Do Flat Hooks On etrailer Ratchet Straps Scratch Painted Trailer Rails?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Colin, the flat hooks on the # e72SV ratchet straps are steel, so any metal-on-metal contact can mark the paint over time, especially if the strap angle pulls downward across the rail. You could always just slip a small piece of rubber or an edge protector under the hook if you want to keep the rail pristine.

If you’d rather avoid rail contact altogether, the double-J kit # e42SV or the S-hook kit # e92NR will attach directly to D-rings or smaller anchors without touching the side rail at all. They also have a protective vinyl coating so it won't be metal to metal, at least until they are heavily used/worn.

What style of rail and tie downs does your trailer have? Assuming you have the rectangular stake pockets, you could add something like Stake Pocket Tie Down Anchor # TL1B which gives you a D-Ring that can be moved around between stake pockets. This has a strong black powder coat so it also wouldn't be metal to metal until it wears down over time. This is what I do on my trailer and it's a game changer!

expert reply by: Andrew N

0

Jared

12/17/2025

Andrew, slightly off-topic but since we're talking about these straps.. do the storage bags that come with these kits actually keep the straps clean and dry? I feel like normally the inside still gets wet.

Andrew N.

12/17/2025

@Jared Great question, Jared. And yes, the storage bags that come with them are a big improvement over tossing straps loose into a truck bed or getting the interior of the truck dirty. The bags are water-resistant (not submergible) and fully enclosed, so they keep water and grit out of the ratchet mechanism, which is usually what makes old straps bind up and corrode.