Trailer Guide On not "ons"

[bhammer]

So all the posting about max width of a a trailer at 8'6" got me worried about the width of mine. I had drawn up plans to make custom guide ons for mine. Well, according to my drawing, I was 8'8" so I had to run back out and measure the width. Man, I am at 8 feet, 5 and half inches so I guess guide ons are out of the question.

Here is the issue, my wife has a hard time backing the trailer straight because she can't see it, and if the boat is on, it's in her way. Babe if your reading this, I love you! I digress, she can't see the trailer when she is backing it without the boat so we thought we'd add the tubes to help but I can't because of the width at the max.

I have seen those goofy single tube ones that are spring loaded and mounts to the center of the trailer and is held down by the boat.

Any thoughts on this and what are they called or where can I find one? I'd have to latch it down when sitting in the parking area so people don't laugh at me.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

my years before the advent of the spring loaded one, my dad, had a broom handle mount next the the roller, he would lift it, when backing the trailer, and the bow of the boat would knock it down. worked great.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

If your trailer is steel, you could use a set of these when it's empty. Assuming that you don't really need them to actually guide the boat on, although you may be able to dunk them. They're 48" tall. You could put one on each back corner. Problem solved for $25. Here's their site...

 

[bhammer]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

If your trailer is steel, you could use a set of these when it's empty. Assuming that you don't really need them to actually guide the boat on, although you may be able to dunk them. They're 48" tall. You could put one on each back corner. Problem solved for $25. Here's their site...

Thanks for the tip, but I don't think that will work as the boat extends past the trailer and overhangs it by several inches. Then I am back to being over the max width. However, it might work if I move the poles up by the front. I'll have to look at that and see if it helps her "see" the trailer.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

my years before the advent of the spring loaded one, my dad, had a broom handle mount next the the roller, he would lift it, when backing the trailer, and the bow of the boat would knock it down. worked great.

Hmm, that doesn't sound too bad. I will have to look at this some more and see how I could come up with it.

 

[StrykeKing]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

The other option would be to black out the back window of the truck and practice in an empty parking lot using the mirrors. It's not as hard as people think once you get the hang of it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

The other option would be to black out the back window of the truck and practice in an empty parking lot using the mirrors. It's not as hard as people think once you get the hang of it.

Ayuh,....... Exactly........

That's what those Shiney things mounted to the doors are For........

 

[bhammer]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

Ayuh,....... Exactly........

That's what those Shiney things mounted to the doors are For........

Now that ain't true... They are for checking the hair, re applying makeup and .... Well, you get the point.

Thanks guys.

 

[BIGcarpy50]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

easiest thing to to when backing up boat is to look in the side mirrors and when you see the boat in one just turn towards that mirror it will straighten the boat right up

 

[Xrider]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

just like carpy sad above. I have very narrow trailer for one jet ski. so when I pull it with my cargo van I have to use mirrors. I watch both sides and wait for trailer fenders to show up then correct it back and forth. after few tries she will get it. I got it at first time I back the trailer and Im not the brightest rock out there. so if I can get it she will be fine.

 

[cmcpherson]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

I thought the maximum width did not include the trailer?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

Put the guide-ons on the trailer and don't worry about the 2".

 

[cmcpherson]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

Put the guide-ons on the trailer and don't worry about the 2".

That is exactly my point, it does not matter anyway, you are still legal.

 

[guy74]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

That is exactly my point, it does not matter anyway, you are still legal.

No, the law reads that the overall width must be 8'6" or under, that includes the trailer. The exeptions are "safty devices" ie: mirrors. That said, I'd just put the guide-on on and be happy, the odds of getting your boat trailer measured by a DOT officer is between slim and none. Or you could fabricate guide ons that when into sockets at the rear of the trailer (kind of like a reciever hitch type of deal), and remove them when traveling down the road.

 

[109jb]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

No, the law reads that the overall width must be 8'6" or under, that includes the trailer. The exeptions are "safty devices" ie: mirrors. That said, I'd just put the guide-on on and be happy, the odds of getting your boat trailer measured by a DOT officer is between slim and none. Or you could fabricate guide ons that when into sockets at the rear of the trailer (kind of like a reciever hitch type of deal), and remove them when traveling down the road.

That is actually what I am thinking about doing on my trailer, not because of width, but because I can make it so the post guides are snug to the boat for centering, but can be removed so they don't rub the boat while going down the road.

As for width, you are right that the width includes the load and the trailer and the exception is for safety devices. Mirrors are safety devices, but so are lights. With that said, I wonder how post guides with lights would be considered????

 

[j_martin]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

That is actually what I am thinking about doing on my trailer, not because of width, but because I can make it so the post guides are snug to the boat for centering, but can be removed so they don't rub the boat while going down the road.

As for width, you are right that the width includes the load and the trailer and the exception is for safety devices. Mirrors are safety devices, but so are lights. With that said, I wonder how post guides with lights would be considered????

I think You're pushing it a bit.

An 8' wide trailer can be seen in both mirrors of the tow vehicle, no matter what it is. If the mirrors aren't big enoug, put on west coast mirrors. If they are in "makeup" position, straighten them out.

Find an empty parking lot and practice parking with the mirrors.

hope it helps
John

 

[109jb]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

I think You're pushing it a bit.

An 8' wide trailer can be seen in both mirrors of the tow vehicle, no matter what it is. If the mirrors aren't big enoug, put on west coast mirrors. If they are in "makeup" position, straighten them out.

Find an empty parking lot and practice parking with the mirrors.

hope it helps
John

I just re-read the posts in this thread and I had thought he wanted the post guides because he wanted guide-ons for the boat. Now I see that it's just so his wife can see the trailer backing up. In that case, I agree. She needs to learn to use the mirrors. Myself, I find it easier using the mirrors anyway.

 

[guy74]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

I use the mirror when I'm backing down the ramp, I drive semis without a back glass all the time so it's natural for me to use the mirrors. But it's nice to be able to look out the back when I'm backing across the highway on the way to the ramp, lets me watch for traffic easier. Easier to see is always best, no matter how experienced you feel you are. I can back a 53' er down the road at 15mph, watching in the mirrors, but I still like to turn around and look out the back of the vehicle when I can. It keeps your head up where you can see around you.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Trailer Guide On not "ons"

I have thought about just adding them and moving on without worry... It seems that she is getting better at backing the trailer though.