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Topic: frame welding (Read 564 times) previous topic - next topic

frame welding

I was going to weld the battery compartment frame on my 320, since a couple of bolts (one on each side) sheared off and I was unable to tap in new ones.  I read previous posts and the welding check list which hasn't been encouraging.  Some have reported that if the ground is close to weld spot "it shouldn't be a problem".  Not entirely comforting.
Has anyone had experience welding on the frame?  I would be interested in hearing about it.  Right now I am leaning against doing anything and relying on the  two bolts.
There is a yellow decal on the battery door that addresses welding, but it is mostly obscured.  I was able to see "IMPORTANT" and "welding".
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: frame welding

Reply #1 –
Sven,
I did extensive welding on the basement framing for my bulkhead restoration project. There is a list on beamalarm that lists the details of what should be disconnected. There were a few items that I could not find at the time, but I disconnected the Brain on the transmission, the batteries, the ABS system, the leveling system, the shift control pad, the alternator positive, and a few other things I've probably forgotten. I had no issues related to welding on the coach after I was done. That said, I've been told by many who had Foretravel weld on their coach that there was virtually nothing disconnected. I did not think it would be a problem using a MIG welder with ground clamps close to the welding because it is DC. My guess is that Foretravel listed those precautions because of the possibility of using an arc welder that used AC power which could induce currents that might affect sensitive electronics. However, I took the pains to disconnect what I could with the idea that it would be useful to find those components anyway!
Don
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
I was going to weld the battery compartment frame on my 320, since a couple of bolts (one on each side) sheared off and I was unable to tap in new ones.  I read previous posts and the welding check list which hasn't been encouraging.  Some have reported that if the ground is close to weld spot "it shouldn't be a problem".  Not entirely comforting.
Has anyone had experience welding on the frame?  I would be interested in hearing about it.  Right now I am leaning against doing anything and relying on the  two bolts.
There is a yellow decal on the battery door that addresses welding, but it is mostly obscured.  I was able to see "IMPORTANT" and "welding".
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: frame welding

Reply #2 –
Disconnect as much as you can on the list. The people who say you don't need to are also the ones who only pull one axle to tow the coach. Damage may not be immediately seen.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: frame welding

Reply #3 –
I rebuilt my battery compartment, had batteries out and disconnected ECM everything went smooth no issues. Didn't know about a list.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: frame welding

Reply #4 –
Many years in the truck repair business, always disconnect both battery cables and keep the ground clamp close to your work. If I where welding on the FT I would take the cables off of both sets of batteries, and turn the salesman (master) switch off.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country
 

Re: frame welding

Reply #5 –
Funny, just thought about all this yesterday. Decided NOT to weld on my coach battery tray. So I fabricated a new one the sits on top the old one cross ways, using the old clamps to hold it together.I changed to, two Interstate group 31's. BTW, it works awesome. I could drive it on the starter now!
Our coach had some serious welding for the bulk head repair by previous owner. He unhooked everything. There are no issues.
When I was chassis shop foreman at Revcon Motor homes in the 70's,  the coach's sub chassis (Tornado engine, trans, K member), thd he Alternator etc. left unhooked, till all the welding was done, and it was started up to go to the assembly line.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348