raising 5th wheel

Looks to me like a job well done.

 

Not everybody lives their lives in fear of "what if" and what the lawyers might do if "if" ever happens...and thank God for that. If everybody had your attitude, so much time & money would be wasted in CYA mode that nothing would EVER get done! Believe it or not, some folks still have common sense, and can apply it in conjunction with a little mechanical aptitude & ability to fabricate something that works and will be trouble free. This country was built by doers, and it's being destroyed by sissies too scared to live their friggin life if everything around them isn't plastered with those ridiculous warning labels spelling out every danger they might face. Seriously...if you can't figure out that sticking your finger in the fan of a running engine is a bad idea, you deserve to lose your finger...and it is your own #### fault for putting your finger where it doesn't belong, not the engine manufacturer for not putting a silly sticker on the fan shroud telling you not to put your finger in the #### fan.

 

I work on car haulers, I have rebuilt entire trailers, made decks from scratch, built stingers from scratch, changed posts and rails, king pins, etc. If we were to buy a new trailer or pay a certified welding shop to do all the work needed on these things, we would have been out of business years ago. We've even redesigned a few area's where cracking was common to stop them from cracking.

A good welder/fabricator can build things as good or better than factory parts in many cases. Lawsuits come about when poor work causes a crash or injury. So make sure that you build things strong enough to do the job, if you can't, don't try. Lawsuits are an issue because some people think they are better than they really are. Knowing your limitations is the key, do what you can and don't do what you can't.

I stand by my 1st post, it is a simple project that was thought through. It's a good, safe modification.

 

Apparently I've agitated a lot of people by trying to explain if your alter an oem design, and in a worst case scenario, what to expect. You nailed me, as I type with my thumbs(cause I've lost all my fingers by not reading them automatic fan warning labels), in which case are not mandated by the engine manufacturer, but the truck builder via the fan manufacturer. But you knew that, right? Did you ever wonder why the 5th wheel manufacturers don't supply external risers? They could mass produce them quite cheaply no doubt, and have a greater profitability factor than selling a slide. Part of it is because of the increase in horizontal sheer possibities, another part is the liabilty factor. I'm guessing you knew that as well, because that's just common sense.

I hope OP pressure tested his tubes for leaks, in case of a perforation in a weld on top that could allow 60 to 70 mph wind blown water to enter. If it leaks in the top and not in the bottom, it could fill with water. Now water freezes at 32 degrees fahrenheit, and can create hydraulic expansion with tremendous force. I won't admit to knowing that because some will say I'm an educated embecile, over-educated idiot, wuss, sissy and afraid of a lawyer. I'll just tighten the strap on my tinfoil hat, and you have a good day as you stare at a chrome bulldog's arse.

 

Chrome bulldogs are for posers.

 

I wouldn't know, because I ain't pedigreed. Civility in a discussion is usually protocol. Name calling is usually a frustration from individuals that can't hold their own and have to start slinging insults. All I've argued is this point, if you alter it, or build it, you own it. If it were to fail, put on your big boy panties and accept that fact. It ain't got a d-amn thing to do with how well you built it or how d-amn smart you are, you change it, or make it, you're liable for your actions.

I guess if some here were to put a set of bargain steering tires on themselves Then about ten miles down the road the left front blowed, causing you to cross the median, then wiping out a truck or two, along with two or three four wheelers. Killing and maiming several people from the tire failure, you'd just pull out your big ole pocketbook and satisfy everybody's loss. You wouldn't even think about suing the tire manufacturer, because you got to save a few bucks on the tire deal. You could testify on the stand about using ether to pop them out on the rim, all the while telling the Judge how this great country was built. Whatever.

 

The sky is falling.

 

Or ignorance is rising.

 

You immortals are special, until one day, the real world pulls your head out of your arse. You'll have to admit, it's been a livid discussion.

 

And I'm guessing you are an employee, your name is not on the the business owner list, which would be held responsible.