Anchoring E-Track to 3/8 Inch Plywood Side Walls of an Enclosed Cargo Trailer
Question:
What is the best method of anchoring the 5 ft. sections of E-Track to the sides of an enclosed cargo trailer with 3/8 thick plywood sides? Since there is less that 1 space between the back of the plywood and the outside skin of the trailer it appears any screw would have to be 1 or less in length. Would a 1/4 X 1 wood screw have sufficient holding power in plywood and what spacing should be used for the screws in the E-Track? Also, shouldnt the plywood sides be additionally anchored into the vertical steel frame supports of the trailer to keep the plywood from pulling loose? I have four anchor rings in the floor that are welded to the frame of the trailer, so the E-Track will be used mostly to strap items to the sides to keep them from shifting from side to side.
asked by: Tom C
Expert Reply:
Anchoring the E-Track Trailer Cargo Control, item # EM59150, is situational so there are no manufacturer recommendations. For your situation I would recommend securing the plywood to the trailer frame in as many points as possible. Before adding extra fasteners to secure the plywood I would remove the plywood from the areas that I plan on installing the E-Track and reinforce the back of the plywood with a mounting plate designed to work with the E-Track.
If you take the time to make reinforcement plates in advance you can install the reinforcement plate with anchor bolts protruding from the plywood into the interior of the trailer. I would use 3/16 inch plate for the reinforcement. This way you can just slide the E-Track over the bolts and bolt down the E-Track. I would build the reinforcement with bolts in position to mount in every third hole of the E-Track. This should supply plenty of strength for tying down cargo along the walls of your trailer.
With this installation you can use longer bolts and then use a cut off tool like a Dremel to shorten the bolts if needed, and you would not have to worry about the length of screws and piercing the side of the trailer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Erickson Horizontal E Track - Zinc Plated Steel - 2,000 lbs - 2' Long - Qty 1
- E-Track
- E-Track Rails
- Horizontal
- 5 Inch Wide
- 2000 lbs
- 2 Feet Long
- Erickson
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