I'm putting a gooseneck hitch on my 05 Dodge CTD. I'm welding some extra brackets on the frame. do I need to take the battery cables or alternator cables off? I don't want to fry anything electrical.

 

I would at least disconnect the battery, but thats just me.
Scott

 

I believe you would need to disconnect the negative cables, but more importantly, it's not wise to weld on the frame unless you really know what you're doing and you're willing to give up your warranty. Dodge says no welding on the hydro-formed frames.

 

It's a rebuilder so there is no warrenty. I've rebuilt a lot of different cars but not one of these before.

 

Welding a hitch on? Hmm I hope your frame never cracks anywhere or dodge will invalidate your warranty....

I was going to do my own bolt on GN Plate I already had a piece of 3/8" plate broke for the job. then I saw the B&W Turnover ball set up.. Nice set up... So I went with it..it has a whole lot of accessories that you can get with it. installs in a little over 2hrs.. check them out at http://turnoverball.com/

If you still want to weld disconnect both batteries and always keep your ground near the weld.. I've seen many welders fry brake cables, u-joints, bearings and hydraulic rams by not properly grounding prior to the weld..

Hope this helps

 

This is a drop N lock hitch. I've had them before and like them better than the B&W. I'm just welding a piece of angle iron on the outside of the frame to bolt the bracket on better.

 

This is the information that I used to weld for my 5er hitch. According to my hitch manufacturer this is where they got the info, Dodge Truck Engineering Bulletin No. 021

Dodge Full Size – 2003 Thru 2004
(Figure 15-16)
Note: These instructions require the use of bracket kit # P-110. The chassis on these
vehicles is a full-length box tube chassis. Based upon information received from the vehicle
manufacturer, (Dodge Truck Engineering Bulletin No. 021), the following procedures meet
Dodge requirements for installation. Be sure to observe the following:
1) Holes are not to be drilled in the top or bottom of the frame rails. Holes to mount brackets
must be drilled in the web (vertical sides) of the frame rail with the following restrictions:
a) Hole diameter should not exceed 20mm (0.75 in.).
b) Material between edge of hole and top or bottom of frame rail must not be less than 40mm
(1.60 in.).
c) The minimum edge distance between any two (2) holes must be larger than twice the
diameter of the larger hole.
d) All holes should be drilled in the frame using appropriate drilling practice and safety
precautions.
e) Avoid drilling holes near the fuel tank, fuel and brake lines and other lines and wires to avoid
damage to them.
2) Prior to any welding, the following must be done:
a) Avoid welding near the fuel tank, fuel and brake lines or other components that may be
damaged by the heat of welding. If it is necessary to weld near these areas, use wet cloths to
cover these components. If it is necessary to remove the fuel tank, lines or other
components, do it in accordance with applicable service manual procedure.
b) Components near the welding area which could be damaged by excessive heat must be
removed or adequately shielded.
c) Disconnect the battery(ies).
d) Precautionary measures should be used to prevent electrical system components or wiring
damage.
e) Frame e-coating must be removed from the welding and surrounding area.
f) Use proper welding techniques to avoid stress risers that may adversely affect frame
performance.
3) After welding:
a) Carefully inspect electrical components and wiring for shorts or other damage.
I N S T A L L A T I O N X - 1 6 - 0 3 0 3
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b) Apply protective coating to areas where coating was removed.

 

do you or don't you...that is the million dollar question. I have done it without removing the cables and I didn't have any damage. Any more I remove the Cables just for the simple reason that I think damage could result.

Small electrical spikes to other electronic devices could cause havoc.

Most often i don't think anything happens. But if it did..would it be worth it?

Batteries can explode.

 

Will the radio work after taking the cabels off or do you need to put a code in it again?

 

Just make sure your ground clamp is nice and close to ever bracket you weld on the frame so it keeps the current nice and short so it dosent travel through your frame and you shall be alright. Ive dont it a 100 times on winch trucks and loaders with out disconecting anything and its fine as long as you keep your ground clamp very close to where you are welding.

Nick.

 

Do not forget to use proper pre and post heating techniques. Or use a weld patter like you would when torque your wheels down, to prevent inducing to much heat from the welding process into the frame.

Shawn

 

Got the brackets welded on fine now and nothing messed up. Where are you guys putting another outlet for the gooseneck trailer wiring plug at...in the drivers inner bedside? Is there an adapter I can buy to plug into the factory harness?

 

found one from Valley # 30137

 

i weld on atleats one vehicle a day and never disconnet the battery and have had no computer problems or anything of that sort