L Track Guide: Strong Tie Down Points Anywhere You Need Them
L Track Guide
Hooks and D-rings work fine until your cargo does not line up with them. Then you end up with straps at odd angles that do not hold well. A rail system fixes that by giving you anchor points all along a wall or floor.
L track is one of the most popular rail systems. It is low, strong, and light. This guide explains how it works, what fits it, and how it stacks up against E-track.
In This Guide
What Is L Track?
It is a long aluminum rail with a row of round holes cut into the top. Under each hole, the rail has a lip that looks a bit like the letter L when you cut it in half. That lip is where the fittings lock in.
Other name: You may also hear it called airline track, because it was first used to hold seats and cargo in airplanes.
How Does It Work?
A fitting has a stud, or a pair of studs, with a round head. You drop the stud into a hole, slide it a little to one side, and lock it with a plunger or a spring pin. Now the fitting cannot pull out.
Because the holes are close together, you can set a fitting almost anywhere along the rail.
Common Fittings
Single stud fittings. One stud with a ring or loop on top. Good for light straps.
Double stud fittings. Two studs for more strength. Often used for heavier loads.
Ring fittings. A stud with an O-ring or D-ring on top, so you can hook any strap.
Strap ends. Straps made with track fittings sewn right onto the ends.
Wheel chocks and tire straps. Used to hold motorcycles and ATVs.
Beam sockets. Hold a bar or beam across the space between two rails.
Where People Use It
- Cargo vans and box trucks
- Pickup truck beds
- Enclosed trailers and race trailers
- Flatbed decks for low-profile anchor points
- Motorcycle and powersports trailers
- RVs and toy haulers
L Track vs E-Track
Both systems give you lots of tie down points. Here is how they differ.
| Feature | L Track | E-Track |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Narrow with round holes | Wider with rectangular slots |
| Material | Usually aluminum | Usually steel |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Profile | Sits lower and can mount flush in a floor | Sits higher |
| Fittings | The two systems use different fittings. They do not swap. | |
| Best for | Vans, pickups, and floors | Walls of box trucks and enclosed trailers |
Many owners choose this track because it is light, does not rust, and looks clean.
Single vs Double L Track
Single track has one row of holes. Double track has two rows side by side. Double track gives you more options and spreads the load over a wider area.
The Safe & Tie double L channel track is made from extruded aluminum for strong, light anchor points on trailers.
How to Install It
- Plan the layout. Decide where your cargo will sit and where you need anchor points.
- Find solid framing. Mount the rail to frame members, floor cross members, or wall posts.
- Mark and drill. Use the hole spacing the maker suggests.
- Use the right bolts. Through-bolts with backing plates or large washers are stronger than screws in thin wood.
- Seal the holes. On floors or outside surfaces, seal the bolt holes to keep water out.
- Test it. Lock in a fitting and pull hard before you trust it with a load.
Recessed or surface? Recessed track sits flush in the floor so carts and wheels roll over it. Surface track sits on top and is easier to install.
How to Strap a Load With It
- Lock a fitting into the track on each side of the cargo.
- Hook your straps to the fittings.
- Run the straps over or around the cargo.
- Tighten with a ratchet or cam buckle.
- Push on the cargo to be sure it cannot move.
Pick straps rated for your load. You can find ratchet straps and cam buckle straps in the Safe & Tie straps collection.
Know the Ratings
The track, the fitting, the bolts, and the strap each have their own strength. The weakest one sets the limit for the whole tie down. Check the rating from the maker and use enough tie downs for your cargo weight.
Care Tips
- Sweep sand and grit out of floor track so fittings seat fully.
- Check bolts every few months.
- Replace bent fittings or worn plungers.
- Keep fittings in a small bin so they do not get lost.
Final Thoughts
L track turns a plain wall or floor into a flexible tie down system. It is light, rust free, and low profile, which makes it great for vans, pickups, and trailers. Mount it to solid framing, use the right fittings, and pair it with rated straps. Your cargo will have a strong anchor right where it needs one.
Add Anchor Points Anywhere
Shop the extruded aluminum double L channel track at Safe & Tie.
Shop L TrackFrequently Asked Questions
Is L track the same as airline track?
Yes. Airline track is another name for it, because it started in airplanes.
Can I use E-track straps on L track?
Not directly. The fittings are different. You need straps or fittings made for L track.
Is L track strong enough for a motorcycle?
Yes, when it is mounted to solid framing and you use fittings and straps rated for the bike.
Can I install it in a pickup bed?
Yes. Many pickup owners add it to the bed floor or side walls for more tie down points.
Does it rust?
Most of it is aluminum, so it does not rust like steel. The bolts and fittings may still need care.