Can I hook my chains to my rub rail?

That works but why not hook and chain back to itself

 

Depends on the trailer manufacture. But the general rule of thumb is NO.

Think about it. The rub rail is a lightweight, generally aluminum structure that is welded to a series of spools and stake pockets. Do you really want to trust that rail to hold the weight in an emergency stop situation?

I personally run my chains around either two spools or a stake pocket and a spool, and hook the chain back to itself in a tight teardrop. And I don't even trust that, due to the reliance on aluminum welds. The most secure (in my extremely humble opinion and limited experience) is using the J-hook and track on the trailer itself. I trust the J-hook and track far more that anything on the rub rail that gets stretched and warped due to use as a securement point and whacked by forklifts during loading. Unfortunately, my carrier does not spec trailers for J-hooks, so I have to use the spools and stake pockets as securement points.

 

Weswolf- don't get any bright ideas- that's not a good anchor point at all

Use the Spools- or your Chain pop ups(If you have them) Don't get into that habit- Those rails can give-

 

Very few trailer manufacturing companies will give rub rails a securement rating. Bed frame rails, Spools and stake pockets, chain pops and J rails, yes. The rub rail is just that, should something rub against the side of the trailer, it will help protect the tie down equipment from damage.

Rated securement points should be shown on a sticker on the trailer or in the operators manual. Every trailer comes with an owner/operators manual. If your rub rail is rated for securement it should be on that sticker or in the book. If not listed, then the rub rail is not rated as a securement point.

The photo posted showing the chains hooked over the rail. Personally, I would not want to be within a few miles of that load. A problem looking for a place to happen.

 

Always got mine from the carrier I drove for at the time.

Your trailer needs to be specced out to use the J-Hooks. They fit into tracks or channels that run the length of the trailer deck. Ask your shop if you are not sure.

 

I rather go thru a spool and a pocket or around 2 spool or 1 pocket and hook back up to the chain.

J-hooks are ok but I think my j hooks are rated for 3300...

 

Why prefer spools or stake pockets if they have a lower wll than the rub rail? Why not use the rub rail if it has a wll? If the rub rail is weak and prone to breaking why would the manufacturer give it a higher wll?