Aluminum pipe stakes OK?

I used to do as you. But an old timer told me to move the chain up a row or two. It keeps the stakes tight and from bowing out at the tops. Helps keep the pipe tight also. If the pockets break, it doesn't matter where the chain is at since the stakes are going to tumble down with the pipe lol

 

its bes.t to chain the bottom and couple rows up, us steel pipe lorain oh provides the pipe stakes and they also install straps at the bottom , middle and top of the pipe stakes

 

Don't think they'll mess with you if the pocket isn't being used in securement. I have a few cracked pockets on my trailer it passed a DOT and I asked the guy that inspected it about that and they said as long as you don't use that pocket you will be fine.

 

I've never put the ones one my trailer everyone uses in Houston that shop charges $750 installed with a lumber basket but it makes your trailer wider the base of them are two inch wider than the rail I'd just think some a hole could right you up for them