hitch is not safe to continue towing, can you do anything to prevent further movement of the trailer with the hitch?
Reply:Farmer2,You appear to be jumping to a number of conclusions without much in the way of supporting facts or data, mostly unsupported opinion.Anyone else think its a little off color for a police officer to post a picture of a person's truck online.   Pictures show only a limited portion of the vehicle, not the person driving the vehicle.  One could argue that by showing only the last four digits of an obviously damaged plate, it is not sufficient to compromise anyone's privacy, only document the condition of a specific vehicle.  The damaged plate, specifically the damaged paint on the plate (partially defaced) numbers on a commercial plate is sufficient justification to make the traffic stop.  What is the problem with the picture? Especially with part of the license plate showing? Do you not see license plates everyday driving on the road?  How does this post compromise the privacy of the individual pulled over?  It seems like there may be a better use for the tax dollars.....don't know....just my opinion.  Since you don't know the circumstances of when or how the officer took the pictures or made the post or department policy, how do you conclude tax dollars where improperly used?  Do you have information regarding law enforcement policy or law on why these pictures should not taken or made available to the public?  I happen to be of the camp that pictures or video of police contacts is a good thing for the public.  It promotes transparency for all parties involved, good or bad. Farmer2 While I certainly don't think this is a big deal, I just don't think its appropriate. Why?  Please explain. My opinion has very little to do with the plate. My main issue is that the person being pulled over was kept on the side of the road in California traffic while a police officer took pictures of his vehicle for the purpose of putting them on an online forum. Do you have any information to back this statement up?  What information do you have regarding the purpose of why these pictures where taken?  This is not fair to the driver, or the other drivers that are driving passed trying to avoid an accident. Other than your personal assumption and concern, what information do you have that documents the hazard to the motoring public?  Since you do not know where or when the stop was made, how can you support the claim of a hazard to the motoring public?  Since you don't know why the stop was made, how can you reasonably make any accurate conclusion about the hazard or its magnitude to public? To me it doesn't matter if it took 20 seconds or 20 minutes. These pictures had nothing to do with the driver being pulled over and should not have been taken. Since you don't know why the stop was made or why the pictures were taken or the context, how do you justify this statement?    While I am not in law inforcement, I can only imagine that his superiors would probably agree with me. Why would the officer's supervision have a problem with this, based upon the lack of facts and data that you have presented?  If you are going to make claims like this, shouldn't you have you position down cold with facts and data, instead of making unsupported allegations?  Supervision is tasked with assessing all the factors involved in resolving complaints or service issues.  With the information that you have presented, what would you reasonably expect the supervisors to do other than to thank you for expressing your concerns and opinions? Again, its not a big deal, and I have the utmost respect for law enforcement, I just don't agree with pictures being taken.  farmer2 How did you use the picture? Question for you, Farmer2.   How are you using the picture?  What is your agenda? Clearly the welds involved are less than textbook quality and cause concern in a trailer hitch application.  One might infer from the pictures that this is a commercial vehicle and may be used to tow commercial loads based upon the observed pintle hitch.  One might argue that this is an unsafe operating configuration based upon the features observed in the pictures presented.  My questions are similar to those of Bistineau, what authority does a traffic officer have in addressing these types of hitch safety issues on a commercial vehicle?  Are the pictures presented sufficient for the vehicle to be taken out of service by law enforcement?  What standard must be met to take a vehicle out of service.  Please understand that all pickups/light trucks are commercial in California from a licensing/registration perspective, and therefore may be subject to commercial vehicle safety standards.  I am curious as to what vehicle safety codes would apply in this situation to the hitch installation.  How much discretion does a traffic officer have with questionable vehicle safety situations?  Thanks in advance to KMcCurdy for any insight on how these issues are handled by law enforcement.  And thanks for sharing.  Farmer2Thanks for sharing your concerns''  73 mph in an 50 mph '' !  Boy , good thing he had that ''HEAVY ''  DUTY TRAILER HITCH slowin him down.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmer2Anyone else think its a little off color for a police officer to post a picture of a person's truck online.   Especially with part of the license plate showing?  It seems like there may be a better use for the tax dollars.....don't know....just my opinion.Farmer2
Reply:Originally Posted by KMcCurdyAnd as far as wasting tax payers money while taking the 10 seconds to take the pictures
Reply:Don't wear them a lot of the time. J. R. Bauer
