Forum Discussion

The_Works's avatar
The_Works
Explorer
Jun 12, 2013

Welding

I want to weld a hitch receiver to the front of my 2011 Silverado 3500 diesel to haul the bikes around. What precations to the truck should I take prior to welding the mount? Years back the common pracitice was to disconnect the battery to prevent some sort of electrical issue between the welder and the the car or electronics. I don't know if that was necessary or not. Thanks for your input, be safe!
Seeking Advice
  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Jun 12, 2013
    No need to weld, you can get a bolt-on hitch that attaches to the frame using factory holes and you retain the tow hooks.

    See here.

    I put one on my Suburban and it has worked out great.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jun 12, 2013
    I agree with above. Buy a bolt on type. Simpler and easier. And avoid any potential problems with all the sensitive electronics on today's vehicles.
    Or, if you have a long bed, weld up a receiver frame and mount it to the pin box.
  • E_mc2's avatar
    E_mc2
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    I would NOT suggest welding on the frame of any vehicle. If you want to make your own, then build it in a way that you can bolt it to the frame. Just my $0.02.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    After seeing how light the bolt on units are, I chose to make my own with its own bars. I saw no need to disconnect any thing but made sure I had a good ground point near the welds. I now have s front hitch that is much sturdier that bought, and it only cost me about $10 and that was the receiver itself. JMO
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    Welding to the frame will not harm your truck, in the way you speak. Your truck frame may be heat treated, and welding to it may do great harm to the strength of it.

    Ask Chevy tech support before you have it welded.
  • JesLookin's avatar
    JesLookin
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    I put a bolt on hitch on the front of our Dodge. Works great for hauling bikes.
  • hershey's avatar
    hershey
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    I find a bolted installation superior to a welded installation.
    I can always double check the tightness of the bolts used and the grade of bolt but there isn't anything I can do to check the integrity of a weld. Even if I'm the welder.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2013
    hershey wrote:
    I find a bolted installation superior to a welded installation.
    I can always double check the tightness of the bolts used and the grade of bolt but there isn't anything I can do to check the integrity of a weld. Even if I'm the welder.


    A GOOD weld will be stronger than what it is welded to. The key is getting a good weld.

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