frame welding

[RedBlur]

I have a small plate under the tongue of my trailer that the jack fits through that is badly rusted. It is obviously not a structural piece. It just appears to be more of a guide to keep the jack stable/straight.

Before I take the trailer down to the local welding shop to get the old plate cut off and a new one welded on, I have a question. Is there anything special required to protect the electronics and electrical system while the frame is being welded?

[Zeppelinium]

I don't know about the newer models, but some vintage Airstreams have wiring running inside the tongue channels (breakaway switch, jack power, even the tow vehicle umbilical). You might have your jack power lead inside. All you need to worry about is melting the insulation. Any decent welding shop can keep the frame members cool enough for the wire to survive, if they know about it.

Zep

[RedBlur]

Thanks for the reply, Zep. I was not think of physical damage from the heat etc. I guess I was concerned (maybe unnecessarily) about all of the electronics grounded to the frame, and the energy transferred to the frame via the welding process. Maybe not an issue with a gas welder, but maybe an issue with an arc-welder?

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by RedBlur

Thanks for the reply, Zep. I was not think of physical damage from the heat etc. I guess I was concerned (maybe unnecessarily) about all of the electronics grounded to the frame, and the energy transferred to the frame via the welding process. Maybe not an issue with a gas welder, but maybe an issue with an arc-welder?

No, not an issue at all. In the first place, the voltage is low. Second, all the current circulates back to the welding machine. In the most remote of possibilities you could have a small ground loop between the point on the frame that's getting arc'd and the point where the welder ground is attached, but it would be very small.

I know the arc looks like lightning, but it really has little relation to it, except for the tiny spot of plasma. Lightning is a bazillion volts and small current. Arc welding is 20-40 volts and 100 Amps.

Zep

[easyride]

Disconnect tow vehicle,these new computers can go. Dave

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by easyride

Disconnect tow vehicle,these new computers can go. Dave

wow, I would never have thought that something that has to work around ignition systems would be vulnerable...

[RedBlur]

Welding was done without any problems, as Zep indicated. Sometimes we worry about things we don't have to......