Trailer guides

[RussGW270]

So, need to get or make trailer guides. Anyone use the ones with rollers? I know the "regular ones" with the square tube where you slide the pvc over them are fairly cheap.. but this large of a boat....would like to make sure I do not tear them up the first good wind that comes along.

What do you all use?

Russ

 

[DennisG01]

The white PVC tube ones will be just fine. Just look for a brand/model where the metal part extends a bit further up inside the PVC. I think some of them only go 18" or 20" while others may go closer to 3'. The PVC won't have any chance of marring the fiberglass or smoodging your stickers like the rollers. The PVC ones are also a little more forgiving - which is a good idea with a heavier boat.

 

[RussGW270]

Excellent, thanks Dennis. My wife said she might wrap them in pool noodles for me if I like lol.. I am like, "knock yerself out "

 

[DennisG01]

Sure, go for it!

I know you were just joking around, but just in case... the only place they really rub will be against the rubrail.

 

[Ky Grady]

Yep, I'm with Dennis. The PVC ones are better than the rollers. I've come in a little hot before and tweaked one but easily straightened out. I think mine are the 3' ones with the PVC cover. They came on my trailer from Loadmaster. I'm sure you can purchase them from Loadmaster or possibly other trailer dealers. Here are mine without the PVC cover and with.

 

[CJ7Rob]

I think it also depends on how much you are trailering the boat. Russ, are you putting the boat in and out at the ramp each time you use it or keeping it in a slip?

 

[DennisG01]

I think it also depends on how much you are trailering the boat. Russ, are you putting the boat in and out at the ramp each time you use it or keeping it in a slip?

Although... ... a strong argument could be made either way.

1) I don't trailer often so I don't want to spend the money on the guides
2) I don't trailer often so I'm usually "rusty" and want any extra help I can get
3) I trailer a lot and feel very comfortable without them
4) I trailer a lot and know how beneficial they can be at times when it's windy or there's a good current

 

[glacierbaze]

West sells the CE Smith kit for $79, and $119. The shorter ones only have an 18" metal upright, doesn't say how tall on the longer version.
Be sure to use a domed cap on the pvc. On a steep ramp, the rub rail can be floating above the pipe, and if it drops down on the flat end of an uncapped pipe, it can rip off the rub rail, or the guide.

 

[Meanwhile]

KY Grady, how did you straighten the tweaked guides? I loaded on a very windy day and both mine are tweaked outward. Did it take a hydraulic press or just crowbar inside and some elbow grease?

 

[Ky Grady]

I just used the PVC as a cheater pipe and pushed them back up straight. A ratchet strap between the two and ratchet back together will also work. You'll have to over ratchet them a little as when you let the tension off the strap they have a tendency to spring back some.

 

[UCPA111]

I ordered a second set from here: https://www.boattrailerparts.com/Bo...ide-on-Pole-Upright-1-12-in-Square_p_631.html

 

[Lt.Mike]

Although... ... a strong argument could be made either way.

1) I don't trailer often so I don't want to spend the money on the guides
2) I don't trailer often so I'm usually "rusty" and want any extra help I can get
3) I trailer a lot and feel very comfortable without them
4) I trailer a lot and know how beneficial they can be at times when it's windy or there's a good current

Point #4 hits home. I’ve always trailered and pretty much have it down to a science. I say pretty much because wind, tide, pitch of the ramp (sometimes left/right) will throw you a curve.
I’ve had a roller trailer which you almost never see guides on but was wanting them when I dunked my grady in the Delaware River.
I usually show’em how it’s done but with that side currant of the River and a little breeze I couldn’t get that damned thing back straight on the trailer to save my life. The ramp lot was empty when I launched but wouldn’t you know was full of onlookers when I got back, and none were boaters.
All were there for the show.
I’m presenting waiting on a new trailer to be built and delivered. You know that one is outfitted with guide poles .

 

[glacierbaze]

I ordered a second set from here: https://www.boattrailerparts.com/Bo...ide-on-Pole-Upright-1-12-in-Square_p_631.html

That's a good price! How much was shipping?
edit: Now I see that is just one replacement pole, and no hardware. Not as good as I thought.

 

[blindmullet]

I have a Owens and Son custom trailer and they use the PVC. With this trailer you only need them to help backup when the boat is off the trailer. A drunk 6 year old could power the boat on with a Owens.

 

[Lt.Mike]

I have a Owens and Son custom trailer and they use the PVC. With this trailer you only need them to help backup when the boat is off the trailer. A drunk 6 year old could power the boat on with a Owens.

Bunk trailer I’d gather?
I’ve got a new trailer on order, made the switch from roller back to bunk.

 

[blindmullet]

Bunk trailer I’d gather?
I’ve got a new trailer on order, made the switch from roller back to bunk.

Yep. Owens does a great job and is generally noted as one of the best in the SE. People come from all over for there craftsmanship and customer service.