Installing E Track on a Utility Trailer With 2x6 Wood Flooring

Updated 08/15/2026 | Published 08/08/2026

Question:

If Im installing an etrack system on a utility trailer wit 2x6 floors, do I need backing plates or could bolts with fender washers do? Thank you for your time Bill

asked by: Bill T

Expert Reply:

Hi Bill, bolts with large fender washers can work through a 2x6 floor for lighter loads, but if you’re planning to secure anything with some real weight to it, I’d use backing plates. The etrailer E Track Backing Plates, part # e46RR, spread the load across a much larger area of the wood, which gives you a stronger connection and helps keep the hardware from pulling through the floor.

With E Track, I tend to think about what happens when you hit a pothole or have to stop hard, not just how heavy the cargo is sitting still. If you’re tying down a UTV, mower, or other heavier equipment, I’d spend the little extra effort on backing plates so you’re not wondering about those 2x6 boards every time the trailer hits a rough stretch of road.

What do you haul most often, a UTV or mower, and are the roads you travel usually pretty smooth or a little rough?

expert reply by: Heather A

backingplate
(click to enlarge)

Crazydave

8/14/2026

I would use the backing plates. #1 The contact area is much larger so it will spread the stress load across a much larger surface so you're less likely to pull the plate into three wood than you are with fender washers. I've seen this many times. #2 The backing plates are much thicker than most fender washers so they are less likely to bend. When I installed e-track into my trailer I used one plate at the front and back of each row and one plate where the individual sections met. I also run as many mounting screws into the trailer cross-member as I can. While some may say this is overkill , I've hauled some very heavy items and I haven't had a single issue. I have installed e-track into three trailers and towed thousands of miles hauling household items, building materials, motorcycles, and vehicles.

Heather A.

8/14/2026

@Crazydave That’s some great real-world experience to add here, Dave! After three trailers and thousands of miles, it sounds like that extra reinforcement has definitely paid off. Do you do estate clean outs?

Jimv

8/15/2026

I used the backing plates to secure two motorcycles, by the foot pegs, to the etrack on my wood floored trailer. They are extremely stable and the etrack is secured with both the backing plates and every practical screw hole filled with additional screws. I don’t want to take any chances, both with my expensive and well loved bikes as well as my liability for the safety of the other road users if these were to ever come off of my trailer.