Frame welding question

What do you mean certification?

Welding Certs?

If so I would think anyone with any cert would do but if you are going to alter a frame, I would go the manufacturer and ask them for guidelines on welding on the frame.

 

it would depend on the frame.

Find a reputable welding shop.

Some frames are heat treated and need to be addressed accordingly.

 

Anyone who can afford a Harbor Freight welder can weld trailers!

 

I've never heard of needing a certain level of certification to weld a trailer frame. I'd just find a shop or someone who knows how to weld. Not the drunk guy at the end of the bar that's on disabilty that claims to have been a welder for 20 years...

 

Here's the most important thing regarding frame repairs:

§ 393.201Frames.
(a) The frame or chassis of each commercial motor vehicle shall not be cracked, loose, sagging or broken.
(b) Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the body of the vehicle to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing.
(c) The frame rail flanges between the axles shall not be bent, cut or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer.
(d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
(e) No holes shall be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer.

 

Seen glider kits. Seen welded frames. You cut the frame, it's a bad idea. Just saying.

 

Trailer frames get welded all the time. Ask anyone who has owned a Transcraft flat with a 10' spread. My advice is to take the trailer to a shop who has specific knowledge of the brand and type. I am not aware of any required certification.

 

Thus we need to check the definitions in the code to see whether a semi-trailer is defined as a motor vehicle.

I know TN code does not define a semi-trailer as a motor vehicle. I could have beat my red light camera ticket that way but it was easier to pay the $50 than drive 1.5 hours to court. They had my trailer plate but no tractor plate. Judge would have to dismiss.

 

I'm pretty sure you'll find that any certified welder can perform the task you need done, most of the specified welder that you will find are underwater and pipeline. If you plan on stretching / adding to the frame keep in mind that plain mild steel "will not work", check with the trailer manufacture before you go to far.

Jim