Aircraft track Tie Downs

[ThomD]

Has anyone installed aircraft track for securing loads? I'm thinking about installing some in the back of the LX470. First I'll have to built a platform to have a flat base.

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/VersaTie

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/images/large/VT-TRACK-1_300.jpg

or

http://www.sure-lok.com/

The Sure Lok is available predrilled for mounting, which is nice.

I wonder it the two tracks are similar enough that the fittings are interchangeable.

Then I face the issue - do I run the track laterally, longitudinally or in a square around the perimeter? If I go longitudinally (length wise) and I do not get the recessed version, it might make sliding things in and out a bit easier, but then whatever i do put in will rest on the track. Recessed it probably better.

[TangoBlue]

I use Mac's tie-downs. Pic shows the track which is recessed within the bed runners. Mac's also makes a plastic sleeve the fits on top of the track. I think they are great - secures bulky, heavy items. They also have single point "buttons" that accept the tie down.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp22/TangoBlue/CIMG0866.jpg

[rynosurf]

My father in law has some on his trailer for motorcycles, they work well.
I was thinking about using E track in my truck. We use it at my work and it is pretty solid. http://www.gemplers.com/shop/atv-etrack
http://www.uscargocontrol.com/etrackstrapstiedowns-c-3.html
I like the different types of attachments, they make things like water cooler holders for them that just snap in http://www.gemplers.com/product/162197/E-track-Water-Cooler-Bracket and spare tire holders. http://www.gemplers.com/product/162189/E-track-Spare-Tire-Mount.

[cruiseroutfit]

I beleive it was Hi-Lift that was offering their own version of it too?

EDIT, it is Hi-Lift. Here is a picture I snapped at a trade show. Not sure if it is something they currently offering or if it was a 'feeler':

39152

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I run those exact ones on top of my AT drawers. They work great.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/IMG_0413.jpg

[jesusgatos]

Subscribed. This is a subject that I have been meaning to look into for a while.

[18seeds]

Costco has something similiar

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Productgroup.aspx?Prodid=11203444&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|3960|21248|21350&N=4008215&Mo=20&pos=5&No=3&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=21350&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10615-Cat21248&topnav=

[ThomD]

Maybe CostCo for the win. The kit includes 2 long sections, 6 regular locks, plus 2 screw down locks (Core calls them utility locks), 2 straps and 2 short sections. Core trax is now known as Uni trax. One down side is the flanges (body) on these is nylon, while the plunger is metal.

http://www.cargogear.com/imagelibrary/images/loadlockb.jpg


cargogear.com has a good selection of the Uni Trax parts.

Hi Lift still offers their version, called Slide-n-Lock

The Mac product has available end caps, for a clean install, plus versions for surface mount with a transition lip and fill strips for un-used sections. Metal bodies on these. Mac also sells screw down fittings

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/images/large/VT-1000_300.jpg

sure lock also sells end caps, screw down fittings, and fill strips. Their products are marketed as wheelchair restraints.

[Signcutter21]

A thumbs up for the Costco ones. I put a set of the long rails in my M416. They've held up fine for the past year. Just watch out where the mounting bolts are lined up at before drilling the holes. A couple spots on mine were right up againt the frame rails. oops.
mike

[jgolden]

I just finished a nice setup for my 2005 Land Cruiser.
I'll post pics Monday

[ThomD]

I ordered the kit from Costco. I'll have picts in a few weeks when the project is done.

[Gone2Baja]

Back when I was the transportation supervisor for a hospital I used the 'sure-locks' for wheelchair tie downs and in a cargo van to tie down well everything. I could attest to their strength and versatility.
When one of the vans went back to the leasing company I liberated a few tracks and tie downs to the bed of my truck were they continued to perform perfectly. Excellent product!

[UNI]

Check out CORE TRAX (http://www.coremg.com/products/coretrax.html) its what we use.

[charlieaarons]

I have these on the roof of my camper. They safely attach 2 unmounted spares and 12 jerrycans.
http://www.unicat.net/en/pics/TC49compact-2.html
You can faintly see them in the 3rd picture down.

Charlie

[spressomon]

Mac's Tiedowns:

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/VersaTieTrackKits

Their 2' track kit is on sale for $24.95...just bought one.

Thanks 24HOURSOFNEVADA for telling me about Mac's!

[ThomD]

I finished installing the Core Trax set from Costco and it came out very nice.

