Shown here installed on our...
Shown here installed on our AEV Brute, the VersaTie aluminum track systems add a great degree of versatility to how we secure cargo in the bed. The tracks and connectors on the bedsides work great for limiting back-and-forth or side-to-side movement, and the tracks on the floor keep items such as a spare tire firmly and securely planted.
The bulkhead of the truck bed in our Ford F-350 has become bashed-in over the years from hauling unsecured loads across bumpy terrain. While this had become common practice in our parts-hauler/tow rig, we really didn't want to repeat the same mistake with the new truck bed on our AEV Brute. The cause of the damaged bulkhead was mainly due to a lack of suitable tie-down anchor points, which would create a loosely lashed load that was easily shifted. Seeking a better solution for containing cargo in our 4x4, we came across the VersaTie track system from Mac's Custom Tie-Downs.
VersaTie aluminum tracks are available in precut and custom lengths to suit many vehicle applications, and they feature low-profile, contoured edges to make for clean surface-mounting installations. Offering a quick and easy one-hand installation into the VersaTie tracks, each connector features a cadmium-plated alloy-steel stud with an aluminum body and a stainless steel ring. Also, the ring can be rotated a full 360 degrees so that loads can be secured from different angles.
In addition to the VersaTie aluminum track system, Mac's Custom Tie-Downs offers a great variety of utility and trailer tie-downs and towing/hauling accessories. To correctly secure our cargo using the VersaTie system, the company also provided a set of its 1-inch by 8-foot ratcheting tie-down straps, along with a set of soft loops, and a duffel storage bag. The straps offer large, vinyl-coated S-hooks at each end and a wide-handle ratchet for easy operation.
After mocking-up placement of the VersaTie tracks - four on the bed floor and one at each bedside - we began the installation. We used a buddy to help tighten the bolts through the bed floor, and were ready to load and secure cargo in the bed in about two hours. Check out the photos and captions for more information about the installation of the VersaTie system and about other products available from Mac's Custom Tie-Downs.
The VersaTie system from Mac's...
The VersaTie system from Mac's Custom Tie-Downs is the perfect solution to creating load anchor points almost anywhere they are needed. The VersaTie kits include ring connectors and mounting hardware. Systems are available for many truck-bed applications as well as to fit Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Jeep models.
Along with the VersaTie tracks,...
Along with the VersaTie tracks, a set of Mac's 1-inch by 8-foot ratcheting tie-down straps and soft loops will be used to secure cargo in the bed. Mac's supplied a small duffel bag for storage.
Beyond the truck bed, Mac's...
Beyond the truck bed, Mac's also offers more heavy-duty tie-downs for securing a vehicle or load to a trailer. The Mac's Super Pack includes four 8-foot combination axle straps and a convenient storage duffel bag. The 2-inch by 8-foot straps feature an adjustable loop diameter, a wide ratchet handle, and a full sleeve protector, and they offer a 10,000-pound capacity. Mac's axle straps are also offered in shorter and longer lengths and with hooks at both ends.
We began the installation...
We began the installation of the VersaTie tracks by fitting the track to the bedside and marking the locations of the mounting holes. We then drilled the appropriate mounting holes in the bedsides.
The VersaTie track was then...
The VersaTie track was then secured to the bedside using the provided stainless steel hardware.
With the tracks mounted to...
With the tracks mounted to the bedsides, we moved to the bed floor where we arranged four VersaTie tracks: Two were situated lengthwise at either side of the bed and one each at the front and rear of the bed. We then marked and drilled the necessary holes for mounting, taking care not to drill through anything important on the underside of the bed.
With a buddy underneath the...
With a buddy underneath the vehicle, we bolted the VersaTie tracks to the bed floor using the provided hardware.
Here the VersaTie tracks are...
Here the VersaTie tracks are shown installed in the bed of our Brute. With the tracks placed throughout the bed, we'll have plenty of tie-down anchor points for securing all types of loads.
Using the new ratcheting tie-down...
Using the new ratcheting tie-down straps from Mac's, we secured a typical weekend load in the bed and gained peace of mind that we wouldn't be backtracking our route looking for lost gear. The connector rings can also be moved anywhere on the track to achieve the best anchor point for a particular load.
The Mac's combination axle...
The Mac's combination axle straps are a great means of securing a vehicle on a trailer for towing. The 2-inch by 8-foot straps offer a wide ratchet handle and integrated axle straps with an adjustable loop diameter. A protective sleeve is also included in the loop to increase durability.