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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas ContinuousWave: Small Boat Electrical Factory replacement lights for EZ Loader trailers
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Author | Topic: Factory replacement lights for EZ Loader trailers |
bigjohn1 |
posted 10-16-2007 11:05 PM ET (US)
I have still not replaced the defective trailer lights on my EZ Loader trailer for my 170 Montauk. For 8+ months now, I have been using the el cheapo white portable lights from West Marine. They have held up but its time to do it right and install "real" lights. Why would a factory replacement light set direct from EZ Loader be more than twice the price of aftermarket light sets available from numerous online boating sites? Am I missing something? Are these factory lights of substantially better quality? I have searched in vain for a complete set of PVC bunk guides, wiring, and tail lights so I can mount new lights up out of the water. I did find only one site (Cabellas I believe) only to be disappointed because the guides are too long to be shipped via U.S. Mail to Guam. UPS is fine for those in the 50 states but is rediculously expensive to get over here. Any ideas? |
Bulldog |
posted 10-17-2007 07:12 PM ET (US)
I live twenty minutes from a Cabela's, perhaps some creative packaging would get the size down to postal size. Do you have the model number at Cabela's and the max size or length? I could buy them , seperate them into two smaller packages and get them on your way if needed........Jack |
Jefecinco |
posted 10-17-2007 07:21 PM ET (US)
John, Can you not buy PVC pipe from a local hardware or plumbing supply house and make the guides you need? PVC pipe is very easy to work. I replaced my tail lights with LED lights from WalMart. Think they were about $40 or so. You an probably get a replacement harness from about any marine supply vendoe on the net. It would be easy to fabricate a harness with marine grade wire (Ancor) and fittings from West or similar. Good luck. Butch |
cdnwhaler |
posted 10-18-2007 08:47 AM ET (US)
Here is the site for Pipe Lights that I know a few people around here use. http://www.pipe-light.com They have other trailer lights as well. I don't know what to suggest about the getting the guides to Guam except for what Jefecinco suggests for the PVC. Peter |
bigjohn1 |
posted 10-18-2007 09:06 AM ET (US)
Good ideas guys. The trouble is not so much buying PVC and cutting it to size as it is commonly available here' and of course a pair of "pipelights" or any other quality lights could be mounted atop these poles. The support mechanism/brackets which bolt to the trailer and provide support to these PVC poles is more the issue. I see several web sources for complete bunk guides "kits" (brackets and poles). If I could just find the galvanized brackets (less the poles) I'd probably be in business. Jack, that is a very generous offer you make and I truly appreciate it. Let me do some additional thinking and research on this before asking that of you. Thank you to everyone for the input. |
Over the LINE |
posted 10-18-2007 10:44 AM ET (US)
Try these folks: http://www.championtrailers.com/ They are knowledgeable and fabricate many parts on site. Maybe they can sell you part of a guide post kit and you can source the rest locally. You can also get PVC mounted light kits from them. |
Plotman |
posted 10-19-2007 10:34 AM ET (US)
John- Look at a ladder stand off bracket from a local hardware store - you know, the thing that bolts on to a ladder to hold the ladder away from a window? I bet you can find one down there. Cut it in half, and u-bolt it on to the trailer frame, then add pieces of PVC pipe slipped on over the upright. Either that or find someone with a pipe bending rig and them bend some square tubing for you. Way, way cheaper. I have always thought that the $75 or so that folks charge for guide ons is silly. |
knothead |
posted 10-19-2007 02:30 PM ET (US)
big john 1, Have you considered using 3/4" galvanized conduit covered with PVC? Buy a short piece (4'-0) of 3/4" galvanized pipe threaded on both ends and cut it in half. Take a galvanized 90 degree elbow pipe fitting and screw onto the threaded end of the 2'-0 pipe. Bolt to the underside of your trailer frame with stainless U bolts. For the uprights, use a piece of 3/4 galvanized conduit around 60" long or whatever's your fancy and screw into the 90 degree elbow. Then slide PVC pipe over the conduit and glue a PVC Cap to the top or put in your lights. Do not use galvanized pipe for the upright posts as it will eventually fatigue and fail where the threads enter the elbow. This contraption has worked for me for the last 10 yrs in a salt water enviroment. All materials were purchased locally and should be available locally for you. Good luck regards---knothead |
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