Do You Need E-track to Help Secure Your Load?

What is E-track? Whether you have a "Toy Hauler"Shoring Beams are Aluminum or Steel beams that go
for your weekend trips with the ATV's or motorcycles,from one side of the trailer or van to the other and
a flatbed for hauling your prized four-wheel possession,lock in to the E-track. These beams can be used to
or an entire fleet of 53' enclosed trailers, you need tokeep pallets and loads from shifting, and can also be
be familiar with this product. For years I used thisused to create shelving space. Wood end-sockets are
product virtually every day and never once considereda more economical option to create your own shoring
that it had a formal name. E-Track is the metal railingbeams using 2x4 or 2x6 lumber (by the way, a piece
that runs horizontally (or vertically) along the inside wallsof plywood on top of the shoring beams makes a
of almost every Semi Truck trailer you pass on thegreat place to throw a mattress or sleeping bag to
interstate. It is made of either painted steel (for use incrash on those extended trips with the toy hauler).
areas that are protected from the elements) orBy attaching lengths of E-track to the floor of flatbed
galvanized steel (which stands up well to rain andor enclosed trailers, wheel nets can be utilized with
snow.) It is approximately 5" wide, various lengths, witheither E-fitting on the straps, or snap hooks and O-rings
a slot stamped out about every 2" the entire length.to secure vehicles, making the trailer much more
The slots are the key to the entire e-track system.versatile than multiple fixed D-rings in the floor. That
These slots accept special fittings that lock in and areway you can move the strap closer to the wheel,
incredibly strong.rather than needing to move the vehicle closer to the
When E-track is used along the walls of enclosedfixed D-ring or using a longer strap. The E-fittings with
trailers and cube vans, ratchet straps with E-fittings"D" or "O" rings can also be used along with
can be utilized to secure items like millwork andmotorcycle tie-downs to strap down motorcycles,
windows. Ratchet straps come in various lengths andATV's, etc. The track is incredibly durable so you don't
have a ratcheting mechanism to tighten the strap toneed to worry about driving on it, but you will probably
secure the load. Cam Buckle straps with E-fittings canwant to use the galvanized track on an open trailer.
also be used to secure more delicate loads. CamEnd caps are also available for the track to give it a
Buckle straps have a "friction" type of buckle thatnice finished look.
holds the strap tight as you pull the slack out of theFor a minimal investment and a little installation time
strap by pulling on the loose end. If you already haveyour trucks and trailers can be more versatile and
straps with hooks and not E-fittings, don't worry,secure. So take the time to learn more about e track,
tie-downs with "D" or "O" rings lock in to the E-trackyou'll be glad you did!
and can be used with rope, or straps with hooks.