Can I attach a chain hanger to my trailer frame?

Not going to get super into this, since most of the discussion is already had, but most of the time, the restriction for drilling into the webbing of the frame is that there are requirements for the size of holes and where they can be drilled. Granted, you don't want to weaken the frame and I'd go with other options, but the restriction more often than not pertains to where you drill those holes, and they often pertain to keeping it away from the curved webbing going into the top or bottom part of the I. Check with someone more knowledgable, as I see the same things you see, with things being drilled into frames...but again, I think the problem is where it is drilled....the curvatures to the top or bottom of the beam where it joins the flat.

 

Glad to hear you're alive and well, other than down in the dumps. This too, shall pass, my friend. Your mojo has been missed.

 

Well, with nothing better to do (I kid) right now, I tried reaching out for you...contacted a local dealer, who confirmed my basic premise that you need to know where and the distance from the flange. He gave me an engineering contact that I'm waiting to hear back from, and if I get any other info or places to point you, I'll let you know. Just by chance, if that info can be gotten to me sooner, what is your trailer model...it looks to be a composite, but specs might help, and do you have a manual for it that might point you in the right direction? I'm looking to see if there is one online to look at.
I have something to do besides celebrate my 67th today, but I'll let you know if I hear from him.

 

Of course he said it's ok. It's not his trailer and you'll be buying a new one.
The backing plate is definitely a good idea, so it will spread the load over a larger area of the web, and it will help it keep from cracking, but also make sure there is some insulation to keep the metals from interacting and rust jacking...maybe add sealant to a rubber to keep moisture from getting between them and helping the rust process.
I'll keep looking and waiting to see if that contact gets back with me, as he's in engineering, and should give us a better more complete answer.....I hope. And thanks for the BD wish.

 

From my understanding you can’t drill or weld the top and bottom of the I- beam, (flanges?) but everything else is ok.

I had rebar bent in a U shape welded to the vertical section to hang snow chains on.

The broken boxes - I reinforced the inside of mine with L- shaped sections - just drilled through, sandwiched the box material - I have 8 chains/binders and 2 bags of snow chains in a 24” step box, no problem.

It’s a cheap fix to get more weight capacity out of them.

 

That was my other thought - ‘gusset’ plate welded to the inside to prevent cracking.

 

"Flange" is top and bottom of the beam , "web" is the vertical part

(though technically trailers never use I beams, they use W or WF beams, or have fabricated beams)

 

I was in a truck with one of those and loved it! I could keep what I used most in it and could always access everything right from the ground, hardly ever having to climb up on the back of the truck. Us old folks have to consider these things you know…
BTW happy birthday to @CAXPT I also turned 67 just a few weeks ago I hope we both have many many more…