Would you hook straps this way?

I understand what you are saying, and ive seen the argument, however is on the website under the current rules, you can look it up on my previous post with the link to the rule

 

That's why fork lifts have insurance. I will file a claim on anyone that damages my equipment.

 

What you are calling the frame rail. Is NOT a frame rail. It is a side rail. Completely different animal. And the bottom flange of the side rail will bend very easily if you put a strap hook on it. Now if you have sliding winch rails on both sides, you can hook to that because it is attached to every cross member.

 

It just depends on the trailer and how it was built. Utility trailers want you to only hook flat hooks to the bottom flange of the side rail.

 

Are you sure it's the side rail you are hooking to? And not the winch track that's attached(usually bolted, or with machine screws, but I have seen them welded on older steel trailers)to every cross member?

Side topic: every once in a while a know it all likes to point out the sticker on a trailer that says something like "light weight side rails do not use clip on winches" and point to my straps that are hooked to rub rail. I'll listen to his ten minute lecture about how he has 30 years experience and used to bean instructor at some mega companies flatbed school, and then ask how could he, in thirty years never learn the difference between a flat hook on a strap, and a winch.
For those that don't know, a clip on winch is a left over from the days before sliding winch rails became common place. It is a winch with a piece of C channel welded on top with two bolts that you would tighten to hold it to the rail. Don't ever try to use one of these on aluminum combo trailers. They are meant for all steel trailers.

 

"Know-it-all here"

Straps get hooked to the side rails underneath. I can't hook them anywhere else because the QuickDraw system is bolted tight to the run rail. Our Utility's don't have a winch track. The winches slide on the side rail that the rub rail is welded to.

I also have to disagree with not using clamp on winches with an aluminum trailer. I carry 6 and use them frequently. I also drove a straight truck with an aluminum bed and nothing but clamp on winches. That bed was 15 years old and only ever had one winch ripped off. It happened when a strap was wound around the winch and ran over. Someone forgot to wind it up. I have seen the same thing happen too a steel bed with a steel winch track.

Know-it-all out!

 

The description of your attachment flat out states you have a winch track. Just a different type that a typical platform trailer has.

 

Here's a picture on the actual trail I'm referring to. Take what you will from it.

 

This is what @spyder7723 is talking about I think, if you clamp them to the rail it will bend it pretty easily. The side rail isn't designed to take the extra leverage that this type of winch exerts.

 

That's the exact type I'm talking about. They actually would apply less leverage then the stock winches. They are much shorter. The only difference in how they apply force to the trailer is the bolts.