Would you hook straps this way?

Not if you clamp them to the side rail. Which I assumed he was talking about, if I'm wrong I apologize in advance.

 

I'm not sure I follow. They are the exact same shape as the factory winches with the exception of the bolts and being shorter.

 

I need to re write.

 

In the 2nd picture you just show a clearer picture than the first, which looked like a sales brochure or page out of the manual. The winch track is there, it's a different type than most have, but it is there.

As for the bolt on kind damaging the side rails. I was referring specifically to the light weight side rails most of the combo trailers have.

Obviously I worded my first statement on it poorly. Using my flat as an example, it had a sticker from the factory saying the trailer is equipped with light weight side rails, not to use clip on winches. And I get a giggle out how many guys that don't know what a clip on winch or a side rail is, lecturing me how using the rub rail to hook my straps is going to get me out out of service.

 

I did that on my East step deck when it was needed. Right at the back there was a small piece of rub rail but absolutely no tiedowns, and needed a portable on the other side also hooked to the rail. Whenever I did it there was always an obvious reason.

 

I've been strapping mine that way in the picture since day one. On a side note. I'm pretty sure they set a load rating for rubber bungee cords at 25 pounds each.

 

Fair enough @spyder7723. What it comes down to is every brand of trailer is a bit different. What works fine on one might not be a good idea on another.

The QuickDraw system on this trailer limits my securement options a bit at times. I can't use a portable hand winch/ratchet on anything wide because if I have to tighten the strap in transit I would have to open the curtain.

 

In Texas I've heard strap it down like that on a aluminum trl. And get a ticket.
OK on a steel trl.

 

Wow, glad i came here..

Got put on a flatbed cold, 2 days now....I strapped to 'rub rail' like in the picture and I get 14 old school flatbedders tellin me you cant do that!!!
But as I drove around lookin closer, half of the flats i passed on the 10 strapped to that outer 'rub rail'....
I get it now, thanks y'all

Will look into the "ok if its steel' thing....

 

It was rescinded June 22, 2006, plain and simple,