Can you WELD an AT-35 hitch to the draw bar?

[Big_T]

Does anyone know if it is legal/ok/safe to weld an AT-35 hitch to the trailer draw bar rather than bolt it on?

It comes with 6 bolt holes, but it is not cast like regular "do not weld" ball type couplings.

Treg hitches are welded on...

I want to weld this one on too

[murray]

seend me apick

[Big_T]

This one is at least 3 years old, so is their old type. Could be MK1 or MKII

I see that they now make weld on types and bolt on types.
Data sheet here: http://www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/...35%20MKIII.pdf

[Fat Chili]

Pretty sure (not 100% though) that by law they all have to be bolted on to the draw bar.

[Tonto]

Have you had a look at this ?

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roa...sb1/index.aspx

Not explicit, but would seem to imply that you can weld provided the hitch is not "manufactured from cast iron or other non-weldable materials", which should be marked on it.

12.2 Couplings
Couplings must be of a positive locking type with provision for a second independent device. The locking must be readily verifiable by visual inspection.

Trailers having an ATM of up to 3.5 tonnes must have a quick release coupling which is designed to be engaged and disengaged without the use of tools.


12.2.1 50mm Ball Couplings
Ball couplings used on trailers with an ATM of up to 3.5 tonnes must comply with the Australian Standard AS 4177.3-1994 and be installed so that the height of the centre of the body of the ball coupling is between 350mm and 420mm from the ground when laden. A coupling body complying with AS 4177.3 will be marked with:
· its manufacturer's name or trademark if Australian made;
· the mark '50';
· the maximum rating for the coupling body in one of the following as applicable
- 750 kg; or
- 2000 kg; or
- 3500 kg;


· a code to indicate the serial number batch production date or similar;
· the words 'DO NOT WELD' if the coupling body is manufactured from cast iron or other non-weldable materials.

[xjrob]

My AT-35 hitch is welded on, when i bought the trailer it had a conventional 50mm ball hitch, the trailer manufacturer changed the hitches over he always welds them to steel chassis, the only one's he bolts on are the alloy chassis that he also builds.

[Simsy85]

I've seen them welded one... The one on the old camper we had came welded on..

I think Tonto hit the nail on the head where it says "must have the words DO NOT WELD if it is a non-weldable material" Why not just bolt AND weld it