Truck Welding Table

[frostbite]

Hi, First off I'd like to say I'm new to this fourm, and I think its great. I'm a welder/fitter with about 20 years exp. I'm in the process of building a new welding rig. I just purchased a new trailblazer 302. I want to set up this in the back of my 2003 GMC 2500HD Duramax long box. I've already built a skid for the welder and cables, now I need a plan for a box mounted folding table. Any ideas or pics would be greatly appreciated.

[MD Welding]

I made one that slips into the reciever on the truck and sits a little higher than the tailgate when it's open to keep from beating the tailgate. Took about an hour. I used 1 1/2 tubing to frame a 1/4" table top then connected it the hitch with 2 x 2 x 1/4 sq tube. Threw in 1/4" gussets everywhere I could. **** thing will hold more than the truck now! I sure do like using it. It's good as long as you don't plan on towing with it while going to the job.

I have a Chevy ex cab with a short bed. I love that Duramax!

Mike
MD Welding & Fabricating L.L.C.

[Richard]

MD,

how bout posting some pictures of your table ...please
would like to see it

[MD Welding]

Here is a pic. It's not installed but you can see how it looks and works. I never did get to paint it up yet.

Mike
MD Welding & Fabricating L.L.C.

[DDA52]

Mike, I like that table. What do you do with it when driving? I might have been tempted to fab up some sort of locking hinge to lock it in the up position while driving. Wouldn't have to flag it while on the road that way.........Dang, the more I think about it...that is a really good idea. I would definitely have to add an unbrella holder to the side. Kinda hot here at the moment.

[MD Welding]

It pins in like a regular hitch.I thought about making it foldable but I needed it for the next day. I don't flag it or anything but now that you mention it I probably should. You just have to remember it's there when you back up because it's invisible with the tailgate up. I did a job on some bushes parking one day. It's also good for tailgating!

Mike
MD Welding & Fabricating L.L.C.

[Richard]

hey Mike, I like that ...bet its heavy

don, a freind told me that he had one of those store bought reciever storge racks and a policeman pulled him over said he had to have tail lights on it.
my friend was in another state on vacation, guess diffrent laws in diffrent states. humm

I have built lots of things to go into reciever hitches,
reciever hitches great invention

nice job, Mike
Thanks for posting the pictures

Sincerely,
.....Richard

[DDA52]

Richard, if it obscured the normal tail lights, I would say yup, it sure would need them. If the normal lights were still easily visible, then that would be a strange one. Reflectors will get some happy. If it extends past the bumper more than 4', then it would have to be flagged in most states to be legal. That is why I would have made it foldable. Doing that would probably take some strength away, so you would need some folding legs as well.

I just may build me one one day.......after I finish my shop which will be a loooooong time form now.

[True Blue Lew]

Is it necessary to disconnect the battery of your truck before welding? I have heard that it can mess up the computer or electronics of your vehicle if you weld on anything connected to it. Thanks

[Mushroom]

No matter if it will or not, it is sure easier to disconnect then to replace everything electronic in the car, only problem is re-setting the radio to favorite stations!!


Mike