How to install guide-ons on trailer with diamond plate step ups

[Chap260SSI]

I’m trying to figure out how to install trailer guide-ons on a trailer that has diamond plating on the steps of the wheel wells!
its a dual axle trailer for a chaparral 260 Ssi And the diamond plate covers the step-up on the back part of the trailer!
I don’t think there’s enough space behind the step-up to mount the guide on so I was thinking about mounting it on the back part of the step!?!?

any ideas/suggestions from the IBoat forums gurus out there??
thanks!

 

[JASinIL2006]

Make a few more posts (you need three or four posts before you can post a pic, I think), and the show us some pics of what you're looking at. That makes it much easier to help.

 

[Chap260SSI]

Thanks! I got an error trying to post a couple pics! Said the file was too big (over 2 MG) and wouldn’t allow me to upload.
ill see if I can figure it out to post a pic or two!
thanks!

 

[gm280]

Yes, you have to have a few posts before pictures will upload. But then they have to be smaller then 2MG to even try. I don't know the upper limit of loadable size, but it isn't anywhere close to 2MG. AND you will get an error message as well. Just click the ok box and it will upload...usually...

 

[JASinIL2006]

I email pics to myself and my iPhone asks what size I want to send, so I use that to downsize the pic files. There are lots of free image editors that allow to to adjust file sizes, too.

 

[Chap260SSI]

Thanks!! I’ll do the email truck!

 

[Chap260SSI]

Couple pics of rear part of trailer! Not sure if I should go through the diamond plate with the bolts or try to connect the guide ons on the very narrow section at the very end of the beam!???

 

[roscoe]

I would mount them directly behind the tire/fender.
Over under or through the step, where ever is most sturdy.
Thats a big boat with a lot of mass and force pushing on the guide-ons, even at 1 mph.
may not be able to get a store boat set to work for you, may need to fabricate.

 

[gm280]

It looks like you would get a more sturdier setup "welding" the side bunks to the outside of the trailer frame through the diamond plate. And I would certainly use thicker "C" channel metal supports too. Anything else will bend and deform.

roscoe is correct about the amount of dynamic forces with such a boat, even at crawling speeds. JMHO

 

[sphelps]

The steps really don’t look like they are usable other than maybe loading idk ..How do your guides connect ?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Are you looking for guides that serve a visual reference to help you aim the boat when loading it on the trailer or are you looking for something that essentially will serve as bumpers to physically push the boat in place.

If it's the former, you can install something like CE Smith guide poles. They are square galvanized L-shaped tubes that bolt to the trailer frame (in the pic below, the red circled frame member is what they attach to, and the yellow line approximates the shape of the guide pole. They attach to the trailer using two U-bolts that cross over in the middle; I had to drill two holes in my diamond plate to allow the U-bolts to get around my trailer frame. No welding was necessary.

These poles are not sturdy enough to sustain much an impact from your boat, you if you're looking for bumpers to steer the boat on the trailer, these are not a good choice. They are great for helping you know exactly where the trailer is when it's under water at the ramp. (I find them very helpful for locating the rear of the trailer when I'm backing it into the water, too. In fact, that's primarily why I installed them.)

I'll try to get out and get some pics of my installation, if these are the sort of guides you're considering.

 

[Chap260SSI]

Thanks to all for the quick feedback and suggestions!!

i was wanting the guide-ons to serve both purposes....
help when backing the trailer down the ramp (and as visual references when pulling it onto the trailer)
and
to assist with centering the boat as it’s pulled onto the trailer!!
Based on the feedback, I may install both the taller guide ons for visual assistance as well as a set of bunk Guides to help with positioning!!
much appreciated for the great posts and information!
what a great forum community!

I’ll post an additional post when I get my other lighting setup installed as well!! Some may find it interesting.

 

[Chap260SSI]

Informationally......I bought a set of the Extreme Max 60” guide ons!! They seem pretty beefy with a schedule 40 PVC Sleeve that Goes over the metal guide on!

 

[JASinIL2006]

I will be interested to hear how you like them. Those are nearly identical to mine. They are great in terms of visibility, but I doubt they will work well to physically guide the boat onto the trailer. Mine bent pretty easily when my boat was getting spun around by opposing current and winds.