It’s always important to install a trailer hitch correctly. If not, you could have a dangerous scenario on your hands. One of the more effective installation methods is welding the trailer hitch into place. Just because welding is a good option does not necessarily mean it’s required. Do trailer hitches need to be welded?
No. Trailer hitches do not need to be welded, though welding the trailer hitch is one of the most effective and safest methods. We recommend welding a trailer hitch for commercial purposes, but you can bolt a trailer hitch instead if you prefer that method.
Keep reading to learn more about how to attach trailer hitches through welding.
Do Trailer Hitches Need to Be Welded?
In order for a trailer hitch to work properly, it needs to be safely attached to the vehicle. One way that you can attached trailer hitches is through welding. Welding creates a hard durable finish that is perfect for from commercial jobs and heavy-duty pulling.
All that being said, trailer hitches do not need to be welded. In fact, many hitches are just bolted on. Even some commercial hitches do not require welding, but welding is certainly the best choice if you are pulling a lot of weight.
So, trailer hitches do not need to be welded. Especially if you are only doing personal pulling, welding a trailer hitch is not necessary at all.
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Do You Have to Weld on a Hitch?
Since trailer hitches do not always need to be welded on, you do not need to weld on your hitch. The vast majority of hitches do not need to be welded on. Even so, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s recommendations and stipulations about your trailer hitch specifically.
Some hitches will recommend that you weld on a hitch. In most cases, it is only commercial and heavy-duty trailers that recommend welding. In most jobs, bolting the trailer hitch into place is all you will need, and it is all that will be recommended.
Even if your manufacturer recommends bolting the trailer hitch instead of welding it, you will likely still be able to weld it. Welding will be the more efficient option, but it isn’t as necessary if bolt ins will cut it.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Hitch Welded?
One reason why individuals select bolting a trailer hitch instead of welding is that welding is more expensive. You will have to find a shop that offers welding jobs. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to give an exact answer about how much it will cost to get a hitch welded.
Welding jobs are typically priced by the hour. Most welders charge between $65 and $125 an hour. Welding a hitch typically only lasts one hour. In addition to the hourly price, you also have to pay for any resources. Most people end up paying between $100 and $200 to get a hitch welded.
Paying between $100 and $200 isn’t too expensive, but it is more expensive than bolts. Bolt on options typically cost between $100 and $150. At least you know the hitch will last a long time when welded.
Are Welded Ball Hitches Good?
Welded ball hitches are fantastic. In fact, most specs show that welded ball hitches are stronger than bolt ons. As a result, professionals who are pulling a lot of weight typically opt for welded ball hitches for their extra capacity of safety.
In other words, welded ball hitches are not just good. They are fantastic. They are the standard for commercial trailer hitches because of their extreme power, durability, and reliability.
Despite being so powerful and effective, welded ball hitches are not the standard simply because they are overkill for many purposes. You certainly will not be disappointed with a welded ball hitch, but you might not need something as powerful either.
How Else Can You Attach a Hitch?
Welding on a trailer hitch is just one way that you can attach the hitch. Welding is a great option if you anticipate pulling a lot of weight and are a professional. However, welding isn’t right for everyone, and you may be looking for a different alternative instead.
The good news is that there are other ways that you can attach a hitch. For example, most hitches are attached with a bolt on method. The bolt on method is highly strong and durable. Even though it isn’t quite as durable as the welded method, it is more than enough for most users.
Bolt vs Weld Hitch
Whether you should bolt or weld your trailer hitch ultimately depends on you. In most cases, bolting the trailer hitch is efficient and more cost-effective. The vast majority of trailer owners get away with bolt on hitches and never have any issues.
In contrast, commercial users or those who need to pull a lot of weight may want to consider welded trailer hitches. As long as the weld is performed properly, this hitch will be more durable and have less liability risk.
The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s imperative to select a welder who knows what they’re doing if you want to weld the hitch into place.
Final Thoughts
Trailer hitches always need to be installed safely and efficiently on the back of your vehicle. There are different ways that you can do this, but one of the safest methods is through welding. Welding will attach the metals so that they are bound to one another.
Even though welding is a way to attach the trailer hitch to your vehicle, you do not have to weld your hitch. There are other alternatives you can select instead. For example, you can bolt the trailer hitch into place if that’s what you prefer.
It’s up to you to decide if you should weld or bolt your trailer hitch. Most people prefer bolt on options because it is more affordable and easier, but welded options have less risk and liability. For this reason, we recommend you weld the trailer hitch into place if you are a commercial user.