Trailer Tie Down Point Question

wvhillbilly · Apr 7, 2005

I would be to shop around for your trailer. I have seen several tandems that already have the tie-down rings on from the factory.
Dave

dholly · Apr 7, 2005

(What's a rub rail?) 

Here's a pic that, if you look closely, shows rubrails along the side front and rear. Usually welded to the outside of multiple stake pocket brakets, giving maximum flexibility for attachment points and 2x? utility sides.

Pic

surfran · Apr 7, 2005

Thanks for the pick Doug, I have seen those before just didn't know they were called rub rails.

CTyler · Apr 7, 2005

( Personally, I don't like the D-Rings mounted to the side of the trailer frame. If they're not in use, they make a lot of racket when bouncing against the trailer side. )

A dab of silicone will take care of that.

fire72 · Apr 7, 2005

I wouldn't recommend hooking a grab hook onto the stake pocket. I prefer not to hook a grab hook to anything but chain. They always seem to jam up on anything else they are hooked to. Also, the pressure of the chain being snugged down with only the small contact point inside the hook will likely bend the edge of the stake pocket. My preferred method is to loop the chain through the pocket and hook it back to itself, although D-rings would be handy if my trailer had them.

On a side note, I also had a recent trailer epiphany. A month or so ago I bought an ex-rental trailer for tractor hauling, lumber, etc. Never particularly liked the surge brakes, but I figured I could live with them because of the good price on the trailer. I always felt like I was using the truck brakes too hard and had too little safety margin in an emergency stop. While hauling about 3000 pound of lumber, I had to try a quick stop on the interstate due to traffic backed up behind a fender bender. I had kept a reasonable distance back from the car ahead of me, but when traffic stopped, there just wasn't enough room. I was lucky enough to find a gap in traffic in an adjacent lane that I could duck into, so no damage done except to my shorts. Wasn't near as exciting as Dargo's ride, but it was still enough to send me out trailer shopping again. As much as I hate to spend the money, I'll trade in this trailer and spend whatever it takes to get what I should have bought the first time.

Snug her down good and drive safe...

bczoom · Apr 7, 2005

( My preferred method is to loop the chain through the pocket and hook it back to itself)

Is this acceptable if being reviewed by DOT or law enforcement? Just wondering if they would consider the stake pockets adequate.

Indydirtfarmer · Apr 7, 2005

( ( My preferred method is to loop the chain through the pocket and hook it back to itself)

Is this acceptable if being reviewed by DOT or law enforcement? Just wondering if they would consider the stake pockets adequate. )

On numerous occasions that has been satisfactory during close inspections by Ky and In DOT. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Being 4000lbs OVERWIGHT wasn't though........... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

bczoom · Apr 7, 2005

( On numerous occasions that has been satisfactory during close inspections by Ky and In DOT.

Being 4000lbs OVERWIGHT wasn't though)

Thanks.

Oops (on 4K over). I used to haul my tractor/FEL on a 6x12 single axle, 2990# rated and was waaayyyyy over the limit. No idea how I never got ticket nor how I never wrecked it. The rims would run about 2" over the pavement.

Indydirtfarmer · Apr 7, 2005

I was TRYING to get a new grain bin home in one load. I knew it was over, but what the hey? I drove 270 miles, and was about 3 miles from home. Had to off-load 1/3rd of the load by the roadside. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

BUSTED............. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif