Best Tie-Down Recommendation for a Pine Wood Floor Flatbed Trailer Carrying Motorcycles

Question:

I am looking for the Right tie down set up for my older trailer - it is a solidly made trailer, 55x12 in size. the frame was recycled/converted from an old travel trailer into a flat utility trailer,has large heavy duty 2 square steel frame members, covered with a new wood deck constructed of 2x10 pine boards, sealed with rubber undercoat. I will be hauling motorcycles, in wheel chocks. Want to install 8 tie down locations along the sides - 2 on the front and three on each side, set up about 3 apart - I am becoming confused about what tie down system would work the best for this trailer and my anticipated use - The boards completely cover the frame, and overlap by an inch or so. so I cannot weld tie downs directly on the frame unless I add tie down extension bars which I could do, should you recommend? - was originally thinking of installing something like LRB1 with long 4.5 zinced bolts attaching though holes drilled through the frame and the boards. then I got thinking maybe I should instead install something like this, with the mounting plate drilled through the wood decking and set Over/Around the steel frame members - thus avoiding the need to drill through the frame. do you have a preference? or a better suggestion?

asked by: Jeri

Expert Reply:

I think installing the Recessed Trailer D-Ring, # RR5K, that you have referenced, would be better than # LRB1, because the backing plate is going to help distribute the load from the ring which would be better for your wood decking and make for stronger connection points. If you use this kit with the backing plate an attachment to the frame is not required as the backing plate, which would be underneath the wood floor, would prevent the hardware from pulling out.

The only down side to installing these D-rings is 3-1/4 inch hole that has to be drilled in the wood so that the ring is properly recessed. But, once installed, it will have a flush, clean appearance. I think that for your application, this is going to be the best option and with the chocks you have mentioned, the bikes will be secure.

Something you might be interested in is the Erickson Re-Tractable, Ratcheting, Bolt-On Tie-Down Strap, # EM31319. These are basically ratchet straps but you can permanently attach them to the trailer. They can be attached to the outside of the frame, like shown in the video I have linked for reference, but you could also mount them to the floor like the D-rings, but they would have to go through the frame. With these, I would also recommend some 1 inch x 18 inch Tie-Down Motorcycle Assist Straps (Qty 2), # 06303.

expert reply by: Michael H