Reply:Originally Posted by AMillerUserFarmer2,You appear to be jumping to a number of conclusions without much in the way of supporting facts or data, mostly unsupported opinion.Anyone else think its a little off color for a police officer to post a picture of a person's truck online.   Pictures show only a limited portion of the vehicle, not the person driving the vehicle.  One could argue that by showing only the last four digits of an obviously damaged plate, it is not sufficient to compromise anyone's privacy, only document the condition of a specific vehicle.  The damaged plate, specifically the damaged paint on the plate (partially defaced) numbers on a commercial plate is sufficient justification to make the traffic stop.  What is the problem with the picture? Especially with part of the license plate showing? Do you not see license plates everyday driving on the road?  How does this post compromise the privacy of the individual pulled over?  It seems like there may be a better use for the tax dollars.....don't know....just my opinion.  Since you don't know the circumstances of when or how the officer took the pictures or made the post or department policy, how do you conclude tax dollars where improperly used?  Do you have information regarding law enforcement policy or law on why these pictures should not taken or made available to the public?  I happen to be of the camp that pictures or video of police contacts is a good thing for the public.  It promotes transparency for all parties involved, good or bad. Farmer2 While I certainly don't think this is a big deal, I just don't think its appropriate. Why?  Please explain. My opinion has very little to do with the plate. My main issue is that the person being pulled over was kept on the side of the road in California traffic while a police officer took pictures of his vehicle for the purpose of putting them on an online forum. Do you have any information to back this statement up?  What information do you have regarding the purpose of why these pictures where taken?  This is not fair to the driver, or the other drivers that are driving passed trying to avoid an accident. Other than your personal assumption and concern, what information do you have that documents the hazard to the motoring public?  Since you do not know where or when the stop was made, how can you support the claim of a hazard to the motoring public?  Since you don't know why the stop was made, how can you reasonably make any accurate conclusion about the hazard or its magnitude to public? To me it doesn't matter if it took 20 seconds or 20 minutes. These pictures had nothing to do with the driver being pulled over and should not have been taken. Since you don't know why the stop was made or why the pictures were taken or the context, how do you justify this statement?    While I am not in law inforcement, I can only imagine that his superiors would probably agree with me. Why would the officer's supervision have a problem with this, based upon the lack of facts and data that you have presented?  If you are going to make claims like this, shouldn't you have you position down cold with facts and data, instead of making unsupported allegations?  Supervision is tasked with assessing all the factors involved in resolving complaints or service issues.  With the information that you have presented, what would you reasonably expect the supervisors to do other than to thank you for expressing your concerns and opinions? Again, its not a big deal, and I have the utmost respect for law enforcement, I just don't agree with pictures being taken.  farmer2 How did you use the picture? Question for you, Farmer2.   How are you using the picture?  What is your agenda? Clearly the welds involved are less than textbook quality and cause concern in a trailer hitch application.  One might infer from the pictures that this is a commercial vehicle and may be used to tow commercial loads based upon the observed pintle hitch.  One might argue that this is an unsafe operating configuration based upon the features observed in the pictures presented.  My questions are similar to those of Bistineau, what authority does a traffic officer have in addressing these types of hitch safety issues on a commercial vehicle?  Are the pictures presented sufficient for the vehicle to be taken out of service by law enforcement?  What standard must be met to take a vehicle out of service.  Please understand that all pickups/light trucks are commercial in California from a licensing/registration perspective, and therefore may be subject to commercial vehicle safety standards.  I am curious as to what vehicle safety codes would apply in this situation to the hitch installation.  How much discretion does a traffic officer have with questionable vehicle safety situations?  Thanks in advance to KMcCurdy for any insight on how these issues are handled by law enforcement.  And thanks for sharing.  Farmer2Thanks for sharing your concerns
Reply:Originally Posted by farmer2Like I said not q big deal or a need for all this discussion, but I guarrantee that if his superiors new he took pictutes t&at had nothing to do withe traffic violation and posted them on apubliic forum for personal use would say it was inappropriate.   I agree CEp that anyone in law inforcement deserves the utmost respect, i just have a small issue with the pictures.
Reply:Who knows.... those pictures may come in handy for a lawsuit or trial some day, proving the inadequacy of the hitch welds to pull a load that came loose and injured/killed someone.OP may want to forward those pics to the inspection arm, IMO that truck need to be redflagged until the hitch meets code.MillerMatic 252Miller Xtreme 625Miller Digital Elite
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseThis is a welding forum.  The OP posted pictures of poor welds.  Why don't you stick to criticizing the welding in the photos and not the fine job the officer did stopping the offender?  Light my fuse!!!!!!!To the OP, job well done, keep up the good work!
