Tie-Down Straps and Anchor Points

The v ring and looped ends go on hooks that are designed for such straps.

Flat hooks don't go to frame or stake pockets, they go to the rub rail, a lip on the underside of the trailer, or specially designed attachment points on the trailer designed to accept them.

 

I was always partial to the chain ends, but I had longer chains on the strap end to go all the way around the pocket and hook back onto itself.

 

Depends on where it is. I prefer a flat hook on the ratchet half of a ratchet strap. Keeps the body closer to the deck usually and avoids the ratchet scratching paint as you go down the road. I prefer chain ends on straps, the chains allow the straps to go on angles. Flat hooks will to a certain degree but not as much. Plus chain ends can go around stakes and spools, or chain pulls, opens lots of options.
V hooks are next to useless. Usually the hook won't fit down through the rub rail, unless you smash it with a hammer. Basically turning it into a flat hook.
The ones with the extra D are for you to hook it back to itself.

 

V hooks work well in round and triangle shaped cutouts on the sides of the double drop trailers I pull. We usually use them to secure our deck plugs/ filler plates on the return trip and light crates on the way out. Strength is not much of a concern.

 

J-hook tie-plates have the best WLL to tiedown quantity ratio. Most I've seen are rated 6,500 lbs or higher.

Granted, you'll never find a 4" synthetic strap with a 6,500 lb WLL (most I know of are only 5,400 lbs) but the strength is there.

My personal choice is the round post with a chain-end strap. The welds go all the way around the post (unlike the stake pocket) and are much less prone to cracking. I'd say, for someone looking to be flexible in the kind of open deck freight they want to carry, stake pockets, posts and a J-hook plate track on either side will give you the most options (J-hook plates for 3/8" chain for equipment and coils) for securement.

 

I've seen 4 inch straps marked for 6600 lbs. Certainly not common, but they are out there.

 

The v hook straps have 1 good use. To attach too a small shackle on something to small to get a chain through. I have pulled a lot of ac units and transformers this way.