Load Securement / Rubrails

Is it legal to attach your straps to the rubrail instead of the frame, or looping your chain around the post pocket and hooking it back to the chain. seems like the the chain connecting to the chain would be stronger.

 

I’ve done both, wrap around the pocket or spool, and rehook to chain link or wrap around pocket and hook on pocket end(like a u). Both are legal. Usually when I hook back to link, you can use that style for 1/2 links to adjust if the binder is to loose or tight to snap(secure).

 

Yes it is legal.

 

Here are both styles

 

The trailer is always the weakest link compared to the chain. Most times there’s a sticker on the trailer showing what it’s good for. When it doubt go with 6000 lbs.

 

A guy told me years ago, a cop in Commiefornia gave him a hard time, about attaching straps to the rub rail. The cop said they need to be behind the rail, and attached to the underside of the deck.

 

Be very careful when running chain around rub rail spools. It is legal yes BUT not all trailer manufacturers weld the spools all the way around and you can pop them out fairly easily... The last company i was with guys would cinch down on 1 spool with a coil and just about every spool was popped out because of that... Its better to secure to a stake pocket and a spool together. Or 2 spools if thats the only option.

 

Done that too… depends the condition on the pockets or spool.

 

Translation: CommieCop has his preferences but is not familiar with 393.100.

 

Qutoe off FMCSA website,
Cargo Securement Rules

Proper Use of Tiedowns

The new regulations require each tiedown to be attached and secured in a manner that prevents it from becoming loose, unfastening, opening or releasing while the vehicle is in transit. All tiedowns and other components of a cargo securement system used to secure loads on a trailer equipped with rub rails must be located inboard of the rub rails whenever practicable.

This would indicate that its is at least highly reccomended to only attach to rubrails when there is no other choice.
So its probably not illegal, it maybe rated lower than the spool/steak method. Any how just trying to clarify as my self I have attach to rubrail when securing loads, but generally perfer to attach to the frame or loop back around the spool and pocket back to the chain, I think personalluy I perfer linking back to the chain.