Reply:Originally Posted by KMcCurdyYou are correct in the fact that there is nothing wrong with taking the picture.It is within public view all the time. Just the same as people taking pictures of us. And as far as wasting tax payers money while taking the 10 seconds to take the picturesI was waiting on the side of the road for my tow truck to arrive. He's was stopped for doing 73 mph in an 50 mphzone. The reason for the tow was because his license has been suspended since 2011. You are welcomethat I got him off the road so he didn't crash into a family and not have insurance
Reply:keep taking those pictures op.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Right on, you have nothing to defend.  Farmer should be tending to his crops, or doing something else worthwhile... Originally Posted by KMcCurdyYou are correct in the fact that there is nothing wrong with taking the picture.It is within public view all the time. Just the same as people taking pictures of us. And as far as wasting tax payers money while taking the 10 seconds to take the picturesI was waiting on the side of the road for my tow truck to arrive. He's was stopped for doing 73 mph in an 50 mphzone. The reason for the tow was because his license has been suspended since 2011. You are welcomethat I got him off the road so he didn't crash into a family and not have insurance
Reply:If he had said, I'm Joe Smo and saw this on the side of the road and took pictures of it.2 pages would be wasted on people commenting about the welds.Instead 2 pages are wasted complaining about Law Enforcement!He took the pictures because he is a concerned human!Not a Policeman!I say, keep taking them and posting them!
Reply:It should be required for all police officers to take pictures of potentially unsafe vehicles or trailers, for a matter of record. Then post them to embarrass the fools who own them. Too many people getting killed by stupid stuff like this. Then the idiots in DC think guns are too dangerous for society. Sorry for the rant. I'll shut-up now.Miller Bobcat 250Syncrowave  200Millermatic 252Spoolmatic 30ASpectrum 625 X-TremeMaxstar 150SVictor O/A torchesDewalt angle grindersWelded on/off for over 40 years.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmer2Very valid point, I digres.  Don't let that fuse get too short.....all that hates gunna burn you up
Reply:In some communities/municipalities you can buy a printed newsletter publication that lists the arrest activity of the local police for the last month or so.  It can be bought at the neighborhood convenience store check out.Lists include DUI, burglary, and various other offenses. The arrested persons are identified and their addresses are listed too. All perfectly legal.  Many of the arrested people's police mug shot is printed too.Now, you know that must chap the asks of the arrested individuals, but tuff chit.If someone is going to get out on the roads and do stupid stuff, the rest of the people out there on the roads are entitled to have an opportunity to know who they have been rubbing shoulders (or fenders) with.So, I guess I don't have a problem with a photo showing a partial view of a damaged state registration plate.
Reply:Originally Posted by GobyskyIt should be required for all police officers to take pictures of potentially unsafe vehicles or trailers, for a matter of record. Then post them to embarrass the fools who own them. Too many people getting killed by stupid stuff like this. Then the idiots in DC think guns are too dangerous for society. Sorry for the rant. I'll shut-up now.
Reply:Thanks for getting the driver off the road KMcCurdy and regardless of what everyone thinks about the photo session, it's a given that that hitch ". . . contains substances known by the state of California to cause cancer.". MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Oh, you are soooo mean Duane, making fun of stupid ole Quacklifornia like that!  (Tell 'em what you REALLY think! )BS legislation has been known to cause malignant idiocy in the state of California.Tell 'em Leeland Yee.... Last edited by tanglediver; 04-24-2014 at 10:45 PM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Damn! Why don't you guys getting a chubby for the cop go get a motel room with him if you love him that much. Farmer was just stating an opinion.Now I lay me down to sleep, by the bed a Colt I do keep.Should I wake and find you inside, a coroner van is your next ride.
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcOh good grief!   I knew "someone" would talk chit about the OP's post.  You're the winner!   Only a partial  plate is shown, so get over it!  It's just a picture that focuses on what this website is all about (welding).    Go hijack your own thread.  If you don't like the harmless picture, log out and don't come back.  Don't try to make something out of nothing by trying to start a brush fire here.   Unreal.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawHe is probably the president of his local HOA too.  If not he would fit right in....   folks who love to whine end complain and butt their node in everyone' business Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Reply:Personal attacks and insults violate the rules my friend.
Reply:I feel it's a legitimate question.Now I lay me down to sleep, by the bed a Colt I do keep.Should I wake and find you inside, a coroner van is your next ride.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawHe is probably the president of his local HOA too.  If not he would fit right in....   folks who love to whine end complain and butt their node in everyone' business
Reply:Then you had best ask the same question about yourself..   Originally Posted by phillipI feel it's a legitimate question.