Forum Discussion

rmcobb's avatar
rmcobb
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014

Welding on Chassis

Curious what the experience is from folks who have had welding done. I'm getting ready to have a motorcycle lift welded onto the chassis of my Class A diesel pusher. If you talk to Freightliner, they want you to disconnect all the ECU (Electronic Control Units) of the transmission, ABS, Engine, etc.

But, when you talk to the shops who do this stuff, they just say, all we do is disconnect the battery (both engine and coach) and as long as we connect our grounding clamp as close to the area we are welding on, all is good.

So my question, for anyone who has welding on the chassis, what did you do, and did you have any issues?

7 Replies

  • Thanks everyone from your input....and Yes, I certainly realize your comments don't constitute anything than your own opinion, and of course, whatever I decide to do it is my responsibility.
  • If the ground is good and close, it shouldn't be a problem. But there is always that one time that it is. Those boxes aren't cheap. Pretty sure the welding shop or warranty isn't going to cover it, so it would be on you.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    10 years ago I bolted two extra receivers to my hitch after reading all that you should do before welding on it. Since then I've welded on one of my oil coolers two times by unhooking the coach batteries and putting the ground on what I was welding on. Today I would weld the receivers on instead of bolting them on.
    OP, please read the disclaimer below.
  • We had to have our chrome tailpipe extension welded back on while we were traveling in Michigan (5-6 yrs. ago). I noticed two of the three welds had broken. We found a shop and he did the work. I was not aware of all the risks but I did turn off all the breakers on the electrical panel.

    Everything was fine but not sure if that made a difference or not. I would think taking the best precautions is the best way to go.

    MM.
  • I have done a lot of welding on our rig. If I am over 5ft from the batteries I don't disconnect them, I just make darn sure I have a good ground close to the weld area. Haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood), but we have a 1996 which has less electronics involved.
  • I have a friend with a Kenworth (service truck) that went through the same thing. He finally just ignored everybody and welds on it all the time.
    That being said, it all depends on whether you feel lucky... You'll find lots of people who claimed to have done this or that but in the end, it's you that has to pay the bill.
    Good luck!