Receiver hitch

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made a receiver hitch Attached Images
Reply:Geez ed,all that work and you leave those ragged edges on the support pieces??Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:i just broke the $1000.00 a week markand it only getting better i do great workLast edited by ed mac; 05-26-2011 at 09:47 PM.
Reply:x2Grind those things clean!! Other than that, looks great [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Originally Posted by ed maci just broke the $1000.00 a week markand it only getting better i do great work
Reply:What's that receiver supposed to be "rated" for, load wise?Looks like a pretty substantial tow vehicle.  Hope he's not planning on towing heavy construction equipment.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:this guy was so happy with the workLast edited by ed mac; 05-26-2011 at 10:31 PM.
Reply:I agree, nice sturdy well built job, but 10 minutes with a grinder before it would leave my shop.
Reply:The difference between a good job and a great job is usually only a few minutes in time and effort.AlA man is judged by what's between his legs...always ride a good horseMiller DialArc HFLincoln Classic 300DThermal Arc 181iPowermax 45Scotchman Ironworker(2) BridgeportsOkomota Surface GrinderAutoCAD 2010
Reply:Nice work ed.. But that looks like a lot of leverage that far down. I would put some reenforcing brackets from the bottom up towards the front of the vehicle."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Hiding taillites is a big  up here in Mass......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.
Reply:Great job?????Easy to tell who's a welder/fabricator and who's not.Hope ed mac has "lots" of insurance.If I need photos of a "hack job", I'll use these photos.If this receiver is going to have anything other than a "small" utility trailer attached, it will fail.  A construction equipment trailer will peel that receiver off like peeling a hard boiled egg.  As stick-man mentioned, the leverage created by the placement of the receiver tube will work against you.  There is absolutley no reinforcement for lateral (side to side) or front to rear.movement.Please tell me that those vertical brackets wern't just welded to the frame channel flange.My only hope is that this receiver fails before the rig leaves the yard, rather than out on the highway where innocent people may be hurt/killed.  Building receivers for heavy towing vehicles is NOT a job for the backyard hack.As already mentioned, anyone who allows something that looks like that to leave their shop, doesn't have any "pride in workmanship".  I see a plasma cutter in the photo.  Jeez, a torch could have done a cleaner cut.  If you're going to freehand a plasma, at least cut a pattern.  Makes cleanup a lot easier.  (Oh, I forgot.  Cleanup wasn't in the cards to begin with)How about some photos of the welds where the receiver is mounted to the frame.  With this design, that's where the "rubber meets the road".  Seeing as how they're going to be "out of position", I'm guessing they're "real purdy".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:Oops, DPLast edited by SundownIII; 05-27-2011 at 01:27 PM.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:The design & craftsmanship is beyond words, never realized you could cut mild steel plate with battery acid.
Reply:Mr. Ed Mac,I'm not in the habit of criticizing the work of others, but I feel there are some safety issues here that need to be emphasized if not for you, then for the advantage of others who will read this post in the future.[ZAP and Sundown - hope you don't mind my emphasis of your points)Zap mentioned the rear lighting... I'll reiterate.  By the pictures you provided, I don't see any way possible that the position of those tail lights could pass Federal safety regulations in CFR 49 (not to mention any individual state regulations); specifically regarding the visibility of the optical center of at least one lamp at any height between 2 and 6ft.  I suspect the driver of that vehicle will eventually have a very unpleasant experience with a state trooper or DOT.  We'll just hope the encounter isn't a result of him getting rearended at night by some unsuspecting soul.  Please relocate the rear lighting for the sake of others on the road, or at least mention it to the owner if it was not part of the job you were contracted to perform.On the hitch itself, SundownIII said it. Some don't like the way he says it, but I like his no BS style...  I hope you are now aware that by using a drop design with no bracing, you have created a lever arm (appears to be 12-18"? is it 1/2" plate?).  Trailer weight at the end of that lever arm creates a tremendous amount of torque on the frame mount (calculate it if you know the weight of the trailer and cargo), especially in a panic stop or evasive maneuver.  I have no clue how heavy the trailer is that this thing will be towing, but if it's a tandem axle hauling equipment it's another recipe for disaster.  In a serious incident, at best it will just twist up like a pretzel from unbraced lateral forces.  At worst it will damage and distort the vehicle frame, hitch coupling  mechanism will break loose, or receiver will completely tear loose and trailer will possibly hit something or someone.  If you are unsure what the regulations are for hitches, if I remember right, they can be found in the Motor Vehicle Act under Trailer Couplings.My intention is not to degrade you, or your work; but rather to suggest that you re-evaluate your design and make some safety related improvements. I hope you take this in the constructive way in which it was meant.Dynasty 200DXBobcat 250, TD Cutmaster 38 Hobart Stickmate AC/DC LXHobart 210 Mig / SpoolgunCentury Mig, O/A rigPress/Ring Roller/Tubing Roller/Hyd. Pipe BenderJD2 Notcher/IR 80gal 5hp compressorportaband/chopsaw/grinders/etc.
