Tips for Installing E-Track on a Trailer with Tube Aluminum Frame

Question

Question:

Im interested in installing E-Track on the walls of my Aluminum Cargo Trailer using #59149 Beam Sockets to create a modular setup for 2x4 shelves and/or cargo packing/tie-down. My aluminum structural wall is tube stock at 16inch On Center with 1/4inch Ply obviously I cant really fasten to the ply. Ill be using self-tapping screws at each vertical structural post - meaning I am fastening these things every 16inch with two self-tapping screws into an aluminum post...and that is all. Is that enough to exploit the strength of the product or will have to beef up the fastening and how? Suggestions welcome. Thanks

asked by: Mark

0

Expert Reply:

On an 4 foot long section of E-track # EM19147 and 2 screws every 16 inches that is a total of 6 screws in the aluminum frame. This most likely will not get you near the capacity of the E-track.

I recommend bolting through the aluminum frame so that the fasteners are anchored. This is harder to do since you need access to both sides of the vertical supports of the frame.

Another option is to use several backing plates, # e96RR, which will disperse the weight over a larger area. So if you were able to use several of these between the vertical supports in addition to securing the E-track directly to the posts then the E-track would be more secure, probably not to the 6,000 pound capacity but better than the vertical posts alone.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Ryan H.

3/2/2020

as described in the above question, aluminum trailer 16 a part 2 screws for a total of 6, Im using #14 stainless screws on the walls. Is there a calculation of what weight can be supported? I know basic broom and shovel are fine. I want to do a small work bench in the front of my v nose and also do a spare tire holder. thank you

Chris R.

3/3/2020

There isn't an easy way to calculate capacity based on install application. This would likely require a full inspection by an engineer who is a lot smarter than me. Based on the above question and its similarity to your case though, I can't imagine you will have any problem doing what you're wanting to do. Would you get the full 2,000 pound weight capacity on the E-Tracks? Probably not - but you'll still get more than enough for your work bench and spare tire (with capacity to spare for the broom and shovel).

Answer 1

Zinc plated screws are going to be the best option for use with aluminum to resist galvanic corrosion. This corrosion you are referring to is from two dissimilar metals reacting so you want to use the most similar metals when installing your E-track…

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Answer 2

We have a couple different options available for a spare tire mount inside your cargo trailer. - Rack'Em Spare Tire Rack for Enclosed Trailers #RA-16, this includes (1) spare tire holder but has the ability to hold additional tires with the…

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Answer 3

I have the perfect solution for you. It's the Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Aluminum Wheel, part #AM32669. The wheel on this setup is a 15x6 wheel with an aluminum star spoke pattern. It has the 6 on 5-1/2" bolt…

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Answer 4

Hey Brett, congrats on the new trailer. It looks like your 2019 Forest River Wildwood Heritage Glen LTZ 273RL weighs right at 9,500 lbs when fully loaded. This would put your tongue weight somewhere around 950 lbs - 1,425 lbs when loaded up. I…

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Answer 5

For your Aluma 6810 HBT trailer, I recommend the Erickson Horizontal E-Track - Zinc Coated Steel - 2,000 lbs - 5' Long - Qty 1 #E19148 along with the E-Track Backing Plate - Zinc Plated Steel - 6" Long x 6" Wide #e96RR. This will save…

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Answer 6

Hello Gerry, thanks for reaching out. The correct weight distribution (WD) hitch will depend on the loaded tongue weight of your travel trailer. Each WD hitch has a range of tongue weights it will work with, and ideally you want your trailers tongue…

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Answer 7

Welcome back Fred! I reached out to our quality department and found out the etrailer Horizontal E Track item #e62VR are electro-galvanized. This method ensures corrosion resistance for both interior and exterior use. The etrailer Horizontal E Track…

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Answer 8

If it were my trailer I would fasten the E-Track to the support beams under the trailer, either the side to side one or front to back ones, by going all the way through those support beams. E-Track like #E19148 is zinc-coated steel and since the…

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Answer 9

The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System item #EQ64FR will give you flexibility but it will most likely give you a stiff and uncomfortable ride when you are towing your trailer at the lower 7,000 lbs capacity. Tongue weight is typically 10% - 15%…

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Answer 10

You can certainly still use the black powder coated E-Track on a trailer with an aluminum deck. You will want to put a layer between the E-Track and the aluminum of your trailer, to help prevent corrosion from contact of dissimilar metals. This layer…

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Answer 11

That is a good question, and you will need to use three backing plates for each 5 foot section of e-track, so the exact part you will need is the following: - etrailer E-Track Backing Plates w/ Hardware - Qty 3 #e46RR These will fit perfectly with…

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Answer 12

You would not be able to charge your battery through the wiring on your 4-way trailer connector. Since your truck has a 7-way connector, you could maintain the power to the battery but not charge it. To begin, you would need to cut off your 4-way…

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