How to Attach E-Tracks to a Wooden Trailer Floor

Updated 11/08/2022 | Published 11/07/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Erickson Horizontal E Track - Zinc Plated Steel - 2,000 lbs - 5' Long - Qty 1

(1212)

$41.03

etrailer E-Track Backing Plates w/ Hardware - Galvanized Steel - 6" Long x 6" Wide - Qty 2

(281)

$19.20

Question:

We purchased a set of e track rails to install on our big Tex utility trailer. It’s a wood floor trailer, but upon a closer look we realized that the cross members are steel, not wood. Is it still possible to use the e track system bolted through the wood and steel cross member? Every install video I’ve seen had wood cross members

asked by: Hooper

Expert Reply:

I don't recommend drilling through the steel crossmembers to install your Horizontal E-Track item # E19148. This will put holes in the steel that can collect moisture and cause rusting. Plus that would be a lot of effort and you'll probably go through a couple of drill bits. You will also encounter galvanic corrosion when doing this. It's corrosion that is caused when you put two different metals together.

A way better option is to avoid the steel crossmembers and just drill through the wooden planks and use the etrailer E-Track Backing Plates w/ Hardware item # e96RR on the other side. You will want to put these every couple feet and then use the included hardware to attach your E-track to your Big Tex Utility Trailer's floor.

expert reply by: Jerred H