How to Install and Use the Erickson E-track

Trailers. Hauling. Cargo. At North 40 Outfitters, we've seen it all hay bales, logs, tractors- classic cars.

When you need to haul something that reflects your passion- or impacts your bottom line, you want to know that cargo is secure.

We stock a wide range of trailers and towing accessories and have been part of the hauling game for more than a decade- so we know what straps to use, what tie downs, what hitches, etc. Here are some common use cases:

• Construction: securing table saws, ladders, air compressors, and shovels and rakes
• Moving: securing mattresses, head/foot boards, dressers, tables, filing cabinets, and any and all appliances
• Camping: securing tables/chairs, kayaks, mountain bikes, and coolers

The Erickson E-Tracks are designed to control your cargo during your haul. Let's look at the different ways you can use the Erickson E-track to secure the loads you carry.

Different Installation Techniques for the E-Track & When to Use Them

Wall Mounting Cargo Control Tracks

Wall mounting the Erickson E-Track is done for several reasons imagine hauling appliances, say like a refrigerator, that needs to remain upright during transport. If you mount the e-tracks to the wall correctly, all you need to do is use the correct straps (more on this later) and your fridge won't go anywhere.

Some more use cases? Hauling garage or shop tools that are too big for the back of a truck, when you are traveling over long distances and there is a possibility of many stop-and-go type

And then there are the times when you need to have your E-Tracks mounted to the floor.

Floor Mounting the Erickson E-Tracks

When you are hauling ATV/UTVs, you need to make sure they don't roll around in the cargo trailer. You do that by securing them directly to the floor with tracks. The E-track is a good option for creating solid anchors when you need to secure your load.

Whether your load is pallets of bee boxes, a lawn mower or an ATV, you can make the right selection of E-tracks based on load weight and hauling distance.

Click here to view the Erickson E-Tracks we have online.

Selecting a Finish on Your Hauling Tracks

After you decide which securing option you need, whether a floor mount or a wall mount, you'll also be given different options for finish. Now, you might want to get fancy and match your cargo tracks to your ATV/Car- but before you do that, realize this: your tracks will get scratched. Period.

When hauling loads that require straps, the things you haul are heavy. If you get a black finished E track securing system, and you mount it to the floor those scratches will show.

If you wall mount your tracks, there will be less opportunity for scratches because you aren't dragging heavy items across the tracks before you secure them, but there is still a possibility of damaging the tracks.

Be cognizant of that fact.

So, before you pick a finish, think about the application and whether you care about scratches.

How to Install an E-Track System

Installing the E-track system is relatively simple. In the video below, we will show you how to do a floor mount on an open bed trailer.

Step 1: Lay the tracks out where you want them to be positioned.

Step 2: Make sure your layout matches the items you intend to haul, especially if this is for an ATV/UTV or other item that has "set" securing positions.

Step 3: Secure the tracks in place using the recommend fasteners. In this case, we used lag bolts and a DeWalt driver.

Now that your Tracks are Installed, you Still Need These

Securing your cargo with the E-track is simple. As you saw Drew in the video, Erickson makes different clips to help insure your cargo stays exactly where you put it.

After you install the E-tracks, you are going to need the correct clips to attach to it, you are also going to need straps and perhaps even winches to get those straps as tight as possible to help secure the cargo you are hauling.

You can check out our clips and straps online here.

Alternatives to the E-Track Trailer

Searching around the internet, you may think, "I need a tie down for my trailer. Guess I need an E-Track system." Wrong.

There are other alternatives to the track tie down, and one we will look at here is the logistics track, or L-Track. The L-Track is a decent alternative to the E-track tie down system especially if you are installing in a smaller space, say in the back of a truck bed when you need to haul a dirt bike or side-by-side.

These tracks are small enough that they will fit up under the truck's bed rails, and in most cases they will fit in between the ribs of the truck bed, making them an ideal option for smaller cargo loads.

The L-Track systems, like the e-tracks, come in a range of lengths so you'll be able to find the ones that fit your needs.