Tie down ideas for expanded metal trailer deck?

[dyeager535]

Resurrection, has anyone used X track? I guess it's not new, and seems to have substantially lower load limits, but well within what I'd ever imagine needing to tie down to a single point. I hadn't run across them previously, but it SEEMS like a good idea. If I'm going to put something down it might as well be as universal as possible.

It's a bit more pricey, but I'm seeing kits for ~$220 that includes 4x 8" sections, tie downs, etc.

Don't see any reviews thus far saying stay away. Makes sense, same general construction as e-track.

https://www.myteeproducts.com/e-track-kit-8-cross-x-track-rail-2-o-ring-6-rope-tie-offs-w-d-ring-2-x-16-ratchet-straps.html

Also, any thoughts on the accessories being sold with the kits? I presume it's probably all of the same general quality (or lack of) but those pieces are something I havent seen many talk about. Any specific brand experience, etc.?

 

[Blue85]

I don't have much to add here, but I found the best deal on angle iron was old bed frames from the local used building supply store.

 

[dyeager535]

Oh that's brilliant! I actually need some for another project, but could help out here too. Metal seems way more expensive than it used to be. It seems to me that before it was cheap enough that just buying it to make random stuff was affordable, now I really feel the need to plan things out to minimize the amount I need to buy.

Heck, this trailer other than frame and axle was basically ground up purchased from metal supply places and I want to say I spent maybe $500 at the time to get it all?

 

[HankScorpio]

I don't have much to add here, but I found the best deal on angle iron was old bed frames from the local used building supply store.

My buddy owns storage units. Every time he has to clear out a unit for non payment I get the bed frames. Theres always a bed frame.

 

[sweetk30]

My buddy owns storage units. Every time he has to clear out a unit for non payment I get the bed frames. Theres always a bed frame.

only way i would use bed frame is if it all gets bolted together .

 

[imiceman44]

Resurrection, has anyone used X track? I guess it's not new, and seems to have substantially lower load limits, but well within what I'd ever imagine needing to tie down to a single point. I hadn't run across them previously, but it SEEMS like a good idea. If I'm going to put something down it might as well be as universal as possible.

It's a bit more pricey, but I'm seeing kits for ~$220 that includes 4x 8" sections, tie downs, etc.

Don't see any reviews thus far saying stay away. Makes sense, same general construction as e-track.

https://www.myteeproducts.com/e-track-kit-8-cross-x-track-rail-2-o-ring-6-rope-tie-offs-w-d-ring-2-x-16-ratchet-straps.html

Also, any thoughts on the accessories being sold with the kits? I presume it's probably all of the same general quality (or lack of) but those pieces are something I havent seen many talk about. Any specific brand experience, etc.?

My problem with that design is the section that has the cross is weaker, i wouldn't trust it for something more than a few lbs.
It does give some flexibility though.
I would have just alternated each direction

 

[HankScorpio]

only way i would use bed frame is if it all gets bolted together .

Its great for small projects, brackets, tabs and the like. I wouldn't build a trailer or structural stuff with it.

 

[dyeager535]

My problem with that design is the section that has the cross is weaker, i wouldn't trust it for something more than a few lbs.
It does give some flexibility though.
I would have just alternated each direction

It's rated for ~660lbs working load limit. I would presume that's per "slot". It is significantly "derated" from the e-track at I believe 2000lbs WLL. Is e-track rated for a specific direction of load? From seeing the components it looks like only two ears retain it to the track, pulling from the "side" would seemingly reduce the capacity in half. Never seen it mentioned how it's rated.

I suppose one has to consider that the load on each position isn't constant when a trailer is moving when using flexible tie downs, and if any movement happens (such as with tie down straps stretching) you could induce a force that is well over the weight rating.

Maybe two of each rail type with the e-track down the middle where heavier loads are likely to be located.

Along those lines, galvanized every day of the week over powdercoat? Galvanized costs about 3% more in a quick comparison.

 

[dyeager535]

Its great for small projects, brackets, tabs and the like. I wouldn't build a trailer or structural stuff with it.

Any idea what gauge it is, if there is a standard? Seems to me some are thicker than others, but not like I move many bed frames. I believe all the e-track is 12 gauge.

I've got a "habitat for humanity" and goodwill very near me, I have a feeling I would have no problem finding bed frames.

E-track is pretty wide, perhaps I could double up the bed frame sections back to back to form a "T" so I could bolt each side of the e-track to one bed frame section? Since I have the cross supports already, I could cut and weld the bed frame pieces between them. The span isn't that long so rigidity would probably be a non-issue.

Definitely have to lay the e-track on the bed and see how it lines up with the existing supports and if I can get the expanded metal shoved out of the way.

One bad thing about expanded metal is that it doesnt take much concentrated weight to stretch it out. The e/x-track would help eliminate some of that too. But I do like it, definitely not slippery like solid beds.

 

[Wes Harden]

Its all moot. Just flick the tie down strap,and say the magic words. "That ain't going anywhere"

 

[dyeager535]

Its all moot. Just flick the tie down strap,and say the magic words. "That ain't going anywhere"

BTDT lol. Don't tie down to removable sides.

 

[dyeager535]

If I was more of a betting man, I'd order this e/x-track stuff direct from China. Seems to be the source of all we get anyway.

Probably ridiculous container shipping cost and tariffs, but 8' rails can be had for $5 a section (vs $30-35 from US vendors). The minimum quantity to purchase is about double what a four rail kit sells for. Something like 80 eight foot sections for $400.

Of course, would still have to consider how to get rid of the extra to break even, domestic shipping is pretty pricey.

 

[dyeager535]

Just wanted to say thanks to those that offered ideas on this. Ordered items in the attached screenshot. If the attachment works.

Settled on x-track due to the way I use the trailer, and found US Cargo Control was about the only one that carried everything I think I need. Over the $200, free shipping to boot. Funny as I got a ten percent discount which put me under $200, so the order total was $250 w/shipping. Added bolt/nut/washers for install and the order total was $220 (taxes).

Found some heavier duty Simpson strapping which will go around the fuel tank I use, and the e-track pieces with the flat slot should work as anchors on one end. Strap through that, fold the strap back, bolt it to itself. I'll use the same idea as on the truck fuel tank straps (threaded rod used to pull the strap tight) on the other end.

Still haven't come up with a better idea on how to keep the tank up off the bed enough to clear the fittings except 4x4 blocks with some sort of depression for the tank to sit on. I seem to recall some pallets have slots cut to get forks under the side, if I can find one of those with a 4x4 center, I think those cuts will be enough to keep the tank from being inclined to roll, given the straps will be firmly anchored and not flexible like nylon. I will either enclose the straps with bike innertubes which should help for obvious reasons, or as the guy that sold me the strapping suggested, use nylon straps underneath for the same purposes.

Probably awhile before I can get to this project but while I had the time to research and order the parts, I may as well add to my stockpile of parts for projects I need to get to. Lol