Adding D Rings to Trailer

[Johnkn]

I ordered a new custom Sure Trac 18' 9900lb utility trailer with 2' mesh sides in August. After (2) months of delays it finally arrived at the dealer. I ordered it with (11) D rings, (5 on each side and 1 in the center front). I will use the trailer to move my new Kubota LX3310 TLB very occasionally and also just regular utility moving/picking up things. Well, guess what was not installed? Zero D rings. I have (2) options, weld and bolt on (or a 3rd I guess is to refuse the trailer and wait another ~6 months for another). I do not want to grind through fresh power coat in 11 locations, weld on rings and paint over it as it will just introduce areas for rust to start and moisture to get under the powercoat. Which leaves me with adding high-quality bolt on D-rings. Not super pleased about drilling 11 or 22 holes in the base of the frame, but if I did I can pack them with silicone to seal against rust. I'm considering high-quality clevis mounts from Ken's bolt on hooks but that would be expensive and probably overkill. Most 1/2" D rings are zinc plated, but most I've seen still tend to rust. Looking for the best bolt on D rings and hardware that will not rust over time. for hardware, I could use high quality grade 8 zinc chromate (yellowish) like Ken uses. thanks for the help, always something.......

 

[mcfarmall]

I would have shown the dealer a copy of the build sheet that I signed and told them to order a new trailer that was built to my original specifications.

I just bought a Load Trail 83" x 24' 14k trailer from Beck's Trailer Store in St. Johns MI, and I had to sign and email a copy of the build sheet back to Beck's before they would place the order to the factory.

 

[Johnkn]

^^ As I said I can refuse the trailer and wait for another. This one took almost 6 months for build/delivery. The dealer knows the D rings were included in the order, that is not an issue. thanks

 

[Reb954]

You may want to ask the dealer and manufacturer what they want to do about it. Also ask what happens to the trailer warranty if you add the D-rings.

 

[Johnkn]

Yes, the dealer offered to install weld on rings (which I do not want now) or bolt on. If I go with the bolt on rings, I will work to get the price of the trailer down and purchase and install them myself to insure they are done right with no chance of moisture under them. I will inquire about the warranty. thanks

 

[4570Man]

Are there stake pockets on the trailer?

 

[fried1765]

Yes, the dealer offered to install weld on rings (which I do not want now) or bolt on. If I go with the bolt on rings, I will work to get the price of the trailer down and purchase and install them myself to insure they are done right with no chance of moisture under them. I will inquire about the warranty. thanks

Missing the "D" rings on a trailer is not a big deal on a powder coated trailer.
Simply grind the coating off, and weld the "D" rings on exactly where you want them.
Powder coating of trailers is one of the biggest farce sales gimmicks there is.
After a year or two, your powder coating will be chipping/peeling/falling off/, all over your nice new trailer.

After the missing "D" rings are welded on, simply apply two coats of marine epoxy paint to those small areas.
Save the remainder,.....you will be needing it very soon, to touch up all the failed powder coat areas.
Marine epoxy paint is vastly superior to powder coating on a trailer!

Just ask me how I know!

 

[Johnkn]

Missing the "D" rings on a trailer is not such a big deal on a powder coated trailer.
Simply grind the coating off, and weld the "D" rings on exactly where you want them.
Powder coating of trailers is one of the biggest farce sales gimmicks there is.
After a year or two, your powder coating will be chipping off/failing all over your nice new trailer.

After the "D" rings are welded on simply apply two coats of marine two part epoxy paint to those small areas.
Save the remainder,.....you will be needing it to tough up all the failed powder coat areas.

How do I know?
Just ask me!

LOL, Not sure about your trailers, but the power coating on my other trailer, a 14k lb Sure Trac dump trailer looks almost new after 7 years.

 

[Johnkn]

Are there stake pockets on the trailer?

No stake pockets, the trailer has 24” mesh sides.

 

[fried1765]

LOL, Not sure about your trailers, but the power coating on my other trailer, a 14k lb Sure Trac dump trailer looks almost new after 7 years.

Maybe you will get lucky.
I did not, and many others were not.

 

[KennyG]

This is why I wouldn't want a powder coated trailer. I know I would modify it in some way before long and I would be a lot more confident with touched up paint. I much prefer weld on rings but in your case, bolt on may be the best idea.

 

[Johnkn]

So back to my original question, suggestions on the best bolt on no rust D rings and hardware? I see some rings at etrailer.com and can separately order the hardware, but looking for the one stop shop if possible. 11 highest quality bolt on rust free D rings and hardware, Thanks!

 

[3Ts]

The purpose of powder coat paint is to reduce the cost of manufacturing by applying the paint electrostatically (thus reducing overspray and waste in paint) then running it thru an oven to fuse it all together. If the steel is prepared properly it can be a good coating, if not, the paint can peel off in sheets. As in all painting, the preperation is key.

 

[skipmarcy]

LOL, Not sure about your trailers, but the power coating on my other trailer, a 14k lb Sure Trac dump trailer looks almost new after 7 years.

My 24' Load Trail is also 7 years old now and the powder coat is still excellent - no problems. Proper prep before spraying I guess. Also, I use stake pocket D-rings - I don't think I'd want a trailer without stake pockets and rub rail.

 

[Deere Dude]

Just out of curiosity, where would you install D-rings.

With mesh sides and the d-rings on the outside perimeter, how could they be used effectively? If on the inside you would not bolt them to the outside rails anyway. I think I would just bolt them on as suggested.

I have a 2012 28; GN powdered and have nada problems with paint.

 

[KennyG]

Just out of curiosity, where would you install D-rings.

With mesh sides and the d-rings on the outside perimeter, how could they be used effectively? If on the inside you would not bolt them to the outside rails anyway. I think I would just bolt them on as suggested.

I have a 2012 28; GN powdered and have nada problems with paint.

My landscape trailer has about 1 foot sides. I have welded D-Rings on the frame but I can't really use their capacity because the straps/chains go over the sides. I installed bolt thru recessed rings on the floor that I use to hold down the tractor or other heavy loads.

For the original poster, maybe this is the best solution. Mine are drilled through the cross members and supposedly have 6,000 lb capacity. After installation, you can just cover the underside area with sealant.

 

[timswi]

I agree with the powder coat issue. My Rice began peeling about 3 years after I got it. Fixing that is a nightmare. Wish it was just painted.

My D Rings are welded to the sides of my trailer. So far those have done very well. I also used some off the shelf roll-on bed liner on the interior side walls, that has held up very well.

 

[Johnkn]

OP here, I told the dealer that I would take the trailer at a discounted price and install my own bolt on zinc chromate hooks (11), he agreed. On both sides and the front of the trailer, the frame sticks up about 4" above the wood deck so I will have solid anchoring points. After drilling, I'll 2x etch primer the holes, and when dry, I'll pack the holes with black silicone before installing the washers and hardware to prevent moisture intrusion. I'll post some pics next week when I get it home. thanks

 

[Rebeldad1]

will the dealer let you use it till the new one comes?

 

[Johnkn]

will the dealer let you use it till the new one comes?

For 5-6 months? That’s how long it took to get this special order trailer.