Trailer guides

[high&dry]

Now in my 15th summer with my Nantucket I am considering adding trailer guides to the trailer. As much as for anything to allow me to see the trailer when backing (Tacoma with a topper). But also to assist the occasional not perfect alignment.

Would you guys use or prefer the bunk type or the pole type with the PVC rollers?The bunk style would not really assist my visual cues when backing but the pole type would be visible in my rear view mirror. No, I do not have a camera not do I really need one.

What do you guys have on your trailers? Anything?

H&D

 

[JASinIL2006]

I have the poles, largely to help backing up the trailer. I love ‘em!

 

[M2HB]

I use the bunk type with removable 2" receiver type tubes. They center the boat real well and provide plenty of surface area so you don't dent the aluminum boat.

 

[Fed]

I used to worry when reversing an empty boat trailer until I realised I could easily gauge the angle of the trailer by looking at the top of the winch post. I even considered mounting something on top of the post say 12" long to increase the accuracy but found I didn't need it. For me the blind spot is only 20' or so.

 

[briangcc]

Previously - side bunks. Currently - nada, trailer didn't come with anything. I've looked at adding side bunks to my current trailer as I do not power load but rather float the boat onto the trailer.

When backing the trailer up, I tilt my side mirrors down so I can catch the fenders on the trailer. Also helps that I mounted my spare on the side of the trailer so it sticks up as an additional marker.

My current tow vehicle has a backup camera and it helps with gauging where the trailer is in relation to water level. I do recommend them if you don't have one as its night & day difference.

 

[Baylinerchuck]

:laugh: Sorry, couldn’t resist!!

 

[JimS123]

I used to have side guides with rollers. Real slick. My new boat has ALL Stolz self centerers and it is super slick.

I used to think that roller bunks were the cat's meow, but with EZSlides on the bunks and the Stoltz's, there is no need for the roller bunks OR the side guides.

 

[high&dry]

My opinion is there is no need for guides either, except, I cannot see my trailer behind my truck which is why I am considering some, but I also realize boats are different and some boats and folks may need them for the boat part, I mostly want something to help me see the trailer part while backing. And, well, slightly recanting what I just said, they could catch me if I am only slightly askew as when there is an adverse current or wind or both.

 

[89retta]

I have a set of the poles. And absolutely love them as you know where the back of the trailer is at all times. Plus they are a blessing loading with a strong crosswind

 

[high&dry]

I have a set of the poles. And absolutely love them as you know where the back of the trailer is at all times. Plus they are a blessing loading with a strong crosswind

Yeah, I think I am onboard with you.

 

[fishrdan]

My opinion is there is no need for guides either, except, I cannot see my trailer behind my truck which is why I am considering some

Drop your tail gate/raise the lift gate.

It's impossible to see my 14' jon boat trailer in my SUV, unless I open the rear gate, like night and day.

 

[high&dry]

Drop your tail gate/raise the lift gate.

It's impossible to see my 14' jon boat trailer in my SUV, unless I open the rear gate, like night and day.

It is a double cab Tacoma with a cap. That would help some but it is difficult to see and with the gate down it could strike the trailer if a sharp turn is needed. I am talking about when the boat is not on the trailer during recovery.

Of course the newer Gen IIB and Gen III Tacos come with a camera but this is a Gen IIA, 2006, 103,000 miles, lifted, HD axles Bilstien 5100s, bunch of other stuff with air in the rear. Just getting broken in good. It might be possible to install the later model camera or jury rig one. Or just put the guide poles on the trailer so I can clearly see it.

 

[M2HB]

I certainly prefer the bunk style, but it someone needed a pole as a visual reference, it would be easy to add to thee back of each bunk.

 

[SkiGuy1980]

I had bunks on my previous trailer... they were great for corraling the boat when coming in with the wind (or when there were a lot of careless guys making huge waves while coming in to dock). They also made it super easy to get into the boat while trailered ....Does anyone know where these can be purchased?

 

[roscoe]

Guide poles will be directly behind your trailer fenders.
If you can't see the fenders in your side mirrors, you won't be able to see the poles.
If you can see your fenders in the mirrors, you don't need the poles.

With one of my tow vehicles, the trailer hides behind the truck.
But, the moment a fender appears in the mirror, I know thereat of trailer is about 5" to that side.
An 1/8 turn of the steering wheel corrects it before it gets out of control.

Learn to back a trailer like a semi driver.
Watching the side mirrors for the back of the trailer to drift, is the quickest and easiest (and only) way to see where it is heading..

 

[Lightwin 3]

My last boat had side bunks, which were great for "coralling" the boat as mentioned above.

To help with vision, the side bunk supports were open on the top, so I just stuck a white painted dowell in the left one when backing empty. Easily visible as a reference point.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I don't give a rat's fanny if anyone thinks it's 'uncool' to use guideposts (what is this? High School?). They are very helpful when backing an empty trailer, especially if you have a cap or tonneau that doesn't allow you to see the trailer when backing up to retrieve.

I'd much rather see someone use an aid like guideposts or side guides, than to see someone tie up a ramp for 20 minutes trying to back up their trailer.

 

[mike_i]

it's personal preference, it depends on what you feel is safest and best for you. I have bunk type on my trailer that helps center the boat on the trailer but two PVC poles work if all you need is a visual guidance.

 

[Silverbullet555]

I added the guide poles to mine It makes it easier to get everything situated. I like them and they are a nice addition to the trailer. If you boat where there is current, they can make a good bit of difference.

 

[jimmbo]

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