Is a binder considered a chain?

Really depends on the manufacturer..
Reitnouer rates their bump rail @6600lb on some wagons

 

Yes it is legal, but you know legal doesn't always equal safe or smart.

The other issue we unfortunately have to always consider is liability. If the cargo is secured to the trailer in a manner the manufacturer doesn't recommend and there is a lawsuit resulting from a load coming unsecured, it's going to fall on the driver and carrier. It won't matter that it was legal, or common practice.

 

What is unsafe about hooking a rub rail? I have trailers with winch tracks on both sides. The only option is to hook the rail.

Are my RGNs just inherently unsafe trailers because they don't have a rub rail? The only options there are strap to the flange or over the side to the holes in the web of the outer frame.

Benson also rates their rails at 6600lbs.

 

If the rub rail is not designed to be used as an anchor point, it may not be able to handle the stress, particularly when it comes to g-forces. It can fail, particularly at the welds. Every trailer has some way to hook straps, and if the rail isn't rated, it's not it. I don't buy this "no other option" line either. Just because a driver doesn't want to take the time to think, doesn't mean there isn't a way to use the equipment as designed.

Any structure, in any application, if it’s pressed beyond it's limits, will fail. Why is it, that so many find that concept so difficult to understand?

Here's an idea, if you want to be able to use your rub rail as an anchor point, buy a trailer that’s built for it. The rails on my trailer have a WLL of 5500 lbs, rated by the manufacturer. Singlescrewshaker posted a Reitnouer with 6600 lb rated rails. This isn't hard, buy equipment that will do the job you want it to.

I have 0 experience and next to 0 knowledge of RGNs, but I'd imagine the same concepts hold true.

 

the commodity dictates what I do concerning rub rails. A 5k bobcat, I’m not sweating it. A 40k dozer, I won’t.

But a “certified” rub rail has its uses IMO

 

East not raiting their rubrails sounds like a cop out to me. Nearly every flatbed of the road (that I’ve pulled anyway) has the rubrail built in the same way. Pockets and spools welded to a piece of flat stock of extrusion with a nearly flat profile. That’s then welded to the trailer. Why should we take the word of the one trailer manufacture that doesn’t rate their rubrail over the many that do?

I don’t think we own any East trailers anyway. We prefer Utility trailers that have the rubrail welded on crooked from the factory. At least they are rated though.

 

Why is #3 and #6 both “stake pockets” and list 2 different ratings? Am I missing something?

 

It depends on how the pocket is used.

 

I figured it had to do with how you utilized the pocket but then listing it that way it seems would leave room for debate. We had a set way to chain down counterweights but when it came to oddball freight, which was plentiful at the crane company I was with, we were very creative as long as it was safe. Plus I don’t think we owned a 3/8” chain. My boss chucked every single one after one of the new guys pulled up to the crane with one of 3 on a 22t counter weight. Since the chains were all large we usually went around a pocket and an idler.

 

If that were the case , then all strap loads would be subject to inspection , I have never had a DOT officer check the rating of a rub rail.