Straps inside rubrail or out?

I have never really understood this idea. I grew up in the days before trailers had rub rails. We have a Western (awesome trailers btw) and and a couple of old outside frame Utility's and there are no rub rails on either.

My last job had some Fontaine's and what I finally figured out was that you had to go winch-to-winch if you couldn't align the strap location with one of the well concealed hooks. Of course, that won't work if you don't have sliding winches. I hated those trailers.

 

rub rails work better with chains,

 

I had a '96 combo 45 foot 96inch Fontaine once and that was one of the best trailers I ever had as far as loading heavy. Took curves great, never would lean over or belly out. I sold it to a local guy and the last time I seen it rest was about to take its toll on it.

 

My brand new 2007 Fontaine Renegade literature says rubrails are the anchor points for flat hooks not the underside flange of the side. However, I do it the wrong way! Underside for me. It never even bends.

spools or stake pockets for chains.