Installing E Track in a Wood-Paneled Trailer

E track is an effective way to secure cargo in an enclosed trailer. Here’s how you can easily install it in a wood-paneled trailer. This example uses a horizontal 1/8″ thick track with 1/4″ diameter mounting holes.

The first step is to look for wall studs inside the trailer. A standard way to spot them is by checking for the screws that hold the paneling in place. The screws will be attached to the wall studs. Read the rest of this entry »

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

What is E-track? Whether you have a “Toy Hauler” for your weekend trips with the ATV’s or motorcycles, a flatbed for hauling your prized four-wheel possession, or an entire fleet of 53′ enclosed trailers, you need to be familiar with this product. For years I used this product virtually every day and never once considered that it had a formal name. E-Track is the metal railing that runs horizontally (or vertically) along the inside walls of almost every Semi Truck trailer you pass on the interstate. It is made of either painted steel (for use in areas that are protected from the elements) or galvanized steel (which stands up well to rain and snow.) It is approximately 5″ wide, various lengths, with a slot stamped out about every 2″ the entire length. The slots are the key to the entire e-track system. These slots accept special fittings that lock in and are incredibly strong.

When E-track is used along the walls of enclosed trailers and cube vans, ratchet straps with E-fittings can be utilized to secure items like millwork and windows. Ratchet straps come in various lengths and have a ratcheting mechanism to tighten the strap to secure the load. Cam Buckle straps with E-fittings can also be used to secure more delicate loads. Cam Buckle straps have a “friction” type of buckle that holds the strap tight as you pull the slack out of the strap by pulling on the loose end. If you already have straps with hooks and not E-fittings, don’t worry, tie-downs with “D” or “O” rings lock in to the E-track and can be used with rope, or straps with hooks. Shoring Beams are Aluminum or Steel beams that go from one side of the trailer or van to the other and lock in to the E-track. These beams can be used to keep pallets and loads from shifting, and can also be used to create shelving space. Wood end-sockets are a more economical option to create your own shoring beams using 2×4 or 2×6 lumber (by the way, a piece of plywood on top of the shoring beams makes a great place to throw a mattress or sleeping bag to crash on those extended trips with the toy hauler). Read the rest of this entry »

Camping Trailers, Popups, Teardrops and Cargo Conversion

If you’re new to camping it can be a daunting task to pick the right camping trailer for the type of camping you want to do. We’ll go over a few of the major types of trailers and some pros and cons to each.

The Teardrop Camping Trailer Read the rest of this entry »

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