I have an enclosed car hauler with 3/4" plywwod floor with 2' on center framing, I need tips on how to install e track onto the the floor, what kind of fastners and spacing as well.

 

Install the E-track with 1/4" bolts (grade 5) backed with washers under the nut and under the bolt head instead of using the screws everyone else uses. The screws will not hold a load in an accident.

The E-track should be placed as close to the wall as possible as long as the E-track can be tied into cross frame members every two feet or so.

 

Thanks for the info.Should I also install bolts through the plywood, where no cross members exist? Maybe back them up with metal plates, or is it over kill?

 

> Should I also install bolts through the plywood, where no cross members exist?

Yes, a thick fender washer will be enough. Metal plates are probably over kill. What you can do is mark the bolts that go through the frame metal with paint and put your tie down at that point.

 

Thanks, I guess I better stop making excuses and start the installation!!!!LOL

 

with a 3/4" floor you can safely use every other hole in the track and be fine with lag screws. We put them down all the time that way and haven't had a problem yet. I should also ask what you are trying to tie down, i use mine for holding down the Harleys.

Toyman

 

I plan on hauling a 1990 BMW 325I convertible

 

not an extremely heavy car, you should be fine with the lag screws. If you are uncomforteble with just them put a bolt and a nut every 16-18 inches and you will be fine.

Toyman

 

I would jump up to 5/16 size over the 1/4.

 

i haul bmw race cars around in enclosed trailers. i would NEVER use etrack screwed into wood or just bolts through wood to tie down a car. think about the forces involved in an accident. 3000lb plus car x many g's of decel will rip anything out of 3/4in plywood.

always use bolts through the metal frame of the trailer to attach car tie downs.

btw - the correct tie down points on the e30 3 series like you have are:

rear - axles straps around the subframe on either side of the differential. run the straps straight back to the trailer tie down points. DO NOT use the factory eyes in the rear. they just rip out.
front - run the straps to the factory eyes in the wheel wells. cross the straps on the way to the trailer tiedown points.

 

Thanks for the pointers, I'm using bolts and nuts with fender washers and lock washers on etrack and going through frame wherever possible.
I understand the rear axles straps around subframe, but I don't remember ever seeing factory eyes in the wheel wells. I'll have to investigate this tomorrow. The other thing that might be an issue, is that this car is really low to the ground

 

unless it is a totally slammed show car, probably not as low as the racing bmw's i haul around...

look inside the front wheel wells, in the back, by the frame. should be an eye there that is part of the frame.

sounds like you are bolting the etrack to the frame. good!

 

Ok I found the the hooks in the wheel wells. I installed the etrack last night and should be able to try it out today.
I also have tire straps that I'm hoping will work, but i like having the extra tie down points.
BTW It's not a show car at all, it's just a low milage beater that I want to take on vacation, so that the wife and daughter have a way to get around when they don't want to go on the atv's.