How to Use E-Tracks, How to Install Them, and What to Use Them For
Remember when you were transporting items inside your enclosed trailer or van, and no matter how well you secured them, they still managed to move around? What must be even more frustrating is that this situation can, unfortunately, create a disorderly mess and damage the items themselves. You wonder if there is a solution to preventing this mess during your next trip.
There is a solution, and it’s E-tracks.
E-track is a system of mounted steel rails with small slots in them. It is a very industrial product that is heavy, powerful, and common for trailers and vans. Not only that, it is the industry standard for cargo control. These steel rails are the perfect solution because they are an attachment point for various types of load securement options.
Not only that, but you will have some peace knowing that your items won't get shifted or damaged. Continue reading to learn how to use E-tracks, how to install them, and what to use with these rails.
What is an E-Track System?
E-tracks are made from high-strength 12 GA steel that can be attached with screws, rivets, or by welding. They are affordable, heavy-duty, and completely customizable, as everyone hauls different items of different sizes and weights. Ultimately, they will give you the flexibility to tie down anything.
What Can I Use E-Track for?
They safely secure your cargo or heavier items, but you can use E-track for a variety of applications. Since this product is the industry standard for cargo control, it is trusted to hold down larger weights or of different sizes.
You can use E-track in semi-trailers, shipping containers, moving vans, enclosed trailers, and recreational vehicle tie-down projects. They are also perfect to hold down ATVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and other motorsport vehicles. The neat part about these strong rails is that you can add them to the floors and walls for 360-degree coverage.
The Differences Between Horizontal and Vertical E-Track
There are two kinds of E-track for different cargo control securement, but both perform the same functions. The only difference is how the anchor points are presented in relation to the length of the vehicle.
Listen to our product expert explain the difference between horizontal and vertical E-Tracks, and the best fittings.
Horizontal
The Horizontal E-track has slots that run perpendicular at 90-degree angles to the sides of the rail. It has multiple securement points available to use at any time to hold down your items. Also, they are more commonly used for flatbeds and enclosed trailers as they help haul all loads that don’t take up the dead space inside.
Vertical
The Vertical E-track has rectangular slots that run parallel with the rail. You install the rails vertically, and we recommend using them when the height of hauled loads changes from trip to trip. You can use these vertical rails to mount a shelving system and for decking and shoring beam applications. Vertical E-track is more commonly used in the trucking industry.
Although they are laid out differently, there are no rules for deciding between vertical and horizontal. You must consider the type of load you intend to transport and the type of vehicle you have to install the rails when choosing one of the other.
How to Install E-Track
Installing E-track is not a painful process to set up; it just takes some patience. You will be successful when you measure correctly and safely install the rails securely onto your vehicle. Check out the screws we carry such as the 14" x 1" self-tapping screws that work best for attaching E-track to studs, and 1-1/2” E-track hex bolts work best when drilling through thick plywood floors.
Watch this video below on how to install E-Track correctly, and become a pro at doing it:
What E Track Accessories Can I Use?
We mentioned earlier that these heavy-duty steel rails give you the flexibility to secure anything, as they work with many tie-down accessories. You can use E-Track Ratchet Straps and E-Track Cam Straps to tighten your items, and load bars to separate loads and prevent load shift.
We also carry specialized E-Track fittings like J-hook fittings, D-ring fittings, rope tie-offs, Wood End Sockets, and roller idler fittings.
If you're just getting started with E-track or looking to pick up some essentials, an E-Track Kit is an easy and convenient solution. Learn more about the kits we carry through 9 E-Track Kits for your Tie Down Needs During Transportation.
Learn more about E-track - including a general product overview, how to attach E-track fittings, and more.