The setup is a heavy rubber mat a top 3/4 plywood. The tracks sit in recessed grooves so they do not stick up above the rubber mat. The platform is supported by two steel square tubes and rests on 2x4 at each end. The tracks are all bolted to these supports. The whole thing is then bolted to the seat mounting points in the floor. The forward section comes out easily so that the 2nd row of seats can be used.

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/lx470/platform-2.jpg


http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/lx470/platform-1.jpg


http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/lx470/platform-3.jpg

This is our stock config - two bike mounts and two wheel holders.

[LandCruiserPhil]

I finished installing the Core Trax set from Costco and it came out very nice.

The setup is a heavy rubber mat a top 3/4 plywood. The tracks sit in recessed grooves so they do not stick up above the rubber mat. The platform is supported by two steel square tubes and rests on 2x4 at each end. The tracks are all bolted to these supports. The whole thing is then bolted to the seat mounting points in the floor. The forward section comes out easily so that the 2nd row of seats can be used.

This is our stock config - two bike mounts and two wheel holders.

Very nice set-uphttp://www.advrider.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif
What is your source on the rubber mat and how did you apply it?

[ThomD]

The rubber mat was an old exercise mat I had laying around. I think I got it at Sports Basement. It is very dense, very heavy duty. Per square inch, I think is about as heavy as the plywood, so it is just sitting there. (The bike mounts are acting as a clamp, but aren't needed.) The small (2 inch) strip by the tailgate is held down with double sided tape. There is a 3 inch strip way forward that will also need some tape. I thought about velcro, but it was too thick and caused the mat to bulge.

[TreeTopFlyer]

How funny, I was gonna post the EXACT same question regarding cargo tiedowns and if anyone had thoughts on them. I want some in the back of my excursion, I just worry about stuff coming loose and doing damage. I was gonna post this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390168521719&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT) But the costco one comes with more locks and comes with straps.

[Box Rocket]

I need to see if those Mac tie downs will work with my track system. I was given about 12' of track and 4 tie downs from a friend a few years ago. He is ex-Air Force and got a hold of these while in the service. They are out of a C130 and the tiedown is very beefy. But since I only have 4 of them it would be nice to find a few more that will work with my tracks.

Here's a small section of the track I have along with one of the tiedowns.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/C-130_Cargo_mount.jpg

[ibcrusn]

For those that don't have a Costco close by I've had good luck with cargo/seat track from Pit Posse. Prices have been fair and quick shipping.

http://pitposse.com/tiedohoandtr.html

[ersatzknarf]

Hi Charlie,

I am interested in using them externally, as well. Have you had any corrosion issues with them ?

(to hold the weight of two spares and all those jerry cans, they certainly must be sturdy...)

Thanks.


I have these on the roof of my camper. They safely attach 2 unmounted spares and 12 jerrycans.
http://www.unicat.net/en/pics/TC49compact-2.html
You can faintly see them in the 3rd picture down.

Charlie

[TreeTopFlyer]

For those that don't have a Costco close by I've had good luck with cargo/seat track from Pit Posse. Prices have been fair and quick shipping.

http://pitposse.com/tiedohoandtr.html

I couldn't find them at my Cosco so I had to order them. $92 shipped. Work great, just what I needed, no more rocking and rolling of gear in the back

[The Adam Blaster]

I couldn't find them at my Cosco so I had to order them. $92 shipped. Work great, just what I needed, no more rocking and rolling of gear in the back

For us Canadians, it's a real PITA to try and order stuff online, companies won't ship over the border, if they do they use FedEx of UPS and we get hit with a ridiculous brokerage fee, something like 25% or more of the value of the order... arrggghhh...

I looked on the Costc.ca website, they don't list the trax system.
I tried to go on the US site and order them and get them to ship up to me, or even my local Costco warehouse, whivh is about 5 minutes from my home...
They have option to ship to Canada, so I called their customer service line.
They won't ship products from the .com site to ANY address in Canada, nor will they ship to a Canadian Costco warehouse, I even offered to pay for the shipping, no go...

I don't get it, I have a Costco membership that I can use at ANY Costco warehouse in Canada or the US, I think I can even use the membership at the international warehouses!
But, they won't ship me anything over the border.

Weak...

[TreeTopFlyer]

I don't get it, I have a Costco membership that I can use at ANY Costco warehouse in Canada or the US, I think I can even use the membership at the international warehouses!
But, they won't ship me anything over the border.

Weak...

What's worse is that Costco drop ships straight from CoreMg. When I ordered my kit, the shipping label was from Core.

