Side rail with flat hook retaining feature

Abstract

A semi-trailer includes first and second main beams that extend parallel to a longitudinal axis. A left side rail extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and defines a left lateral side of the trailer, and a right side rail extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and defines a right lateral side of the trailer. A cargo platform extends between the left side rail and right side rails. A kingpin is located at a forward end of the trailer and is adapted to be engaged by a fifth-wheel of an associated vehicle for towing the trailer. An axle assembly is located at a rear end of the trailer and is connected to the first and second main beams. The axle assembly includes at least one left and at least one right rotatable wheel and tire assembly for movably supporting the trailer on a surface. Each of the left and right side rails includes a one-piece aluminum extrusion including an upper portion including a platform engaging portion engaged with the cargo platform, and a lower portion including a winch track adapted to be slidably engaged by an associated cargo strap winch. The lower portion further includes a hook engagement wall that projects away from the side rail toward the first and second main beams of the trailer. The hook engagement wall includes an upper surface oriented toward the cargo supporting platform and an opposite lower surface oriented away from the cargo supporting platform. The hook engagement wall includes a tapered nose including first and second nose walls that define a nose angle X such that said tapered nose is adapted to be received in an open recess of the associated cargo strap hook that defines a hook recess angle X'.