E-tracks and larger tires?

[jage]

So I'd like to put E-tracks on my open car trailer. The first question is are they safe? Currently I use axle ties to D cargo rings through the frame of the trailer. I've seen the E-tracks on the floor of enclosed trailers, and the idea is to switch to a tire net with straps.

So would that be as safe as axle ties- doing the 4 tires of the Jeep instead? I'd still have a safety strap to one of the current rings.

The second question is the specific E-track system I've been looking at has 6,000lb wheel nets (http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-C ... 58522.html) but the largest I can find is for 25" tires. I need 35x12.50 currently, and would like to be able to upgrade in the future.

Do they make larger straps for offroad vehicles and tires?

Last, any alternatives? My goal is to not have to crawl under the Jeep and thread the straps around the axles anymore. I want to be at least as safe, but I skip the trailer more often then not because of the hassle (well that and having to store the trailer while camping).

[Ford_6L_E350]

I believe tire straps to be at least as secure as axle straps. Looked at the ones you called out and then at the manufacturer's site.

The straps are listed as 6000#, while Erickson lists them as 10,000#. Erickson also says 'One size fits all'. I'd send them an email and ask about fitting larger tires.

http://www.ericksonmfg.com/contactUs/contactUs.html

Mike

[Ultrasport12]

You might try http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/

Lots of good tips and info on their site. They make really nice high quality products, while a bit more expensive then some they are definitely better made than any I have seen.

[AndrewST]

+1 for mac's, I got from them the versatie tracks and they offer plenty of solutions to cover most applications.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Jage,

I'm curious as to why you want E-tracks instead of specific tiedown points? So you can move the Jeep front to back? Or flexibility to carry other vehicles? Or??

Seems like 8 tiedowns added to the trailer would be less money.

Mike

[jage]

It just seems easier to me to strap the tires. I've got 5 deck tie downs already, but I have to crawl under the Jeep to hook and unhook, run straps around the axles- avoid brake lines and whatnot. Mostly it's the getting down and getting up on the trailer deck.

Second to that would be shifting the weight- I always seem to pack differently and I tend to move the Jeep forward and back depending. It seems easier to count off 4 slots then do all the monkey business of running around loosening this, tightening that and getting in and out of the Jeep putting it in gear etc. The only advantage is that with axle straps I can physically move the Jeep by tightening/loosening without removing the load.

Still, it's the crawling on the deck that really bugs me.

[SheepShagger]

My 21ft flatbed has E-track, it's been great and had all kinds of vehicles on it with no issues what so ever in tying them down. Everything from sports cars to tractors.

Got most of my stuff from this place mrproducts.com. They have lots of different wheel tiedowns. I think these may be the one that will work for large tires.
http://mrproducts.com/wheelbonnetwflathookends-1-1.aspx

They have made custom length tie-downs for me in the passed, so I'm sure they can make what you want.