QuicksilverJK
Caught the Bug
Definitely have to be careful, but it can be the difference in having to leave your rig on the trail. Smaller rod and move faster to not blow holes. That is why I keep 3/32 rod instead of 1/8
I don't know if this has been started before but, what is a good trail welder ?
- Thread starter mo0s3
- Start date
NevadaZielmeister
Caught the Bug
QuicksilverJK
Caught the Bug
I figure it's a 50/50 chance who's rig we would be welding on. But don't worry I'm already scheming for my dual batteries [emoji6]
WJCO
Meme King
Question. What's the purpose of dual batteries on a Jeep? Other than for using a welder? Also, the wiring to make it happens looks a little complicated.
NevadaZielmeister
Caught the Bug
Yeh, but if there are any sticks around, then it is more 90/10 in your favor and I am stuck. I like the setup. It shows a lot of ingenuity on your part and it is such a simple setup. I lack all experience to be able to do it myself and would likely need your expertise. I have seen your welding skills and you are an artist with the welder. Even when you sleeved your front axle the welding was decent given the difficulty in welding in a vertical circle, which is very tough.
QuicksilverJK
Caught the Bug
There are several reasons to run dual batteries. If you isolate them from each other you can have a dedicated starting battery, and an accessory battery for winch, welder, Arb fridge etc. by connecting them parallel you can double your available amperage while keeping 12v. And by connecting in series you can have 24v while keeping the amperage equal for welder. The possibilities are endless as to what you can do with the available power options.
WJCO
Meme King
Bumping this thread. I ended up going with a ready welder gun and a dual battery setup. Rather than doing something under the hood, I just bought 2 more batteries and built a carrier for them. Everything fits nicely in the back of the jeep and can be transported anywhere. And it works. I actually built the battery carrier with the portable welder.
Rubi_the_jeep
New member
Onboard Welder jk
I’ve been looking around for an onboard welder that i could possibly install in the jeep for repairs on the trail. Just wanted to see what other people are running, and if anyone has thought about running a welder! Thanks and JEEP ON
I’ve been looking around for an onboard welder that i could possibly install in the jeep for repairs on the trail. Just wanted to see what other people are running, and if anyone has thought about running a welder! Thanks and JEEP ON
WJCO
Meme King
Merged thread here. There's not a ton of options out there but there's a few here.
Rubi_the_jeep
New member
Thanks for the merge
TrainWreck618
Caught the Bug
How do you like this setup? Seems like a good option for portability
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WJCO
Meme King
Although I have yet to use it on the trail, I have used it a few times on mobile situations around the house and to help friends. It works very well, however anything under .250 is very tricky to weld. This thing welds very hot. When I use it for .125, I have to move very fast. I used it to weld the LoD sliders on the JK and it lasted the whole time.
Only other con is that the batteries are heavy. Around the house, I move them with a hand truck. I charge them at the beginning of the summer and bring them with me before trails. I also had a dead battery scenario and my jump box wasn't enough. I turned one of these batteries upside down on top of the battery under the hood making sure the terminals touched and actually got the Jeep started, lol.
I don't regret having it. Batteries aren't cheap, but then again, it's hard to find a cheap trail welder that actually works unless you're carrying stick rods.
TrainWreck618
Caught the Bug
Thanks for the feedback, I might go this route. Would like to have something like the Hobart, but don't think that's going to happen
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TrainWreck618
Caught the Bug
Do you recommend the yellow tops? Thinking about ordering the same setup.
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WJCO
Meme King
I haven't had any issues with them. I've heard that Optima quality has gone down in recent years, but I've had mine for almost 2 years now with no issues. They've sat for months at a time and I can still weld .375 steel without charging them after they've been sitting. I hope they continue to work.
Oh and mine shipped with foam pads. Keep them, great knee pads while working on the garage floor.
TrainWreck618
Caught the Bug
WJCO
Meme King
What I had used for years prior to getting my now discontinued Hobart. Great welder and very portable.
TrailHunter
Hooked
The Trek 180? Why did they stop making it?
Last edited:
Not sure. I think it was because they were having issues with the battery. I had to have mine serviced once under warranty.