Tie-Down Arrangement

[goblue]

What do you guys think? Any thoughts out there on a good arrangement? Here is a picture of what I'm thinking...any insight to do otherwise? I know I've seen a couple of builds out there with tie-downs galore. Is the middle row overkill?

[Viejo]

I think it all depends on what needs to be tied down. What are you hauling?
Bicycles?
Motorcycles?
Cargo Boxes?
Heavy tools?
9 fighting cocks on short leashes?
Abducted children?

The possibilities are endless.

[CascadeWalnut]

I like it. We need some type of tie-down system in our SMB, due to the lack of cabinets. I had mentioned a similar in floor anchoring system to my wife the other day and she seemed a little skeptical. Hopefully this picture will help change her mind a little. Thank you sir!

[joey2cool]

I had SMB West install tie-downs on each side of rear recessed walls. Two on the bottom and two on the top. I'm using these tie-downs mostly to secure mountain bicycles. I'm using four straps in a configuration that provides horizontal and verticle support. This is important because any swishing around and the bike handles could easily crack a rear window. When not hauling bikes, the tie-downs work well for strapping in bags.

One problem I have is an insufficient anchor method. One tie-down has already pulled loose - it just fell out one day. SMB placed a single screw through 5/8" particle board for each tie-down. That won't even support the 40 pound rating they gave me, let alone the 1,500 pound rating the tie-downs could be rated at if properly installed. Now I have to go back for work under warranty to get the problem corrected. Don't know what the fix will be...

The example photo you show may make it a little harder to clean the floors, and the location block the passage ways. Plus, it won't support a verticle load.

[Roonie]

It would be nice if you could find recessed ones since those might be toe stubbers in the middle of the night.

[rockbender]

I think (hope) those are actually recessed anchors that just happen to be laying on the existing floor as a layout example, correct? Let's hope they are bolted through the van floor and not just screwed to the subfloor when installed.

[goblue]

Originally Posted by rockbender

I think (hope) those are actually recessed anchors that just happen to be laying on the existing floor as a layout example, correct? .

= correct, uninstalled currently.

I will definitely have them installed flush. I don't think I need too much of a load rating, but thanks for bringing that up, I didn't realize they may only anchor with 1 screw...that seems really insufficient even for a heavily packed cooler.

As far as what I'm trying to tie-down, anything that fits inside if need be. but no....no abducted children, even though my girlfriend is calling this the kidnapper van.

Maxaccleration-If you see this thread I'd love to hear some input on how you installed the tie-downs you have on the side and top of your van. I know you've got a different set up on the floor for heavy load rating for your bikes.

[jage]

Here's my take:


Leaves most of your floor to slide something heavy on, or enjoy with bare feet, plus minimizing the cuts through the coin.

Tried to get maximum corners, but out of possible foot paths (behind bench line), plus added some higher ones. The times you'll need the ties towards the door, you're interrupting your living space anyway, whereas the ones behind the green might be used in travel/while camping (cooler maybe?) and if it's wider that the green line the ties should still function underneath- forward, up, back.

[maxacceleration]

Ah yes, tiedowns! I love 'em!

Mine are through bolted through the floor. Silicone sealed.
Its inexcusable just screwed to the underlayment.
...Some locations are tough to bolt through.

You kind of have to have an idea of what you want to tie down for locations.
If its duffel or storage containers maybe middle & next to drivers wall for walk through access.
I have both center and along the walls, and now mid wall along with upper wall also.
Every darned where.
Mid wall and upper wall have structural strength for carrying a load. All dependent on how its fastened.
Macs track has some track that can be flush mounted with a little effort.
You would like to avoid toe stubbers!
Located properly you can set up a vertical gear wall or a horizontal gear wall to keep floor space clear.
Of course if your walls are filled with cabinetry that might not be an option.

Think it through!

[Bones_GSXR]

Originally Posted by maxacceleration

Ah yes, tiedowns! I love 'em!

You kind of have to have an idea of what you want to tie down for locations.

My trouble is I never know what or where the stuff is that I will be hauling

Macs track has some track that can be flush mounted with a little effort.

I have track from Mac's http://www.macscustomtiedowns.com/ (VersaTie Aluminum Track ,Series 4) recesed in my floor ans have a couple waiting to be mounted to the wall to hold everything when I'm not using it.

Located properly you can set up a vertical gear wall or a horizontal gear wall to keep floor space clear.
Of course if your walls are filled with cabinetry that might not be an option.

Think it through!