Do Welds/Modifications to a Trailer Hitch Significantly Compromise the Integrity of the Hitch?

[Arolsma]

The previous owner of my truck welded this thing that was used for an anvil onto the trailer hitch. Can I get away with just cutting the piece of metal off and using the hitch, or do I need to replace the hitch? On the hitch it says, "Do not cut, drill, weld, or modify this hitch." The hitch is rated for 3500lbs weight carrying and my truck is only rated to tow 2200lbs, so its not like I will be maxing the hitch out or anything. Did this weld compromise the strength of the hitch much? Thanks

 

[Dirtman]

As a professional weld inspector I say... eh...

Most things that have the label "do not weld" are tempered steel which cracks when you try to weld it. I've never seen a tempered steel trailer hitch though, its simply impractical.

Is the hitch compromised? Yes....

Will it matter? My goat advises me not to answer...

 

[don4331]

Will it matter? My goat advises me not to answer...

Who asked lawyer goat?

 

[Dirtman]

Who asked lawyer goat?

Sir, Law goat approves all my posts, as well as my written letters to fictional breakfast cereal characters and family correspondence. Do you have the signatures of both count chocula and a fat guy named Todd?

I didn't think so.

 

[bobbywalter]

I have boo berry signatures.



Whizzer wheel. Wire wheel....


Prep...

Paint.


Carry on.

 

[Jazzer]

Count Chocula’s name should always be capitalized. Have some respect for royalty you heathen.

-Jazzer

 

[cmequestionu]

I'd be more worried about the rust causing structure issues than the weld. I'd cut it across the tube where it meets the bracket plate, x2 for bobbywalter's advice except I'd add a step of rust converting primer before paint.

 

[bobbywalter]

Rust converter is standard prep in rust belt.

 

[ericbphoto]

I’d leave it there and use it to hold the 30ft tall flag pole for the TRS camping area at Badlands in September.

 

[Arolsma]

I’d leave it there and use it to hold the 30ft tall flag pole for the TRS camping area at Badlands in September.

I actually really like that idea and would totally do it, but I don't plan to be there in September.

I think I'll just try to sell the hitch for like $85 and then buy a Curt hitch. I can get one for $130. If the hitch doesn't sell, I will fix it up. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[snoranger]

I actually really like that idea and would totally do it, but I don't plan to be there in September.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Just cut it off, it won't hurt anything... I wouldn't be afraid of it...

Hmm, that's about the closest TRS gathering to me that I remember... it's still almost 1/2 way across the country... I'll have to look into some things...

 

[Dirtman]

That's about the closest TRS gathering to me that I remember... it's still almost 1/2 way across the country... I'll have to look into some things...

I have offered to let you stay in my basement multiple times for TRS related activities...

 

[scotts90ranger]

That's 100% across the country horizontally... well, probably closer to 98.264% or something random...

 

[Dirtman]

Pfffft that's like a 45 minute ride if you own a SR71 blackbird.