Converted Fifth wheel trailer to bumper pull.

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I know, I know. A trailer is a critical project and shouldn't be attempted by someone without welding experience. And should really be left to the pros. I've been welding on an off for around 6 years now so I'm not just starting out and have welded many other things before doing this. I'm no pro but I'm not really completely new to welding and I've learned quite a few things from a friend. So if I didn't feel confident in my welding I would've left this to a pro to do. But gasp. I went ahead and welded an a frame hitch to my old camper trailer frame. It was previously a fifth wheel camper. I used the steel from the fifth wheel hitch to convert it.  I've pulled this thing down the highway without any problems. Attachment 667621Attachment 667631Attachment 667641Now please. If you just got your welder and haven't welded at all before then don't use a trailer as a learning project. "because they're not" I've used other things that are not critical projects as learning projects before I ever attempted to weld on a trailer again.I've had my experience of attempting a trailer as a learning projects and found out the hard way it's not a learning project as I've had a trailer come undone. But since I've been welding for awhile and know more about welding I decided to attempt it again. And this is on a heavier and bigger trailer. I welded this up using 1/8" 6011 Rods at 115 AMPS and did 3 passes just to be on the safe side.Welder was a lincoln tombstone 180 AMP welder. I'll be sure to keep this thread updated on how it's holding up.ChadLast edited by Chad22; 03-24-2014 at 12:27 PM.
Reply:If the weld in the middle photo is an example of your current welding proficiency, don't bother updating the thread with how its holding up.  We'll just watch the news on television for the footage of the wreck.
Reply:The popcorn is almost ready...
Reply:Instead of butchering up the trailer, why didn't you just do this?http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...seneck-hitches!That would have accomplished the same thing, and could be used with other trailers for the same purpose.The trailer you did, appears to be an equipment trailer, not an RV. Is it a fifth wheel trailer or a gooseneck? Most equipment trailers are gooseneck and RV trailers are fifth wheel. But not neccessarily all are that way.
Reply:Originally Posted by walkerweldIf the weld in the middle photo is an example of your current welding proficiency, don't bother updating the thread with how its holding up.  We'll just watch the news on television for the footage of the wreck.
Reply:These are photos of half decent welds made with the SA200 I used to have and the Lincoln Ranger 305 I used to have.   The fillet weld you have holding the hitch to the trailer is pure garbage.   If you were an apprentice under me you would spend a lot of time on the grinder and gouger if you laid crap welds like that.   Youd learn in a hurry how to weld proper or become very proficient with a grinder and gouger...   I know you are not a professional but yet you weld on a job that should be done by a professional....Journeyman / Red Seal Welder (What a useless test)Miller CST 280Miller XMT 350Miller 12vs XtremeEvolution Evo 28 mag drillEvolution 380 Dry Cut saw
Reply:Oh boy....this is gonna be a fun one....  Hey Fast Leroy, pass that popcorn down my way!  "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:After seeing the pictures of that trailer I knew this was coming... Do me a favor    attach the safety chains really far back on the trailer. Extra butter for me pleasePrecision tig 225Millermatic 185 w/ spoolgunLincoln 140Dewalt cold saw
Reply:Could the op  post his location so we can watch for it coming?  Coming soon in welding fail post !  Is he a troll on just an idiot?
Reply:I give it 3 more posts until the Mods shut this thread down.Some members here have children who weld better and have way more brains then this guy.Oh dear...
Reply:Originally Posted by snowbirdComing soon in welding fail post !  Is he a troll on just an idiot?
Reply:Er Mah Gerd
Reply:Originally Posted by Canadian WeldingI give it 3 more posts until the Mods shut this thread down...
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauInstead of butchering up the trailer, why didn't you just do this?http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...seneck-hitches!That would have accomplished the same thing, and could be used with other trailers for the same purpose.The trailer you did, appears to be an equipment trailer, not an RV. Is it a fifth wheel trailer or a gooseneck? Most equipment trailers are gooseneck and RV trailers are fifth wheel. But not neccessarily all are that way.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauI feel bad for Chad, he may never want to post another project on here ever again after this. But I would feel worse for whoever get's run over by this trailer when it finally decides it doesn't want to be pulled around by the truck anymore and heads out on it's own. This makes 3 more posts now, is it time for lock out?
Reply:He might be in prison for negligent homicide....I hope not.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Originally Posted by vettersjakeAfter seeing the pictures of that trailer I knew this was coming... Do me a favor    attach the safety chains really far back on the trailer. Extra butter for me please
Reply:At least he didn't us a 110 mig on this build.Lincoln pro core 125 14''chop saw7 inch grinder,2-4.5 inch grinders,electric die grinder.Half inch drillAnd alot of hand tools
Reply:I came up on a scene where a tire flew off of and old ****ty trailer and hit a guy on a motorcycle. Guy on the motorcycle was getting carted off on the stretcher.  Most likely the tire flew off because the trailer was overloaded and broke the studs or poor maintenance causes a seized wheel bearing to saw the spindle off. When I see people towing stuff when I'm on my bike I do my best to get past them fast. Same goes for semi trucks, I pass them like I'm on a mission, cause it's my life. I'd prefer not to get hit by a recap coming off a tire at 70mph. When I see welds like this I cringe. What makes it worse, this guy thinks his welds are adequate. Yikes.
Reply:If you hurry and use some flex seal paint it might hold together!
Reply:I do think someone is having some fun at the expense of some of the regulars here.life is good
Reply:Wow!. I'm learning how to weld myself and the other day the instructor was showing pictures of bad welds, this one looks even worse than the one he was showing.... and on a trailer     Chad22 please have someone who knows how to weld fix it before it fails.
