Weld the trailer hitch receiver together?

[ZAR2USA]

Excellent post Sodo, excellent.

I second that!

 

[SPYDERLK]

If it's not possible to add more structure (spare tire in the way etc) and you MUST weld on it then do it like this. These are methods to increase the "torsional section". The two crossed out do not increase the torsional section (not much) because they are not "closed". They increase bending strength but not torsional. You can skip weld this, but they should be good welds. But trailer hitches should always have good welds, right?
View attachment 386064

Well this thread has run its course I think, so I hope nobody minds my typing a book onto the end of it, but it was a good example.

All of these cause stress risers tho. A torsional member should be increased symmetrically about the center of the section and with a cylindrical tube whenever possible.
larry

 

[Sodo]

All of these cause stress risers tho. A torsional member should be increased symmetrically about the center of the section and with a cylindrical tube whenever possible.
larry

If the torsional displacement was the same (if the loads increased proportionately) then yes. But under the same loads, increasing the section decreases the displacement, and stresses go way down.