Reply:Usually use 8-10"  channel for an application like that, with bracing going forward on the frame.Thats a pretty weak setup. Absolutely no craftsmanship shown either.
Reply:Why did you post pictures of work that looks so bad? Seems like you have too much to do and are trying to scare away future business.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Wow! LOLI guess i should have looked closer at the application here before commenting. I do hope this is only to pull a small trailer.
Reply:"and it only getting better i do great work"This is the truly sad part of the whole thread.The truly good welders not only take pride in their work but they also understand their limitations.  They don't take on work that, if not designed and completed properly, has the potential to put others in great danger.The OP has clearly demonstrated that he lacks the structural design skills and fabrication skills necessary for this job.  I'm not even going to comment on the "welding" but if the former are lacking the latter probably is too.He may be making $1,000/week, but he's definitely not "ready for prime time" even though he thinks he is.  What he's doing is taking food off the table of some hard working "professional".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:Originally Posted by SundownIII"and it only getting better i do great work"This is the truly sad part of the whole thread.The truly good welders not only take pride in their work but they also understand their limitations.  They don't take on work that, if not designed and completed properly, has the potential to put others in great danger.The OP has clearly demonstrated that he lacks the structural design skills and fabrication skills necessary for this job.  I'm not even going to comment on the "welding" but if the former are lacking the latter probably is too.He may be making $1,000/week, but he's definitely not "ready for prime time" even though he thinks he is.  What he's doing is taking food off the table of some hard working "professional".
Reply:I turned down a trailer hitch project yesterday. And do all the time.I will build my own and am more than confident in my work.But don't need the liability when you never know what some moron might try to use it for.Just not worth it for me.
Reply:Holy hackmanshiphopefully they don't use that to tow anythingmight want to rethink what  you are trying to do for a living or atleast get some proper training so you dont kill someone  last time i checked if that fails and kills people and the fail is tracked back to you. you would be facing possible negligent homicide chargesMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Yaknow ed...I hate to type this but...You just opened a big ...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.
Reply:I normally do not critisize the work of others on here, but since I have looked at this thread this morning the picture of the finished product has really bothered me. First off. You are dealing with a medium duty truck, yet you have a hitch that is built for a light duty application. Realistically the big open space in the hitch should have been occupied by a solid piece of 3/8" or 1/2" plate, and it should have been gusseted and reinforced to the frame. As well Id have included a pintle hitch with a ball instead of a receiver tube, or at least a pintle above a receiver tube. And where the pintle mounted if you used 3/8" id have welded a backing plate to the area to reinforce it. The tail light setup is also an issue. It well it just sucks. I always insist on replacing tail lights with LED's and if a customer doesn't want to upgrade to them I don't do the job, because I firmly believe in making the world a safer place. Finally fit and finish, The job just looked hacked to me because you didn't grind anything, it looks like something a 16 year old kid did in shop class, not a professional welder.Another issue I can see is you welded the hitch to the frame. THIS IS WRONG!!!YOU NEVER WELD TO THE FRAME ON A TRUCK!The correct thing to do would have been to make the hitch overlap each side of the frame and bolt through. Yes it requires drilling holes, yes that is a lot of work. The hitch you have built is not structurally sound, it is going to break the frame of the truck and jack it up really bad. The right thing to do would be to cut the hitch off and give the customer his money back. What you have built is unsafe, illegal and has damaged the frame of the truck.
Reply:While I am at it, I decided to do some cad and show what a proper hitch would look like. If the pintle were going to be pulling heavy loads like a Backhoe on a trailer, then you would want to add a gusset from the center up to the front cross tube, but a design like this would be strong enough to pull a reasonably sized trailer for that truck.I just can't believe you charged for that, and on the flip side, somebody paid for it.  I've given away work with a better fit and finish than that just to build a good rep.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Mr. Beast, how come it needs an extra brace for a pintle and not one for a ball? I've never used a pintle and don't forsee ever using one, just curious.
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastThe tail light setup is also an issue. It well it just sucks. I always insist on replacing tail lights with LED's and if a customer doesn't want to upgrade to them I don't do the job, because I firmly believe in making the world a safer place. Another issue I can see is you welded the hitch to the frame. THIS IS WRONG!!!YOU NEVER WELD TO THE FRAME ON A TRUCK!The correct thing to do would have been to make the hitch overlap each side of the frame and bolt through. Yes it requires drilling holes, yes that is a lot of work.
Reply:Ed 'Hac',I must say, you're a hack.  I am saying this in all seriousness, all friendliness, and all saneness.  Please stick to yard art.  You are dangerous.  You will get someone hurt or killed and they or their family will sue you and own you.  If you don't care about their family at least care about your own family.You are a lawyer's dream.
Reply:Originally Posted by weekenderMr. Beast, how come it needs an extra brace for a pintle and not one for a ball? I've never used a pintle and don't forsee ever using one, just curious.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manIn all fairness, 1. I would never turn down a job because someone did not want led's. That is ridiculous. On my dump trailers, I will not run them. They get too covered in mud, then dry wiped clean and all scratched up. I would end up replacing them long before their lifespan is over. And quite frankly, the old 4" sealed round lights last longer than I would expect. Why spend the extra $.
