Recommended Hardware to Install Snap-Loc E-Track Tie Down to Aluminum Trailer Frame

Question:

I want to install e track on an aluminum flatbed snowmibile trailer with a plywood deck. What type of screws or bolts be used to screw into the aluminum framing? Is the a concern for galvanic corrosion? For the galvanized r etrack, is galvanized bolts correct or would one use stainless hardware?

asked by: Ed P

Expert Reply:

Snap-Loc recommends using a 5/16 inch carriage bolt to install the e-track tie down. You will need bolts of sufficient length to go through the plywood and the aluminum frame members.

Using galvanized hardware would be acceptable, but stainless would offer better corrosion resistance. The Snap-Loc tie down you referred to is constructed of stainless steel, so you should have little concern about the reaction between the fastener and the tie down if you went with the stainless hardware. Then, the concern will be if the stainless nut and washer will react with the aluminum trailer frame. We checked with Snap-Loc about the suitability of stainless fasteners with aluminum trailer frames, and were told that they use them all the time without any problems.

Over time, there could possibly be a reaction between the stainless hardware and the trailer frame, but you can minimize this by using some rubberized undercoat on the underside of the trailer frame where the bolts will pass through. This will act as a pretty effective galvanic isolator to prevent the nuts and washers from directly contacting the aluminum trailer frame.
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expert reply by: Mike L