Reply:Originally Posted by wroughtn_harvI do think someone is having some fun at the expense of some of the regulars here.
Reply:Originally Posted by jchaverriThe thought crossed my mind, I hope that's what is going on
Reply:TrueSent from my GT-I9300 using TapatalkOriginally Posted by wroughtn_harvI do think someone is having some fun at the expense of some of the regulars here.
Reply:at least he used gussets on the tongue 93 Bobcat 225GMillerMatic 135HF Tig 91811
Reply:Originally Posted by wroughtn_harvI do think someone is having some fun at the expense of some of the regulars here.
Reply:Originally Posted by Antiblinghttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...71#post3887371
Reply:Originally Posted by Newfie_1986Attachment 667671Attachment 667681Attachment 667691Attachment 667701These are photos of half decent welds made with the SA200 I used to have and the Lincoln Ranger 305 I used to have.   The fillet weld you have holding the hitch to the trailer is pure garbage.   If you were an apprentice under me you would spend a lot of time on the grinder and gouger if you laid crap welds like that.   Youd learn in a hurry how to weld proper or become very proficient with a grinder and gouger...   I know you are not a professional but yet you weld on a job that should be done by a professional....
Reply:*** **** you guys are brutal.Last edited by SWells; 03-28-2014 at 11:01 AM.Reason: language, member complaintNow 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 phillip*** **** you guys are brutal.
Reply:This has to be a joke...either way it's funny unless it killed someone .  I skipped the popcorn and went straight to a couple fingers of 30year Laphroaig --Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:Originally Posted by phillipGod Damn you guys are brutal.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopHey,We're trying to save lives here, this trailer could come from together and cost someones life!!!We aren't brutal, and the OP, hasn't responded to tell us what's happening, so he can't sue WeldingWeb for telling him how to do it wrong, now can he????read my signature.....
Reply:Chad22Keep your day-job: and thank your detractors for their highway safe concerns.Foremost: this forum is concerned with applied welding, and allied factors.Your experiment falls out-of-bounds of both.As a token of your rehabilitation, and your cutting torch prowess, please post pics of the tongue detached; so you can re-engineeer, and start anew.   Opus
Reply:Originally Posted by ExcaliburCan I have the rod ends laying to the left in the photo?
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopHey,We're trying to save lives here, this trailer could come from together and cost someones life!!!We aren't brutal, and the OP, hasn't responded to tell us what's happening, so he can't sue WeldingWeb for telling him how to do it wrong, now can he????read my signature.....
Reply:Dave,Very funny, but I'm trying to get a "point" across....Liability is a terrible thing.Bunch of lazy good-for-nothing bums trying to get money out of there dumb-*** mistakes.... so true. that's all lawyers are for, trying to get money out of people to give to "wronged" non-responsible "people"!!!But the way Chad came across is kinda fishing, saying a pro should do it, him saying he's not a pro, but SAYING HE'S BEEN WELDING FOR 6 YEARS!!!!And phillip here saying were brutal, we were pretty nice here....We should try and help Chad do it the right way, but he hasn't "updated" the thread with the casulties....My signature again fellas,Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Yeah John I know - hacked up trailers bother me too I pass them faster than Uhaul trucks   I remember someone in a safety meeting telling me: "Remember, the last time that person drove a big truck was NEVER."Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopWelding isn't as simple as going to "Homeless Despot", getting a 110 lincoln, read the manual, and weld....
Reply:My 110v Lincoln came with a manual? I don't know where it is! GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:You're just kidding about pulling that down the highway, aren't you? aren't you? A POS like that is why all of us who weld for a living have to pay through the nose for liability insurance.Last edited by Old Skool; 03-25-2014 at 04:20 PM.
Reply:Voltage tap on 4 and wfs on 60, hold a 3/8 stick-out, and a 10-15 deg drag.... I CAN WELD!!!!!That's why we have lawyers, to help "protect" our interests....Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopVoltage tap on 4 and wfs on 60, hold a 3/8 stick-out, and a 10-15 deg drag.... I CAN WELD!!!!!That's why we have lawyers, to help "protect" our interests....
Reply:I don't know whether to make fun of this trailer or start putting up flyers to warn people.
Reply:You can even see how horrible they are from this far away.
Reply:Originally Posted by Newfie_1986Sure can smart guy,  catch the next flight up here and I will put them in your hand :-)
Reply:Originally Posted by Chad22I know, I know. A trailer is a critical project and shouldn't be attempted by someone without welding experience. And should really be left to the pros. I've been welding on an off for around 6 years now so I'm not just starting out and have welded many other things before doing this. I'm no pro but I'm not really completely new to welding and I've learned quite a few things from a friend. So if I didn't feel confident in my welding I would've left this to a pro to do. But gasp. I went ahead and welded an a frame hitch to my old camper trailer frame. It was previously a fifth wheel camper. I used the steel from the fifth wheel hitch to convert it.  I've pulled this thing down the highway without any problems. Attachment 667621Attachment 667631Attachment 667641Now please. If you just got your welder and haven't welded at all before then don't use a trailer as a learning project. "because they're not" I've used other things that are not critical projects as learning projects before I ever attempted to weld on a trailer again.I've had my experience of attempting a trailer as a learning projects and found out the hard way it's not a learning project as I've had a trailer come undone. But since I've been welding for awhile and know more about welding I decided to attempt it again. And this is on a heavier and bigger trailer. I welded this up using 1/8" 6011 Rods at 115 AMPS and did 3 passes just to be on the safe side.Welder was a lincoln tombstone 180 AMP welder. I'll be sure to keep this thread updated on how it's holding up.Chad
Reply:Originally Posted by SuperArcSide note:  I hate all lawyers. I wish it were legal to use them to chum the waters for shark fishing.