How to Use L-Track, How to Install Them, and What to Use Them For
Seeking a reliable, heavy-duty tie-down system for your truck bed or trailer? L-track offers adjustable anchor points, low-profile rails, and modular fittings that make securing cargo simple and secure.
What is L-Track and How Does It Work?
L-Track, also known as Logistic Track or Airline Track, is a versatile tie-down rail with a low, sleek profile, perfect for use in trailers or truck beds. The L-Track system consists of aluminum rails, fittings, and straps used to secure a range of cargo and personal items like motorcycles and ATVs. Each aluminum rail has round slots that allow you to insert L-track fittings to secure your gear. But what makes them unique is that you can use the rails anywhere to secure items quickly and easily.
L-Track is the best tie-down solution for your pickup truck or trailer because the multiple round openings on the rails allow for quick attachment of fittings, allowing you to create a custom tie-down at any point!
Besides L-Track being adaptable to many situations, it will safely tie down your items without a scratch. These aluminum rails have a ton of benefits, and you'll feel secure knowing your items won't get shifted or damaged. Continue reading to learn how to use L-Tracks, how to install them, and what to use with these rails.
L-Track vs. E-Track: Key Differences
L-Track is a high-quality aluminum rail that has a narrower profile than E-Track. The lower profile makes it ideal for pickup trucks, vans, and other vehicles with smaller spaces. The rails' lengths range from 6" to 96" and come in 4 different styles to easily fit various vehicles.
Read more about the differences between E-Track and L-Track to understand what to use each system for.
If you'd like to learn more about E-Track, read our blog on what they are, how to install them, and what to use them for.
Common Uses for L-Track
With their ability to change to any layout format, you can use L Track on trailers, pickup truck beds, vans, enclosed trailers, and utility trailers. You can especially use these for vehicles on the farm, construction sites, manufacturing sites, and more!
L-Track's narrow width makes it ideal in smaller spaces, and it has pre-drilled holes for the quickest and easiest installation. You can use these rails for hanging soft or light storage, holding down bikes, securing heavy loads, and even living a mobile lifestyle!
Types of L-Track Rails (Standard, Airline, Angled, Recessed)
At US Cargo Control, we carry four different styles of L-Track: the Standard L-Track, Aircraft Style L-Track, Angled L-Track, and Recessed L-Track.
Standard
Standard L-Track is our most popular style of logistic tie-down track due to its endless versatility. This line has a range of 6", 12", 24", 48", 72", and 96", so you can have an idea of what length you'll need.
Aircraft
The Aircraft Style features a squared profile made from high-quality grade 6351 that has stronger tensile strength than the standard L-Track. The square-edge design allows for a recessed installation and a smoother, flush surface.
This style was popularized in the airline industry as a way to secure seats. Since the tie-down tracks are so versatile, they make them an excellent choice for consumer tie-down applications!
Read the differences between the Airline and the Standard.
Angled
Angled L-Track features sloped edges, making it easier to roll items such as motorcycles, ATVs, utility carts, and other wheeled objects over the tie-down track. These rails are common in the transportation industry as a floor anchor system for wheelchairs and are used for surface-mounted applications.
Please note that our angled L-Track is for recreational and cargo control use only. It's not certified for official wheelchair restraint use in buses, vans, and other transport vehicles.
Recessed
Used for flush-mount installations, Recessed L-Track is ideal in applications where wheeled items are rolled over the track. Just like the Angled L-Track, this is designed for recreational and cargo control use only.
How to Install L-Track Rails
With a bit of patience, a clear head, and a sharpie and measuring tape, installing L Track rails can be pretty simple. You'll have a successful job when you measure correctly and use the right tools to safely install the rails.
Watch below on how to install the rail on a truck bed, and become a natural at it!
L-Track Fittings and Accessories
With the right accessories, you can do anything with L-track! These aluminum rails give you the flexibility to use a variety of tie-down accessories. We carry a large selection of L-Track Straps specifically designed to easily connect to logistic tie-down track rails and L-Track fittings.
We also carry single stud fittings and double stud fittings, fastener packs, and bolt plates. If you'd like a more sleek and finished look, use filler strips and end caps.
If you're not sure what fittings you need, watch our video below that explains their uses.