[The Adam Blaster]

What's worse is that Costco drop ships straight from CoreMg. When I ordered my kit, the shipping label was from Core.

That doesn't make me feel any better...
lolol

I had emailed Cargo Gear to see if they ship to Canada, and they sent a very nice and quite helpful reply. They use USPS for Canadiand if we request it, with an additional charge of about 20 bucks - no biggie.
I would pretty much have to order over the phone, rather than just place the order online, but I prefer that anyway because I get to attach a ral person's name to my order. :)

I think I'll take a closer look at their site and maybe tally a list of items I want and place a decent sized order. :)

[aquawolfe]

I'm thinking of putting some rails in a square pattern on the back wall of my 2500HD and making some sort of cargo net pouch storage system. I carry a lot of stuff under my seat that could be organized if I make something. I ordered the rails and eyelets. Has anyone already done this. If so lets see some ideas.

[Lucky j]

For us Canadians, it's a real PITA to try and order stuff online, companies won't ship over the border, if they do they use FedEx of UPS and we get hit with a ridiculous brokerage fee, something like 25% or more of the value of the order... arrggghhh...

I looked on the Costc.ca website, they don't list the trax system.
I tried to go on the US site and order them and get them to ship up to me, or even my local Costco warehouse, whivh is about 5 minutes from my home...
They have option to ship to Canada, so I called their customer service line.
They won't ship products from the .com site to ANY address in Canada, nor will they ship to a Canadian Costco warehouse, I even offered to pay for the shipping, no go...

I don't get it, I have a Costco membership that I can use at ANY Costco warehouse in Canada or the US, I think I can even use the membership at the international warehouses!
But, they won't ship me anything over the border.

Weak...

I got mine a a truck part store in québec city (its called Traction and here is the truck equivalent of nappa. The supplier is canadine and they have the exact same set-up) Got a 100" track (80$ and the tie down are not more than 6$ a piece). They are available as a recess form or top mounted). I cut them using a regular chop saw with carbide tips.

[VanGo]

I am finishing up a rear cargo "deck" design and like the aircraft tie downs for solving the security issue in the back of my 80. Mac seems to be the way to go, recessing the track is ideal, but I am looking to mount 2 parallel to each other close to the inside of the wheel wells. Would guys who have the aircraft track, and those who have not posted as of yet, post up some more pics to comtemplate?

Thanks,

Van

[Silver dude]

My track from Pit Posse came in. Still need to install but looks nice.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/silverdude/P1020211.jpg

[ersatzknarf]

That looks good in black ! That might solve my issue; installation on the sides of the back, but on the outside... Are there any other types of track inserts other than just the tie-down rings ?

[charlieaarons]

Hi Charlie,

I am interested in using them externally, as well. Have you had any corrosion issues with them ?

(to hold the weight of two spares and all those jerry cans, they certainly must be sturdy...)

Thanks.

Absolutely no corrosion after 4 years.
The tires are heavy (~220 lb each) but remember there's a high coeffcient of friction between rubber and the traction painted roof. The main stress is the tightness of the ratchet strap.
And so far I've never filled the jerrycans. There's little need with 162 gal fuel tanks down below but I had the space and empty they are light and on their side they are the same height as the tires....

Charlie

[ersatzknarf]

Thanks, Charlie ! I guess for their size, those tires are light ;) These tracks sure are appealing. I like the versatility :)

[ThomD]

That looks good in black ! That might solve my issue; installation on the sides of the back, but on the outside... Are there any other types of track inserts other than just the tie-down rings ?

Some track manufacturers offer screw down clamps. This is Core's example, a double nut setup.

http://www.coremg.com/products/Stud%20set%2010.jpg


I'm using something like this for the Thule fork mounts. Good for light duty jobs. I've removed the nut shown and I'm using a threaded knob.

http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/31823-03-200.jpg

[ersatzknarf]

That's a big help, Thom. Thanks ! I will have a look at Core...

[Honu]

Some track manufacturers offer screw down clamps. This is Core's example, a double nut setup.

http://www.coremg.com/products/Stud%20set%2010.jpg


I'm using something like this for the Thule fork mounts. Good for light duty jobs. I've removed the nut shown and I'm using a threaded knob.

http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/31823-03-200.jpg

I have not seen those nut setups before but wanted them really bad after seeing some of the South Africa racks that use that kind of setup

thanks :)

[taugust]

I just ordered some from here:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-ET~AT3375.htm?utm_source=shopzilla&utm_medium=ppc

These are in one foot sections which will work better for my truck than longer tracks. I can put them on top of the wheel well and and along the edge of the bed in sections.

