Trailer coupler welded to mild steel tubing .. Best method?

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I was wondering if using SMAW, 7018 would be fine welding a trailer coupler to mild steel tubingBut of course im guessing it depends on the type of material the trailer coupler is made out of, for what im doing, i'd be using just a simple store bought coupler .. but does anyone have any suggestions about what type to buy, etc ?Thanks very much in advance
Reply:I weld all the way around it and plug weld the holes.I guess in some states you can't weld a hitch on.David.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:That style is fine, it may have a zinc coating that will create some nasty fumes and the zinc could also interfere with the bead. But if you just kiss it with a grinder or better yet, use a sanding disc to clean that coating off before you weld it, you will do better. E7018 is fine as long as you are familiar with running it.Last edited by tanglediver; 08-18-2008 at 11:27 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:I don't know your compadence level of welding, so, I would recommend utiliizing the two holes to also bolt the hitch coupler on. I would also folloe the above recommended ideas.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Note also the bolt holes are offset. This is a bolt on coupler, not a weld on.
Reply:i used the same thing for my log splitter, i just bolted it on with grade 8's and nylocs,
Reply:I drill a couple of holes and bolt it. If it wears out, I bolt on another one.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by David RI weld all the way around it and plug weld the holes.
Reply:Thanks very much
Reply:Don't forget to pin the latch.