OOSC Part II., 3., Coupling Devices, g., (4) - Welded Repairs

Welded repairs on hitch systems EXCLUDING fifth wheels and pintle hooks are not addressed. A Kansas inspector recently discovered a bumper pull, ball hitch coupling in which the tongue of the trailer had welded repairs. Since the 2025 CVSA out of service criteria, Part II., Vehicle, Section 3. Coupling Devices, subsection g., does not address welded repairs like the pintle hitch section does. Part II, Section 3., subsection d., Drawbar eye addresses "any welded repairs to the drawbar eye," but this appears to only be for a pintle hook style trailer. See photos 1, 2, & 6 attached for best evidence.

The need is that welded repairs to a hitch system OTHER than fifth wheel and pintle hooks are not expressly prohibited, but seem no less of an imminent hazard. Welded repairs are prohibited for the ball, ball-socket, pin or eye, but not the tongue of the trailer.

Request the Committee consider whether hitch systems OTHER than fifth wheel and pintle hooks should also be prohibited from having welded repairs, as the other systems are. If so, add an out of service condition to the 2027 out of service criteria. Proposed language to OOSC Part II., 3., Coupling Devices, g., (4) "Any welded repair to the hitch assembly. (Full trailer - 393.70(c), semi-trailer 396.3(a)(1), or Driveaway - 393.71(h))"