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How to Weld a Ball to a Truck Frame

Welding a ball to the backside of a truck frame provides a permanent place to hitch a trailer. Ball hitches are often removable objects that connect to prefabricated holes in a rear bumper or trailer tongue. If your bumper frame is not equipped with a hole, welding the device into place will provide a permanent hitch. Ball hitches are invaluable additions to any truck when the bed is full and hauling is a must.

Leather work gloves
Safety glasses
Welding mask
Microfiber cloth (2)
Measuring tape
Marker
E6013 mild-steel electrode rod
120-volt AC welding torch with grounding clamp
Extension cord (optional)
2 5/16-inch stainless steel hitch ball

Instructions

- 1
  Slide on a pair of work gloves, safety glasses and a welding mask to protect your skin and eyes.
- 2
  Clean the top of your rear bumper frame with a microfiber cloth.
- 3
  Measure the center of the bumper. Mark the center spot with a marker.
- 4
  Place a 2 5/16-inch stainless steel hitch ball atop the mark.
- 5
  Attach a E6013 mild-steel electrode rod to a 120-volt AC welding torch with grounding clamp. Connect the clamp directly to the metal bumper.
- 6
  Plug the torch into an outlet -- and an extension cord, if necessary -- to power the tool. Ignite the torch. Touch the electrode rod to the connection point between the hitch ball and the bumper. Weld the entire circumference of the hitch ball in the same manner to complete the process.

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Travel & Transport