Correct use of J Plates

Not with the bolts that come up in the track.

 

I use them on every load on my Reitnouer trailer. I mostly haul wood products, so I usually use them standing straight up. But they can be used either way on a Reitnouer. I have used them on narrow loads that are low and centered on the deck with the j hooks laying flat. They sometimes come unhooked before you can get the straps in the winch. I prefer to use them in the upright position. The biggest reason I always use the j hooks is that when you put the strap behind the rub rail and hook it under the side frame of the trailer and really crank the winch down tight the frame will bend where the buckle is hooked. The bend comes out when you loosen the strap but I thought that over time it might cause problems. I think Reitnouer trailers are designed to use the j hooks because the bottom of the side frame is not very strong.

 

Can't say I ever had that problem with my Reitnouer, how big a cheater bar you using?

 

I really like using the J hooks on my new Doonan. Tying down over wheel wells is no longer an issue like it was on the Fontaine Infinity. The hooks will go both ways in my channel as well. It takes a little finesse to keep the strap in the hole before tightening though. I've yet to use them with chains but it will beat using rail pockets for sure.

 

I think Doonan is using the Chapparal floor, makes sense since they own both companies.

 

I run a 2013 Doonan step, the bolts are awfully short and stubby. I have had the J hooks slide 1-2" over the bolt top when chained at a sharp angle.Makes me a weebit nervous. I plan to weld in some 1" aluminum round stock pieces at each side of each bolt. If it can slide 1 1/2" what's to say it cant slide entirely. Will be cheaper than dislodging shifted cargo out of the step. I doubt that's ever happened but I'll not be the first.
This trailer was specced without chain popup's so I do use the J's pretty often.
I have wondered just how expensive it would be to add the chain popup's.......

 

On my old trailers had every 4th bolt or so was raised so if I had a slight angle to my pull I would put front J up against bolt and tension back or the back I would put the J up against the bolt and tension forward, in other words, pulling against each other, never had an issue?

 

was the chain too short to make it to that there stake pocket ?