Weld On or Bolt On Replacement A-Frame Hitch

[ehenry]

All, I inherited a 16X6.5 foot 3500 lb tandem axle trailer. I've had it for a couple years and haven't used it at all because I just haven't had a need for it after I got it home.

Today I dragged it out of the woods, cleaned it off and started inspecting it to use start using. Its in fair shape except for the hitch. I noticed that the ball coupler is cracked and must be replaced. The hitch is welded on from the factory and will take quite a bit of grinding to get it off.

I haven't done any serious welding in 20 years and would feel safer having someone else do the welding and have to pay them. I've seen these type hitches both welded and bolted on. The bolt on 7000 lb hitches I see use 3 bolts per side. Using grade 8 or better bolts which would be better...Which would you go back with? Bolt on or weld on.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If it's already got a welded one, I'd stay with that style.
Most of the time when you see the bolt on style, the frame already has stiffeners weld into it, where the welded one does not, so the tongue will twist easier without welding a new one in reinstalled.

 

[ehenry]

Theres the crack.........

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Oh yea, cut it off and replace it!

An upgrade would be to go to a 2/15 ball size and to go with a cast unit as they wear way better.