Community Forums

jim58 · 06-01-2020, 06:22 PM

Has anyone removed the hitch on a Fleetwood Class A? It looks like it's riveted on or some type of fastener that looks like a rivet head.

I need to get the reinforcement collar welded back on and would rather not risk my electronics.

Thanks

Jim58

grindstone01 · 06-01-2020, 06:38 PM

Welding on a vehicle is not a problem if done correctly and certainly not worth removing a solid mounted hitch. Just make sure you have a good ground near the weld area which would be done with a hand grinder to get down to bare metal.

jim58 · 06-01-2020, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Welding on a vehicle is not a problem if done correctly and certainly not worth removing a solid mounted hitch. Just make sure you have a good ground near the weld area which would be done with a hand grinder to get down to bare metal.

My question was how to remove.

grindstone01 · 06-01-2020, 08:42 PM

Use a cutting torch and cut it off! Don't burn the rig down though.

jim58 · 06-01-2020, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Use a cutting torch and cut it off! Don't burn the rig down though.

I'm serious. If you don't know that's ok.

RRR · 06-01-2020, 10:24 PM

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...4CoVa-S6xYiWJ4

Torch, grinder or drill with progressive larger bits. Or you can buy the tool, if you have deep pockets.

grindstone01 · 06-02-2020, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim58

I'm serious. If you don't know that's ok.

Are you looking for a release lever or something to remove the hitch?? If you have to ask than you probably don't have the tools or skill to remove the hitch (that's OK also). Just take the MH to a auto shop and let them do the job.

GreenBaja73 · 06-02-2020, 08:54 AM

Jim, what grindstone said it's the easiest and quickest way to remove huckbolts. Someone who has a lot of experience with metal fabrication can cut them off without catching the MH on fire or damaging the surrounding metal.

Your problem will be in reinstalling it. Huckbolts are the strongest way to reinstall the hutch after it's repaired, and you won't have the tool, or have the experience necessary to properly use it for such a critical fastener. I don't say that to be insulting, just to make sure you understand that a hitch needs to be properly installed to reduce the risk of it coming loose down there road.

Best to either call a mobile welder contractor to come to you, or drive it to a shop where it can be welded back together professionally.

PappaBull · 06-02-2020, 09:06 AM

what greenbaja said also a good welder can make the repair on the MH without any damage to wiring, body work etc.

jim58 · 06-02-2020, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenBaja73

Jim, what grindstone said it's the easiest and quickest way to remove huckbolts. Someone who has a lot of experience with metal fabrication can cut them off without catching the MH on fire or damaging the surrounding metal.

Your problem will be in reinstalling it. Huckbolts are the strongest way to reinstall the hutch after it's repaired, and you won't have the tool, or have the experience necessary to properly use it for such a critical fastener. I don't say that to be insulting, just to make sure you understand that a hitch needs to be properly installed to reduce the risk of it coming loose down there road.

Best to either call a mobile welder contractor to come to you, or drive it to a shop where it can be welded back together professionally.

Thank you. That's what I was looking for. I didn't know it was called a huckbolt. Now I have an idea of what I need to do to remove them.

Jim58