Welding Precautions & Safeguards

[rewillia]

Seeking knowledgeable advice on what precautions should be taken prior to welding on the A-Frame? (i.e. electrical system, batteries, solar, electronics, Alde, controls, and end-devices, i.e. HVAC, Zip Dee power awning,
and other 12v DC or 110v AC devices, etc.?).

Why?: We're looking into a very slight mod which will require the welding of some small pieces of 1.250 steel square tubing onto the outer sides of our 2018 Classic's front A-frame members - but don't want to have it done until we know for certain what safeguards are needed to avoid damage from the welding.

Moderators - I looked through the Tech Section on Exterior Restoration, & Electrical, etc. but did not find any similar or related threads so if need be, please direct this post to the appropriate sub-section.

[GMFL]

Note there are wires inside the A-Frame. Both the 7-pin and the emergency brake break-away switch wire are routed through one side of the steel.
The propane tanks must be removed and the lines should “vent for several hours before you do any welding.
Batteries should be disconnected and removed as hydrogen gas is explosive.
Other than that systems should be safe. Good surface prep is key

[rewillia]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Note there are wires inside the A-Frame. Both the 7-pin and the emergency brake break-away switch wire are routed through one side of the steel.
The propane tanks must be removed and the lines should “vent for several hours before you do any welding.
Batteries should be disconnected and removed as hydrogen gas is explosive.
Other than that systems should be safe. Good surface prep is key

Thanks. This is exactly the type of feedback I am seeking. Had thus far never traced the 7-pin and ER brake cabling to note it runs within the walls of the A-frame (will chase those down), 2) Propane tanks and bleed off prep well understood, 3) have no batteries in the front A-Frame compartment now as they were previously eliminated and replaced with lithiums relocated to center cabin beneath dining booth.

Still seeking to gather additional info on precautions needed to protect electrical systems and electronics including my 3000W inverter charger, lithium batteries and related electronic solar components as well as appliances in terms needing to isolate prior to any welding on the frame.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Note there are wires inside the A-Frame. Both the 7-pin and the emergency brake break-away switch wire are routed through one side of the steel.
The propane tanks must be removed and the lines should “vent for several hours before you do any welding.
Batteries should be disconnected and removed as hydrogen gas is explosive.
Other than that systems should be safe. Good surface prep is key

Disconnect from shore power? Probably "a given" but worth having on the list IMO. [Measure twice, cut once.]

Is the A-frame steel special in any way, like heat-treated? Manually ground the frame to earth with a serious copper cable and ground rod, similar to typical residential electrical services?

Also . . . FWIW . . . the welder should be skilled and experienced IMO . . . don't want him or her to abuse the A-frame steel etc. with excessive hot spots etc. IMO.

OP mod thread -- last post 4/26/21:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...me-221717.html

FYI
FWIW

[rewillia]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Disconnect from shore power? Probably "a given" but worth having on the list IMO. [Measure twice, cut once.]

Is the A-frame steel special in any way, like heat-treated? Manually ground the frame to earth with a serious copper cable and ground rod, similar to typical residential electrical services?

Also . . . FWIW . . . the welder should be skilled and experienced IMO . . . don't want him or her to abuse the A-frame steel etc. with excessive hot spots etc. IMO.

OP mod thread -- last post 4/26/21:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...me-221717.html

FYI
FWIW

All well noted. Still awaiting a response from AM Solar concerning all my Victron solar electronics, etc.

Regards,
Rick

[OTRA15]

Thanks for the update.

Peter

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by rewillia

All well noted. Still awaiting a response from AM Solar concerning all my Victron solar electronics, etc.

Regards,
Rick

Wondering if you are going ahead with this project?

Peter