[VanGo]

Just finished my mac VT-1000 install, I'll post pics later today!!

[VanGo]

Not trying to hijack this thread just adding to the database!

Not trying to hijack this thread just adding to the database! I used the 1-4' VT kit and 1-2' VT kit and secured the tracks to my recently constructed cargo deck finished with herculiner. I wanted the conviences of loading gear in any arrangement necessary and the peace of mind of a secure, uncompromised, cargo load. I tried to keep all my gear in 2- pelican 1610 cases, which have wheels and easily slide in and out of the rig. Removing the second rows offers over 72" of comfort once a second deck is added. Overall, I am really happy with the end results. As it has been said- "Only One Way, Not The Only Way".....

[VanGo]

....more pics

[VE2WHZ]

http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/ve2whz/stock/atach.jpg

look on my atv


http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/ve2whz/gusset/atach1.jpg
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/ve2whz/gusset/atach2.jpg
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/ve2whz/gusset/atach3.jpg
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/ve2whz/gusset/atach4.jpg
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/ve2whz/gusset/atach5.jpg
http://i584.photobucket.com/albums/ss288/ve2whz/gusset/atach6.jpg

[Snagger]

I use this stuff in my 109 - it works very well.

[mires]

Any insight on how these are typically installed? Is there a backing plate meaning I would have to access the underside of the body?

[Hill, Bill E.]

Any insight on how these are typically installed? Is there a backing plate meaning I would have to access the underside of the body?

My tracks came with backing plates, they are the same length as the track.

If you're tying down heavy stuff, you don't want the track ripping out:Wow1:

I used mine on the rear fenderwells of my CJ, so it was very easy to install the tracks w/backers.

[mires]

My tracks came with backing plates, they are the same length as the track.

If you're tying down heavy stuff, you don't want the track ripping out:Wow1:

I used mine on the rear fenderwells of my CJ, so it was very easy to install the tracks w/backers.

Thanks for the quick reply. I was hoping to mount a couple of one foot sections under my rear seat when flipped up so that I can tie down an action packer there. I doubt I will have access to that area from under the vehicle. I'll double check some time when it's not 25 degrees out :sombrero:

[Plannerman]

Has anyone used one of these systems on a vehicle with a composite bed, like the second generation Tacomas or Ford Explorer SportTrac? I'd like to use a system in my Tacoma, but I'm not sure how the composite material will hold up.

[KaiserM715]

I am thinking of adding a set of Mac's to my truck bed to mount in between the channels in the bottom. I will probably get this set: http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/product/56/TruckBedRails

Any installation tips? Anyone had any issues with corrosion of the bed where the bolt holes are drilled?

[deminimis]

Has anyone used one of these systems on a vehicle with a composite bed, like the second generation Tacomas or Ford Explorer SportTrac? I'd like to use a system in my Tacoma, but I'm not sure how the composite material will hold up.

Well, better late than never. I have Ancra L-Track (the good stuff) in my composite trailer. Works great. The Ancra brand stuff, the really good stuff, is FAA approved. Can be hard to come by, and there are several companies that use Ancra and just re-brand it. The best source I've found is from these guys. You'll have to call them and they can have the Ancra L-Track cut the 12' pieces in half (into 6' pieces for those that are math deficient), so it can be shipped via UPS. http://www.uscargocontrol.com/Ratchet-Straps-Tie-Downs/Airline-Straps-Hardware/Aircraft-Style-Seat-Logistic-Track-12

[lowenbrau]

I skimmed though the thread and didn't notice any mention of the semi-flush (flanged) version. I got it in Canada from Kinedyne (http://www.kinedynecanada.com/en/category/342/series-l-track.html).

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pKfphIE82Uo/TLo6eUv9FEI/AAAAAAAAA0c/p_cdQaXKUxo/s800/Picture%252520010.jpg

[targa88]

[QUOTE=lowenbrau;892912]I skimmed though the thread and didn't notice any mention of the semi-flush (flanged) version. I got it in Canada from Kinedyne (http://www.kinedynecanada.com/en/category/342/series-l-track.html).

Bruce,
Which ones did you get?
What did those set you back?
Did they also have the tie downs?

[lowenbrau]

I bought 100" of the recessed track and four anchors right from Kinedyne's webstore, steadymate.com (http://steadymate.com/ca/product/22/55/series-l-track-recessed-mount.html) All-in, delivered to Calgary was $125ish.