Reply:Just imagine how many "jobs" like this are on the road with you every day.  This hitch looks about as strong as the one I made for the wifes mini van to pull a 1500# boat.Great effort Ed! Just please take some time to do some research before building more. For your own sake, think what would happen if that hitch fails and sends a trailer off smashing into a vehicle with kids or a bus. Don't just do the job to do it and make money, take pride in your work and make absolute sure you understand what you are doing and do the job right.
Reply:I worked at Valley along time ago welding hitches. They had very low standers there! but not as bad as this hitch!! And welding on a frame is a BIG NO NO! Also don't buy a valley hitch! theres a reason they are out of biz!
Reply:Garbage like this is the main reason those of us that weld for a living & own shops have to pay through the a$$ for our liability insurance coverage.
Reply:Just my 2 cents on the led taillights. The problem with led is the lack of heat created. Here in southern Ontario where we have winter 8 months a year, the snow sticks to them and the become invisible. Standard taillights are the only way to go. If the proper gauge of wire is used, there should be no problem with dim lights.  Also, that trailer hitch looks like a bag of ballsacks.
Reply:Originally Posted by Farmer_JoeThe problem with led is the lack of heat created. Here in southern Ontario where we have winter 8 months a year, the snow sticks to them and the become invisible.
Reply:Originally Posted by jmtebbensThat is an interesting thought.  I'm in NW Indiana and we get pretty nasty winters here, nothing compared to yours though.  I've been designing a custom flatbed for one of my trucks and was planning on all LED markers and lights.  I didn't think about the freezing road spray.I suppose some type of 12VDC heat trace could be incorporated to aid in the thawing process...Like this:12VDC Heat Trace
Reply:Sometimes even standard lights can't keep up with the snow.
Reply:Bump,Just thought this one should remain up front as a "how not to do it thread" for a while longer.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:Going to try to convert this thread into a learning one for me as I am a newby hack, so I am hijacking to learn something.  Why "dont you weld to the frame"?I saw in a jeep forum that someone welded some side steps to a CJ and he was flamed for welding to the frame, so I wanted to ask why that shouldnt be done.  Sorry for the ignorant question but i come here to learn, so thought would ask.  And yes, this job looks like garbage so that isnt the question.PS, my avatar is a joke pic, I found on bad welding.  Not my welds!
Reply:Good question, Matt!!Well Im sure that there are others on here who know more about the subject than I do, but its mostly because the frames on vehicles aren't the same steel that you get in the form of plate or angle or whatever from your supplier. Frames are sometimes heat treated, and sometimes have various alloys in them that make them desirable for being made into frames. They can be hard to weld, and some can be mig welded by someone with the training, while others just shouldn't be touched.[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:For another reason purely from a engineering perspective.  You don't want to weld perpendicular across a member unless it is engineered that way.  The resultant weld causes a stress riser and will be the cause of many headaches.  That is the reason you will find fishplates are pointed at the ends so there isn't a perpendicular weld traversing the member.  You will often find a tail welded on the end of a fishplate to help divert stress and counter act a stress riser.
Reply:The whole rear of my truck is welded from the end of the dump down to the recievers..That I will never use..It's dirty and rusty but not one bolt.....zap!Last edited by zapster; 05-30-2011 at 02:42 PM.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.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterThe whole rear of my truck is welded from the end of the dump down to the recievers..That I will never use..It's dirty and rusty but not one bolt.....zap!
Reply:I don't think I would hesitate to weld on my car frame.  They were welded at the factory and I doubt that they were heat treated AFTER the welding.  Cars aren't expected to carry extreme loads so that would be of no concern to me.  Unibody cars don't even have a frame anymore and the subframe (front and rear) are usually held on with a few bolts and rubber bushings).  Trucks on the other hand, are often overloaded and abused by their owners, and while I would not rule out welding on a truck frame, it should be done carefully to prevent weakening the frame.  Common sense and some thought should go into frame welding before the process begins.  I don't think much of Ed's design for the receiver hitch on this truck (not to mention the execution), but at least the attachment points aren't in a critical portion of the frame.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:On a much lighter note, I woulda pulled the sticker off my hammer handle, I dont like flying hammers.(see what the former carpenter notices....)MLM
Reply:I've built several hitches over the years, never welded one to the frame. I guess the only reasons for that is if the pin hole in the receiver oblonged, or if the truck got sold, and wanted to keep the hitch. I don't see a problem welding to the frame anywhere past the spring hangers. Guess you'd have to look at it case by case.Here's the last hitch I built about 5 years ago. That 500-HP Cummins hasn't pulled it apart yet!   Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Thats a good lookin hitch.
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastThats a good lookin hitch.
Reply:Originally Posted by MrBeastI am a believer in LED's because I feel they are brighter, safer and more reliable. I do know they are more expensive, that is part of the nature of the beast, and I do know that not everyone will agree with me on this. But that is how I see it.