Is a binder considered a chain?

You don't have to hook to the rub rail. I don't understand why drivers think that the rub rail is for strap hooks. If you look under your deck, you will find where it's designed for strap hooks. Now of course some trailers may be designed to only use the rub rail for strap hooks, I've never seen one though.

And it's not a matter of legality, there is no prohibition against using the rub rail as an anchor point. The point is that if you're going to use it, be absolutely sure it can hold up.

I very rarely hook to my rub rail, even though it's rated, so I don't buy the "there's no other way" line.

 

My deck is not, have never had one that was, they blow off, all the drivers do it the same way, that I do,that I have loaded with.

 

I have a Benson. There's no way to hook straps other than the rail. Under the deck is just floor joists. Literally nothing there at all to hook a strap to.

 

Actually, I take that back. The aluminum C-channel that the rub rails weld to could be used to hook a strap. I've had to do it a couple times. It's just....janky. The hook doesn't really like being on it, so the only thing keeping the hook in place is just tension. The length of the hook is longer than the C-channel, so it pushes the strap away. Not sure if you can picture what I'm talking about, but I can mock it up and take a picture if you want. Anyways, I can avoid the rub rail in a pinch if I have to.

 

Then it's built to be used as an anchor point. Benson probably figures everyone is going to do it anyways, so build it strong. Good on them for applying some common sense in the design.

I was helping a guy tie down a while back, who had a Great Dane. Lots of places where the rail was starting to bend up and out from the bottom, and I could see a couple hairline cracks in the welds starting.

When I asked if his rub rail was made to be used as an anchor point, he said he didn't know. A quick check and I found a kind of lip (sorry I'm not smart enough to know the exact terminology), that was underneath the deck behind the winch rail. Strap hook fit perfectly, built strong, and the pressure would be distributed along the entire frame.

I told that guy that was probably where he should be hooking his straps. He didn't know it was there, said he was just doing it like he was taught and saw everyone else doing.

 

I know what you're referring to i think. Yeah it doesn't work very well. Someone posted earlier that Benson does rate their rub rails.

 

Well, since we're on the subject of binders, does anyone still use the "over center" ones anymore? The screw binder revolutionized flatbed hauling, but years ago, redoing an over center binder was just something one did. An old timer told me, to line up all the links in the chain, and it will never come loose, and he was right. Screw binders changed everything,,,for the better.

 

I have 2. They come in handy occasionally

 

Chains (and lug nuts) optional.

 

Chains work well on heavy objects like securing steel, and heavy equipment, they don't work well on pallets of softer freight and your best off using straps and angles so as not to damage your cargo.