Is 3/4 Inch Plywood Floor Adequate for D-Ring Tie Down Anchors with Backing Plate for 3,000 lb Car

Question:

I recently purchased a 20ft enclosed trailer to haul our race car. I purchased recessed d-rings with a 6000lbs breaking point and a 1/8inch backing plate. Our trailer has a 3/4inch plywood floor. Some of our race team is worried just mounting the d-rings with backing plates to the floor as is wont be strong enough to hold our car approx 3000lbs. Should we make a thicker backing plate? Or add another sheet of plywood? Or even weld a steel plate between the subframe rails? Thanks!

asked by: Greg

Expert Reply:

The Brophy D-Ring Tie Down Anchor w Backing Plate - Bolt-On - 1/2" Wide - Recessed - 1,600 lbs # RR5K are rated for 5,000 lbs break strength and will work just fine with your application. The 3/4 inch plywood floor is very strong and with the backing plate you won't have any issues with a 3,000 lb car.

Any of the options you gave of adding another sheet of plywood or adding a plate between your subframe rails will strengthen your hold so it really comes down to your peace of mind. Sometimes over-engineering is worth the peace of mind, but it is not required for the strength of the tie-downs to be maximized.

expert reply by: Jason S