Community Forums

hax · 05-25-2009, 05:51 PM

I'm going to have some welding done on the steering gear bracket. Do I have to disconnect the house batteries? Before I remodled my battery compartment, I had a yellow warning sticker that said to disconnect something (?) prior to welding on the coach. Might be the electrics to the transmission??

Can anyone tell me what I have to disconnect. Thanks in advance. Hax

Dave Fernandez · 05-25-2009, 06:11 PM

Hello HAX:

I have welded on my 2001, 38’ Alpine with no problems. I would make sure the ground is next to my weld. I also place both the Battery Disconnect switches in the off position and disconnect the Power cord and make sure the inverter is in the off position.

Ted III · 05-25-2009, 07:20 PM

Hax,

I would give some concern as to your propane tank as it is right next to what you are going to weld. When I welded my coach I used large exhaust fans, welders blankets and soaked everything around the propane tank with water. It all came out ok as I am writing this letter to you, with 2 fingers mind you.

(no just kidding)

I have at least 4 left. Not funny.

Ted

Sammie · 05-25-2009, 08:49 PM

Hax, just wondering is your steering gear bracket cracked or broken? I have a friend who has a 2001 Alpine also.

Sammie

takepride · 05-28-2009, 12:09 AM

I've been told to disconnect (completely) the batteries (house and chassis) and the inverter, before welding. However, I rarely see it done. The welding ground should be as near the work as possible. The reason for disconnect is to prevent the welding from grounding back through your electronics and batteries.

TXiceman · 05-28-2009, 05:59 AM

There is always a slight chance that you can get an energy spike that will feed into the electrical on the chassis. I would disconnect the batteries, Inverter and possibly disconnect the computer.

Ken