welding fifth wheel ramps

Its your truck do what you want , they work both ways welded or bolted

 

Only thing I will suggest is easier to repair and/or replace if bolted on

 

If you weld on the frame, it will take the heat treat out and weaken it. Some places that does not matter.

And they say to never weld or drill on the top or bottom flanges anywhere on the frame.

But it is your truck

 

[h=3]§ 393.201(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.[/h]
In other words, find out what the manufacturer recommends and go with that. Seeing as how the welding is going to be done behind the axles where very little if any forces are applied to the frame, I doubt it will create any problems for you if you do weld them on. Most of the concern in regards to modifications affecting the structural integrity of the frame is concentrated between the axles, where a failure due to weakened or fatigued metal can be quite catastrophic. At the tail end of the frame, though, behind the axles and suspension parts, the only time the frame is really under any stress will be when you are using the ramps to lift a low trailer.

 

I find it much simpler to use a 2x or 4x4. Deflate the bags and put it between skirt and frame. Inflate bags and crank it up higher.

 

And how does a 4x4 replace ramps?
Picking up a 60-70,000lbs machine on a mechanical RGN NEEDS ramps in my opinion.
Bolt them on Rank, that way they can be easily changed etc if the need arises. I have always welded them onto the 5th wheel slider, but that is it. Most holes are existing in the frame too.

Martin

 

I would not weld to frame for all the reasons already mentioned.
Even though its to the rear of drives, a low stress area, it still takes a heck of a lot of pressure picking up 150/200k Lb trailer....and the chances of tearing one off in a job site pretty high if your not careful, been there done that.
Whole lot easier replacing a bent ramp then section of frame that's already been weakened by a weld. JMO.
But its your truck and your deal. Good Luck

 

These are frame ramps we're talking about here, not for picking up trailers with legs on them, but mechanical RGN's, these trailers have rollers on the front of them that ride up these ramps and onto the fifth wheel.