To weld or not to weld

[Raminc]

The receiver on my tv is larger than the hitch so I was given a sleeve to make up the size difference. Now trying to line up the hole in the sleeve to the hole in the receiver to get the pin in is such a pain in the arse. I've been thinking about welding the sleeve to the hitch but not sure that's a good idea. Can someone please advise?

[CRH]

I can't see anything wrong with welding the reducer to the shank.

[wulfraat]

It’s a pain but you get used to it. Helps to use a pin that has a beveled end. I would not weld.

[Raminc]

Originally Posted by CRH

I can't see anything wrong with welding the reducer to the shank.

My concern is weakening the shank when it's heated during welding. Are you an experienced welder?

[Raminc]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

It’s a pain but you get used to it. Helps to use a pin that has a beveled end. I would not weld.

The pin I'm using is beveled it's just that the sleeve slides in when I put hitch in. Can you explain why you think it's a bad idea to weld. I'm just trying to weight the pros and cons and so far there is only 1 pro and 1 con.

[CRH]

Yes, I can weld. No, I am not a certified welder....lol.

My shank is solid steel. I can't see welding on it causing it to weaken...I suppose to keep from worrying, one could only weld forward of the pin hole.

I contemplated welding my reducer to the shank. I decided against it because I wouldn't be able to use it in a 2" truck if something happened to my truck while I was traveling.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by CRH

Yes, I can weld. No, I am not a certified welder....lol.

My shank is solid steel. I can't see welding on it causing it to weaken...I suppose to keep from worrying, one could only weld forward of the pin hole.

I contemplated welding my reducer to the shank. I decided against it because I wouldn't be able to use it in a 2" truck if something happened to my truck while I was traveling.

Why not spot weld two nipples on the reducer which would stop its movement right at the perfect depth?

[CRH]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Why not spot weld two nipples on the reducer which would stop its movement right at the perfect depth?

Good idea, except wouldn't you weld the two nipples on the shank? With my aftermarket reducer you would. It slides inside the receiver about an inch. Of course, if you did that the 2" shank wouldn't fit a 2" receiver any longer.

The factory Ford reducer is flared on the end. It stops at the perfect depth.

I really wasn't considering welding the reducer on the shank due to having trouble putting the pin in, though. I was considering welding to take the extra play out of the hitch shank.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Yes, weld...done by Reese when I bought the receiver.👍

One nice benefit...it doubles the thickness, less chance of an egg shaped pin hole.🤔 15 Seasons. SFSG

CRH...I had the shank welded. Three thin wide beads, top and both sides ground down to fit snugly.


Bob
🇺🇸

[Kevin245]

I would weld the sleeve into the hitch receiver box. This is a common adaptation method, and the metals in question are not exotic.

[Al U. Minium]

My snarky comment is why not just buy the correct sized shank?

The weld/don't weld question...I agree with the poster above is you lose your option to remove the reducer in the case of a different size shank.

If you are just aligning the pin hole, spot weld it so it can be easily removed. Or weld a bead to stop it where holes are aligned. Or buy one flanged correctly.

These are mild steel parts and can be welded, but I would not. I am a weldor, not certified.

[CRH]

The reason I did not buy the correct sized shank is because I couldn't find a 2.5" that had the length and drop that I wanted that would work with my chosen hitch head.

[Foiled Again]

My reason for not getting a 2.5" shank is I am getting old and lifting a 2" is already a strain. Buh!

[out of sight]

Originally Posted by Raminc

My concern is weakening the shank when it's heated during welding. Are you an experienced welder?

It's low carbon steel. You're not going to weaken it by welding.

[J. Morgan]

I'd put the reducer into the receiver, insert the pin, and weld along the outside edges that face toward the rear of the TV.

A little bead down each side would probably do the job.

[cazual6]

You have my permission.

[JCWDCW]

Just tack it in place and then if need be you just grind out the tacks,
JCW

[MAHofer]

Originally Posted by Raminc

The receiver on my tv is larger than the hitch so I was given a sleeve to make up the size difference. Now trying to line up the hole in the sleeve to the hole in the receiver to get the pin in is such a pain in the arse. I've been thinking about welding the sleeve to the hitch but not sure that's a good idea. Can someone please advise?

I had the same issues and solved it by welding on a tab only that lined up the sleeve hole with the receiver hole so the only juggling is with the hitch itself. The benefit is this is not ‘permanent’ and retains full flexibility of using the different available sizes.

[tjdonahoe]

Mine is somewhat loose...you weld the outside...you best weld the inside or the outside will be trying to do all the work...as the inside will be loose...and flopping around...

[ROBERT CROSS]

Ours' is welded around the front receiver lip and has been "flopping" around,(not), for 15 Seasons.
SFSG.👍