DIY boat trailer guide post

[stringstalker911]

I wanted to put some guide posts on my trailer so that I could see it better when backing the empty trailer down the ramp. I drive a big SUV and its difficult to see the trailer at all and I didnt feel that the price that bass pro wanted to charge for a pre made set was reasonable so i made my own. Grand total for the entire project was 15.51. which saves me a ton from the 70 bucks bass pro wanted and I feel the ones I made are better.

First I went to the local high school welding class and they welded up some square tubing to the side of my trailer. These were old metal table legs that they had lying around for small projects like this. And then they welded a support brace just for added strength. Since all the materials were scraps, total for labor in material for this part was a bank breaking $0.

After I went to get the pvc and cap from home depot I headed home and measured approx. how high I wanted the posts to be and cut the pvc into two 30" pieces. I just slid the pvc over the metal tubing and pressed on the cap.


I also drilled a quarter inch hole in the top of the cap so that when i dunk the trailer the air can escape and the guides dont float off.


The PVC was 8.75 for a 10 foot long piece at home depot so I will actually have two extra if one of these does break. Caps cost 1.65 and then I decided to wrap the top of each post with some red reflective tape from walmart which cost 3.47. The tape may be a waste of money though because it doesnt seem too reflective, but i figured why not try it for those nights and mornings im loading in the dark.


I may have to put a self tapping screw in each one to stop it from floating. Im not sure just the hole in the top will stop it.

[Hanr3]

I did something similar.
I had a piece of 1/4" plate welded to the top of the post and mounted my trailer lights on the plate. I sized the plate so the edge of the light sticks out 1/4" so I can see it at night. I also put yellow reflective traffic tape on the truck side so I can see the plate during the day, and oncoming traffic can see it as well.



You did a nice job on yours...