Recommended Solution for Tie Downs on Floor of Suretrac Aluminum Trailer

Updated 03/11/2021 | Published 03/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Brophy Swiveling D-Ring Anchors w Backing Plates and Hardware - Bolt-On - 2,000 lbs - Qty 4

(290)

$127.81

etrailer Horizontal E Track - Black Powder Coated Steel - 2,000 lbs - 94" Long - Qty 4

(1252)

$152.96

Erickson E Track Strap with Ratchet - 2" Wide x 12' Long - 1,165 lbs

(433)

$18.63

Question:

Hello. I am looking for advice on tie downs for my new suretrac aluminum trailer with extruded decking. Are there options for recessed or fold down d-rings? I am concerned about corrosion using steel with aluminum. Should I go weld in place? Common use would be dirt bikes, ATV, Lawnmower and tiller. Best regards

asked by: James C

Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, but I think welding something to the floor is going to really limit where you can place things to have them tied down. I don't think you're going to be able to get away from the issue with galvanic corrosion since most tie downs are going to be steel, you can still use a steel system on the aluminum floor as long as there is some sort of barrier between the two surfaces-rubber, plastic, wood, etc..

With all of that said, I've got 2 options for you to consider. You could go with the Brophy Swiveling D-Ring Anchors w Backing Plates and Hardware - Bolt-On - 2,000 lbs - Qty 4 # RR6K-4, which come with backing plates included to make installation a bit more secure. You'd still need to provide a barrier between these and the floor, but the D-ring anchors swivel to allow you to connect your ratchet straps to them in a variety of different orientations.

I think the best solution for this considering all you could carry that needs to be strapped down are the etrailer Horizontal E-Track - Black Powder Coated Steel - 2,000 lbs - 94" Long - Qty 4 # e42VR. These e-tracks give you multiple tie down spots on your trailer floor so you're not forced to reach with your straps a whole lot. These are made from a durable powder coated steel, so you'd still want to put a barrier between them and the trailer floor, but you could position them however you needed to give you maximum flexibility in how you load your trailer. You do need special straps to use these, which you can get with the Erickson E-Track Strap with Ratchet - 2" Wide x 12' Long - 1,165 lbs # EM59136.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to check out, as well.

expert reply by: Erik B