E-Track or Versa-Track Installation

JenniferBedell · **Posted:** Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:58 pm

Anyone know someone who would install E-Track or Versa-track on my car trailer? I could theoretically do it myself... but I don't really want to make beginner mistakes on something to which I will later strap my car. :roll:

RobLupella · **Posted:** Wed Feb 16, 2011 6:03 pm

did you get an enclosed trailer?

ColinOConnell · **Posted:** Wed Feb 16, 2011 11:10 pm

I slapped in E track a few weeks ago using deck screws. I placed the tracks under the outside edge of the E36 tires. I plan to install bolts in cross beam spots or large washers if those don't match 'stress points', but so far the deck screws are not having any issue holding the tensioned straps.

The one thing I think I did wrong was buy E track tiedown straps. The cross pattern pulls the strap in the etrack 'part' and it bunches up to one side. That worries me. I will be moving to etrack rings and normal hook end on both sides tiedowns.

JenniferBedell · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:02 pm

Nah, same old trailer (open, diamond-plated deck), but I think I would like to use wheel nets, and that requires more attachment hardware. Seems like having E-Track or equivalent would make the setup more customizable, and as long as I'm drilling all those holes, I may as well?

BretLuter · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:23 pm

JenniferBedell wrote:

Nah, same old trailer (open, diamond-plated deck), but I think I would like to use wheel nets, and that requires more attachment hardware. Seems like having E-Track or equivalent would make the setup more customizable, and as long as I'm drilling all those holes, I may as well?

A decent drill, sharp drill bit and some good hardware (nuts/bolts/washers) should be all you need.

BretLuter · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:25 pm

ColinOConnell wrote:

I slapped in E track a few weeks ago using deck screws. I placed the tracks under the outside edge of the E36 tires. I plan to install bolts in cross beam spots or large washers if those don't match 'stress points', but so far the deck screws are not having any issue holding the tensioned straps.

The one thing I think I did wrong was buy E track tiedown straps. The cross pattern pulls the strap in the etrack 'part' and it bunches up to one side. That worries me. I will be moving to etrack rings and normal hook end on both sides tiedowns.

Colin, I'd highly recommend replacing the deck screws with something more substantial, preferably bolts and locknuts.

I'm sure deck screws are probably "OK", but I wouldn't trust them long term.

steve remchak · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:37 pm

BretLuter wrote:

ColinOConnell wrote:

I slapped in E track a few weeks ago using deck screws. I placed the tracks under the outside edge of the E36 tires. I plan to install bolts in cross beam spots or large washers if those don't match 'stress points', but so far the deck screws are not having any issue holding the tensioned straps.

The one thing I think I did wrong was buy E track tiedown straps. The cross pattern pulls the strap in the etrack 'part' and it bunches up to one side. That worries me. I will be moving to etrack rings and normal hook end on both sides tiedowns.

Colin, I'd highly recommend replacing the deck screws with something more substantial, preferably bolts and locknuts.

I'm sure deck screws are probably "OK", but I wouldn't trust them long term.

agreed, bolts much more safety sensible. remember those cars are moving at 65+ mph inside the trailer when you slam on the brakes.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 9:34 pm

BretLuter wrote:

ColinOConnell wrote:

I slapped in E track a few weeks ago using deck screws. I placed the tracks under the outside edge of the E36 tires. I plan to install bolts in cross beam spots or large washers if those don't match 'stress points', but so far the deck screws are not having any issue holding the tensioned straps.

The one thing I think I did wrong was buy E track tiedown straps. The cross pattern pulls the strap in the etrack 'part' and it bunches up to one side. That worries me. I will be moving to etrack rings and normal hook end on both sides tiedowns.

Colin, I'd highly recommend replacing the deck screws with something more substantial, preferably bolts and locknuts.

I'm sure deck screws are probably "OK", but I wouldn't trust them long term.

If the bolts are through wood wouldn't some sort of reinforcing "plate" at least as big as a fender washer be a good idea on the underside?

Dick

ColinOConnell · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:36 pm

BretLuter wrote:

Colin, I'd highly recommend replacing the deck screws with something more substantial, preferably bolts and locknuts.

I'm sure deck screws are probably "OK", but I wouldn't trust them long term.

I agree fully. Proper securing with bolts into the steel cross members and large washers is on the punch list, but I was a bit short of time. They weren't exactly deck screws, but they aren't bolts and washers either. There are about 180 1 1/4" screws on each 10ft section of etrack so it's got a lot of holding power.

steve remchak wrote:

agreed, bolts much more safety sensible. remember those cars are moving at 65+ mph inside the trailer when you slam on the brakes.

At 23,330# this rig doesn't accelerate or stop with enough force to unsettle a box of parts in the trailer let alone toss the cars around. If I encounter a situation where the truck goes from 65 to 0 in 50' or less there won't be much left of the truck, trailer or contents.

steve remchak · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:51 pm

ColinOConnell wrote:

BretLuter wrote:

Colin, I'd highly recommend replacing the deck screws with something more substantial, preferably bolts and locknuts.

I'm sure deck screws are probably "OK", but I wouldn't trust them long term.

I agree fully. Proper securing with bolts into the steel cross members and large washers is on the punch list, but I was a bit short of time. They weren't exactly deck screws, but they aren't bolts and washers either. There are about 180 1 1/4" screws on each 10ft section of etrack so it's got a lot of holding power.

steve remchak wrote:

agreed, bolts much more safety sensible. remember those cars are moving at 65+ mph inside the trailer when you slam on the brakes.

At 23,330# this rig doesn't accelerate or stop with enough force to unsettle a box of parts in the trailer let alone toss the cars around. If I encounter a situation where the truck goes from 65 to 0 in 50' or less there won't be much left of the truck, trailer or contents.

talk to me in six months Colin. :wink:

it's the extended periods of open road that will get ya.

i drove the Better-Half to Pembroke today. she kept telling me how my habits on I-95 were distasteful. i told her she should see me try that in the diesel with a trailer in tow. :shock:

i should probably seek counseling or something. :lol:

BretLuter · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:54 pm

steve remchak wrote:

i should probably seek counseling or something. :lol:

QFT

(that's Quoted For Truth for us oldtimers........)

steve remchak · **Posted:** Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:56 pm

BretLuter wrote:

steve remchak wrote:

i should probably seek counseling or something. :lol:

QFT

(that's Quoted For Truth for us oldtimers........)

thanks Dad, i'll consider it. ...............

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E-Track or Versa-Track Installation

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