Ford Hitch Weld Question

[paiceman]

We have a 2012 F250 6.7 Diesel. The truck came with a Class V receiver bolt on. Our trailer is away for the winter, however, while washing the truck I noticed a BB size hole in the weld holding the actual receiver on the bar which bolted to the truck.

I am going to take the truck in for an inspection by our Ford dealer, which through the years has been fair, but wanted to see what some of you might think before she goes in for the look see. Under magnification I don't see any other faults in the weld, but obviously there could be.


Thanks

[Midnightmoon]

Could you post a picture of the weld?

[tkowalyk]

Originally Posted by paiceman

We have a 2012 F250 6.7 Diesel. The truck came with a Class V receiver bolt on. Our trailer is away for the winter, however, while washing the truck I noticed a BB size hole in the weld holding the actual receiver on the bar which bolted to the truck.

I am going to take the truck in for an inspection by our Ford dealer, which through the years has been fair, but wanted to see what some of you might think before she goes in for the look see. Under magnification I don't see any other faults in the weld, but obviously there could be.

Thanks

I would recommend taking it to a welding shop and have them die test the weld.

I believe a welding shop would be better qualified than the Ford Dealer.

It wouldn't hurt to take it into the Ford Dealer. The repair should be covered under warranty.

[paiceman]

Tried to post picture, but the forum asks for the pictures URL? No idea

[paiceman]

Pictures attached

[Midnightmoon]

It doesn't look like that is in a location where it will cause any structural issues. But, since it is such a new truck, I would certainly see what Ford can do for you.

[cjohnson]

i would take it to the ford shop its under warranty they should replace the hitch since thats not a stress fracture its a flaw in the weld if they wont then go to a weld shop they will redo the welds but i worked for ford and if you ordered the truck with it it should be covered and thats what i would do. try and get a new one

[Drathaar]

I am of the opinion that you should ask Ford to replace it as well. That looks like a great place for corrosion to get started and possibly weaken the hitch. Play it safe.

[Kevin245]

What you see is the end of two welds occurring on opposite sides of a common plane. Welds in this configuration are not typically joined at the ends due to stress concentration considerations. The gap is a function of the joint geometry.

[paiceman]

Thanks all, going into the Ford dealer later this week.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by paiceman

Thanks all, going into the Ford dealer later this week.

See what Ford says. If they replace it that is great for you, but the hole left between the weld end appears to be a cosmetic issue. At a minimum I would suggest you rinse the area free of any road salt/brine, then let the area dry and seal the opening with caulk.

Hope it works out to your satisfaction.

[dznf0g]

I agree 100% with Kevin245. Not a big deal.

[paiceman]

Thanks all. Took the truck to a welder, over 30 years in the business he echoed what Kevin and DZN said. Cancelled the special appointment with Ford. Will have them look at it when it's in for service. But we are no longer concerned.

Thanks again