Trailer tie-downs

[Track T-4]

I just bought a new 7x16 enclosed trailer for longer distance hauling of my T and another smaller car that is about the same size/weight. I would like to use E-tracks instead of D-rings but there appears to be a wide variety of size, strength, sources, etc. Anyone out there have experiences with the E-tracks and related hardware and suggestions which to get and where?

 

[Todd]

For my "parts" time job, we use a 2 inch strap with snap locks. I have a straight truck and haul newspaper totes. For you securing the car, I would think the flat hook would be best.

 

[fluidfloyd]

Track T-4

Use the 2" straps with snap locks. Get yourself 4 axle straps. They are about 18" long and have D rings at both ends. This will allow you to wrap then around the front and rear axle without scratching the paint or chrome. By using snap locks you won't have to worry about them coming off due to bouncing the trailer over a pot hole. Severe tire/axle impacts can deflect a tire enough to allow a flat or J hook slip off its load. You can fing the axle straps and snap lock straps at Northern Tool or Tractor Supply and they are made in the USA. Hope this helps you.

George

 

[Track T-4]

Todd, Fluidfloyd;

I have the straps with the snap locks but was looking for advice on what to use on the floor. The enclosed trailer has a 3/4" plywood floor and I want to mount the E-tracks instead of D-rings, was wondering about the differences in the E-tracks and places to buy from.

 

[fluidfloyd]

I think both Northern Tool and Tractor Supply carry the track systems. Just google them for a web site catalog.

George

 

[Todd]

Is Speedway Motors just D rings or do they have tracks?

I googled Etracks when I first saw your post and got the Etracks website.

 

[fluidfloyd]

Track T 4

Northern tool sells the tracks and rings. Go to www.NorthernTool.com
Item# 450786-1806 E-Track 24" Strip $9.99ea.

Item# 450753-1806 E-Track Rope Ring $4.99ea.

Both items on page 299 in the 2008 spring/summer Master catalog #1806. I have not received a new catalog so I would think this one is curent. If you have a place that builds trailers in your area then they probably have a source for your needs. Hope this helps you.

George

 

[der Spieler]

Track T 4

Northern tool sells the tracks and rings. Go to www.NorthernTool.com
Item# 450786-1806 E-Track 24" Strip $9.99ea.

Item# 450753-1806 E-Track Rope Ring $4.99ea.

Both items on page 299 in the 2008 spring/summer Master catalog #1806. I have not received a new catalog so I would think this one is curent. If you have a place that builds trailers in your area then they probably have a source for your needs. Hope this helps you.

George

The price is the same in the Fall/Winter 2008 catalog #1901 page 421.

 

[joes23t]

Track -t before you buy the e-track system look it over carefully My opinion is that E-Tracks are desined for the walls of the trailer so that you can adjust them around your load giving it a 90* pull from the track if you use for your car tye down you will have a lot of scope and side loading the snape clips just my opinion Joe also d rings are much cheaper all round about $6.00 to $7.00 plus backers.

 

[fluidfloyd]

joes23T

I can tell you from first hand knowledge that they are used in both floor and wall applications. My ole Texas shop neighbor built enclosed race car and specialty trailers. On of his biggest customers was a medical group that sent equipment to treat kidney stones to small outlaying hospitals. These machines were on big castors and quite heavy. They were held in place in transit with both floor and wall mounting tracks. I never saw one come back for track damage. Those drivers knocked off fenders, broke tail door ramps, bent axles and over loaded them on a regular basis but no damaged tracks. Just my thoughts on the subject.

George

 

[Track T-4]

Thanks everyone. I agree the D-rings are cheaper. I'm considering the tracks to get some flexibility because I'll be trailering two different cars with different wheelbases and widths. Also, one car is front engine and the other is rear engine so, not knowing the front to rear weights, want to play with the trailer balance when they're loaded. I might use the D-rings for the rear and E-tracks for the front - haven't decided yet. Found the tracks on the Northern Tools site. Also found a pretty informative towing/trailering site, www.etrailer.com Good to hear of successes with the tracks, that's one of the things I was concerned about.

Bruce