[spressomon]

Mac's Tiedowns is another good source for the track, end fittings, etc. And I've gotten great customer service from them too!!!

http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/category/VersaTie

[lam396]

Does anyone know if uni-strut spring nuts will work in the track like Mac's? I have seen a lot of guys using uni-strut in their truck beds rather than the utilitrack that comes in some of the trucks from Nissan, Toyota and GM. I was thinking about putting some on the inside of the bed rails but since it isn't as short as the tracks from Mac's and the others, I would like to get their track for the truck bed floor tie downs but be able to interchange the tie down points with the uni-strut. Here is a thread from a frontier forum that explains the the uni-strut system. http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f23/diy-writeup-utilitrack-unistrut-34948/

[KaiserM715]

Does anyone know if uni-strut spring nuts will work in the track like Mac's?
I really don't think so. The Uni-Strut spring nuts are for a completely different design and require a lot more depth to install than what the aluminum tracks could accommodate.

[Jr_Explorer]

Does anyone know if uni-strut spring nuts will work in the track like Mac's?

I second that unistruct sping nuts will not work.

I don't think anyone posted this resource. They have the plastic end caps, the three main type of fittings and all three styles of rail (Flanges, Surface mount and fully recessed).

http://www.cargoequipmentcorp.com/Series-L-Track-Fittings-s/70.htm

Just for reference these are the three profile types: http://www.qstraint.com/en/products/flooring-a-anchorages/l-track

[brunus]

hey iam396
depending on the width of the track and minimally on the depth of the track you might be able to use unistrut spring nuts. so far i have found three different types of spring nuts and the difference is the springs them selves. the standard long springs which is what most people that use the stuff have seen. then the short springs (ideal for the shallow unistrut) then finally the top spring. the top spring is reversed in function from the other ones in that it pulls the spring nut to the top of the strut rather than push it from the bottom. if the track is wide enough to acomodate the spring nut (and deep enough depending on the size of bolt your wanting to be using. 1/2 spring nuts are almost 3/8 of an inch thick) you should be able to use them. but in all honesty if your wanting spring nuts just get the shallow unistrut and use that. its only 5/8 of an inch tall and would work pretty ideally if your wanting on the edges of a bed side.

[KaiserM715]

Are the fittings from Mac's and Core compatible with each other?

[HillbillyfromAL]

If it worked this is what I did to reinforce the tie downs in my Discovery. I welded a piece of 3/16in steel into the tub with the nuts welded onto the backside that way I didn't have to try to get a wrench in there to try and hold them. I havent taken a picture of them installed yet but I'll try to get one on here soon.

[HillbillyfromAL]

Here's some pics of it in use. With the bungee straps, figure 9's, and ratchet straps I can tie down anything I can put back there. I use the ratchet strap next to the fridge to hold down the ammo can I use as a tool box.

[HillbillyfromAL]

Has anyone used one of these systems on a vehicle with a composite bed, like the second generation Tacomas or Ford Explorer SportTrac? I'd like to use a system in my Tacoma, but I'm not sure how the composite material will hold up.

When I got stationed out here in 06 we bought my wife a Tacoma. I put one of those big plastic bins in the bed mounted flat to the bed with fender washers and it held up fine. I usually kept it filled up with lots of crap that weighted a ton too.

[ssssnake529]

I installed those things in my Cruiser. I used JB Weld. Works fine.

[MotoDave]

Thought I'd update this thread with my install into my new tundra: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/83571-Tundra-Bed-Rail-Alternative?p=1177382#post1177382

[KaiserM715]

This is what I installed:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d11/KaiserM715/Cargo Rails/IMG_3465.jpg

It is a little hard to see. I installed two 4' tracks in the bottom of the bed and one 1' track on each side in the back.

Here is a link to my write-up:
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f11/cargo-rail-install-12218/

[TEJASYOTA]

I have MAC for my Tacoma, not the rail version.
I picked MAC for the all metal requirement for exposed environment use.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z178/z3power/Yota-MAC%20tiedown/IMG_0034.jpg

No plastic will last for many years in exposed sun light, even with UV stabilizers molded with the plastic.
I know, I'm a plastic engineer. :)

So if you do get those costo version, make sure they are used inside your vehicle.

[rb70383]

More ideas. Would these rails work as the roof rails for a roof rack? Could be a very nice very flexible roof rack rail system. Just not sure about dirt and debris getting into the track.

[HillbillyfromAL]

No reason they couldn't be used on a roof rack. The ones I have are Aluminum so no worries about rust. Just make sure to use stainless hardware.