Build a hitch?

[Bugslayer]

  You used a solid bar for the hitch?  Way overkill.

I may be wrong (but I doubt it!), but judging by the tag on the bar, mostly hidden by the receiver, as well as having seen a LOT of them, when I was getting ready to build mine (never did build it, but got "real ready"!), I would say it was "store-bought" exactly like that. Every single one I have seen, in any store, has been solid. At least, the smaller 1-1/4" ones. I did find some that weren't solid, by googling, but think solid is pretty much the norm. I would also venture a guess, that the receiver tube itself was store-bought, as well, since it has the "collar" around the end.

Again, I could be blowing smoke...

R

The one I have is store bought & solid.... Just like the one in the pic. 

[Ferris Leets]

I thought it was homemade.  For light trailers like I would tow I would make it out of tube to save weight. 

[Mildew]

I've been welding since the summer of the 6th grade. Became certified in the 9th. Never had a weld break. I doubt I ever will.    .... all of the pieces are welded. If you look closely the plate the store bought reciever tube is welded to are to seperate pieces welded together. I think the 7018 rod is rated at 70,000# of tensil stringth per inch. (It's gonna work for this 3 hour micky mouse project) The main thing when welding solid is letting the finished project cool slowly. After welding on it for a while the whole piece will become the same temp. Expecially this little project. I know all about chain welding and stagger. I seen many welders dunk their weld in a bucket of water after each weld. That creates the hard spot on a rubberband effect. Which will weaken the metal next to the weld instead of the weld itself

[tank_post142]