D rings/stake pockets

[Rhon]

I see that most everyone uses the stake pockets to secure their equipment to. If your trailer has d rings, what do you use them for? Is it better to use the pockets over the rings? I've used both but just wondering...
thanks

 

[Highbeam]

Most trailers come from the factory with several stake pockets. Mine did. They have so far been strong enough to bind tractors to. I would much rather use D-rings welded properly to the frame in the proper places just because the stake pockets don't look to be super strong.

D-rings are custom aftermarket pieces. The trailer already had stake pockets, that's why people use them.

 

[Maynard Reece Byrd]

I have a Neal bumper pull 5 + 14 foot tilt bed trailer that I haul a scissor lift on. I purchased the trailer new and put side boards on it and I needed a way to boom down the scissor lift to the floor ( 2X pressure treated wood) and I needed to be able to load materials along side the scissor lift to take to the job site at the same time. I looked at various ways to do it, but could not figure how I would make a D-ring work, then the idea light kicked on. I took my 3HP plunge router and chucked a 1/2" bit in it and removed a slot in the wood right over the frame. I did this in four places. I then took a length of 3/8" chain about 16-18" and a chain connector and placed the chain permanently around the frame. When not in use the chain is below the surface of the floor, but when needed it is right there for use. Handy as the pocket on a shirt.

 

[George2615]

My 8.5 x 20' trailer came with several stake pockets. They asked if I wanted D - rings and I said no. I said no because I wanted to buy and install my own where I wanted them which is what I did. I put my tractor on the trailer then figured where I wanted the D-rings and welded them on. I have 6 (2 each side and 2 in back) and am going to add 2 more to the front. I also use the stake pockets for other types of loads.

 

[Will_C]

My trailer is aluminum, so the stake pockets are not able to be used as tie downs. I speced 4 recessed D rings on the corners when I bought it, and will be adding another 4 where I need them for my tractor and implement.

Will

 

[QRTRHRS]

About the only advantage of pockets over D-rings is if the chain slack, at least the hook will stay in place (if properly placed). Where as, the hook on a chain going through a D-ring could possibly come loose if the chain slacked depending on how you chain up.

That said, most of the stake pockets I see don't look to be near as heavy as they are on a big truck trailer. Some of the welding is skimpy too.

 

[deepNdirt]

I would say the D-rings are more for tying down things, I use to have an 18 ft lowboy car hauler that had stake pockets and I used them for stake side rails, always felt more comfortable hauling things when having a rail as not to have something falling off the trailer,

 

[schmism]

I would much rather use D-rings welded properly to the frame in the proper places just because the stake pockets don't look to be super strong.

Based on linear inches of weld (were more = stronger hold) then my stake pockets far outweigh the D rings Although D rings can be mechanically fastened.... but id say 9 out of 10 times they are not

 

[JB4310]

I use the stake pockets on my 20ft flat bed, they are very handy. But this raises a good question, they are called stake pockets, not heavy equipment tie-downs.

I'm pretty sure they have no safety weight rating like every other part of the equation from chains, binders, hooks, shackles the trailer itself etc etc.

So I wonder what the trailer manufacturers or the highway safety dept has to say about using stake pockets to hold equipment down ???

Ideally slip hooks would be the better choice for D-rings, as opposed to grab hooks IMO.

Here's a pic of a brand new trailer, no D-rings, just stake pockets. And a pic of my set up.

JB

 

[Rhon]

Interesting. I tend to use the rings more than the pockets. The shop that built it was serious when they welded the rings and pockets on. They look like they're both extra heavy duty.