Drop in Stake Pocket D Rings

[George2615]

I've seen a few posts on drop in stake pocket D Rings and priced a few.
Cheapest I found was $22 each (incl. S&H) by R&P on Ebay but only rated for 5K max (1600 working load)
$30 each plus S&H through Kaufmann,
$20 each (for 6 or more) plus S&H through Johnson Trailers
$30 each plus S&H through PJ trailers.
Most had a max load rated D ring of around 11,780 lbs. and looked to be made of 1/8" C Channel so I'd guess around 5K working load. That would have been fine for what I haul.

I decided to build my own rather than weld D rings in fixed positions on my powder coated PJ trailer. Depending on what I put on the trailer I can move the D Rings where I need them. Prior to building these I would do like everyone else and drop the chain through the stake pocket,bring it back up and hook over the top. This is a perfectly acceptable way to secure something but I had the time and wanted to try the drop in rings so I built 6 of them.
I built mine using 1 1/2" x 1/4" thick square tube, 2" x 1/4" flat, and 20K max rated 5/8" D rings (a load they will never see). Materials costs $90 so I have $15 in each plus my time, electric, and welding rod. I went with 1/2" pins but may re drill and go to 5/8" if I notice any bending after a few uses.

 

[CCWKen]

Nice job but I thought that's what the side rails were for on a trailer. (Tie-downs)

 

[bdog]

Nice job. Those look stronger than the side rail is.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I too am wondering what your motivation here is other than to perhaps save the paint from those inevitable scrapes and scratches? As you mentioned, running the chain through the pocket and hanging the hook from either side (within the rub rail if possible by the way) is an acceptable practice. In my experiance, the only acceptable way to prevent chain slack from defeating a safely attached chain by the way. I figure your thought is to loop the chain through the D-rings and then catch the hook on one of the links leading back to your machine?

My other thought is thus: your proven welding skills. Not picking mind you, but I always consider worst case scenarios. For example, my truck needs a custom built hitch. I could weld it up but would prefer to have a certified welder (which I am not) fab it up. That way, say under a worst case scenario, my butt would be covered. Though, potential victims would be my first concern over litigation.

Anyway, thanks for sharing. Conversation is always good.

 

[George2615]

I do pass chain through the D rings but don't catch the hook on one of the links. The ends of the chains are tightened with ratchet binders. I could pass the chain around the round stand off pipe on the rub rail between the pockets but then the paint would get scratched / chipped off when tightening the ratchets.

No, I'm not a certified welder but after welding for the past 45 years I have confidence my welds will hold.

Trailer side rails are also made of 1/4" thick flat stock.

I like D rings better than stakes.
I'm trying to save the paint on the trailer from chipping / scratching for as long as possible.

 

[CCWKen]

I'm confused about how they're held in place. The pin is parallel to the side rail slot. What keeps them from lifting out? Surely you're not relying on the pin handle. ???

Still a great idea and worthy of "theft".

 

[George2615]

The pin goes through under the stake pocket and prevents it from lifting out. See the PJ drop in d rings video. They demonstrate how it goes in the stake pocket around 1:01 in the video.

pj drop in d rings - Bing video

 

[CCWKen]

Dah... I didn't realize there was an actual pocket there. :ashamed:

 

[powerscol]

I have the PJ brand and love them. I got them for $10 each when I bought the trailer. I think I bought 6 at the time a few year back. I got my trailer at the ABQ NM dealer - nice folks.

However not to criticize you work, but I would do another pass on the D-ring tube to plate connection. You first photo looks a bit rough with a gap on the top next the the ring tube, That's where all the stress is and as done will be the first place to rust. Just my 02, but congrats on the great project.

On edit I added some photos of my PJ rings. They use a 1/2 pipe up top to retain the D-ring with a full depth fillet weld both sides. I hope this helps.

 

[Oleozz]

I decided to build my own rather than weld D rings in fixed positions on my powder coated PJ trailer. Depending on what I put on the trailer I can move the D Rings where I need them. Prior to building these I would do like everyone else and drop the chain through the stake pocket,bring it back up and hook over the top. This is a perfectly acceptable way to secure something but I had the time and wanted to try the drop in rings so I built 6 of them.
.[/QUOTE]

I think they look real good, nice job.