Tie Down Engineering 86468 Floating Pontoon Guide-On User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Tie Down Engineering 86468 Floating Pontoon Guide-On. This product is designed to assist in the safe and efficient loading of pontoon boats onto submerged trailers by providing enhanced visibility and guidance.

2. Product Overview

The Tie Down Engineering 86468 Floating Pontoon Guide-On is engineered for durability and functionality in marine environments. It features a unique design that allows the PVC guide posts to rise when the trailer is submerged, increasing visibility for the operator.

Key Features:

Enhanced Visibility: PVC guide posts rise an additional 12 inches when submerged, providing a total adjustable viewing height of 24 to 36 inches.
Durable Construction: Manufactured from 1-1/2 inch square, 16 gauge galvanized steel tubing, covered by 2 inch x 20 inch PVC pipe.
Secure Mounting: Designed to mount to trailer cross members that are 2 inches wide by 2, 3, or 4 inches high. Also fits side rails or frames (post style) of 2x3, 2x4, 3x3, and 3x4 dimensions.
Clear Targeting: Bright orange end caps on the PVC posts offer a clear visual target during boat loading.
Strength: Steel tubing extends fully into the PVC tube for additional structural integrity.

Components Included:

The kit includes all necessary hardware for installation:

24" Guide Tube with PVC Post (2)
Nylock Nut 3/8" (8)
Washer 3/8" (8)
Bracket Channel (2)
U-Bolt 3/8" (2)
U-Bolt 3/8" with Cross Relief (2)

Image 1: The Tie Down Engineering 86468 Floating Pontoon Guide-On. This image displays the guide-on assembly, featuring the white PVC post with an orange cap, mounted on a galvanized steel bracket.

3. Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the effective operation of your pontoon guide-ons. Ensure all components are present and undamaged before beginning installation.

Tools Required:

Wrench set (appropriate size for 3/8" nuts)
Measuring tape
Marker or pencil

Installation Steps:

Positioning: Determine the optimal mounting location on your trailer's cross members. The guide-ons are designed to be mounted between the pontoons of your boat. Ensure they will not interfere with the boat's hull or other trailer components.
Bracket Attachment: Place a bracket channel onto the trailer cross member. The guide-ons are compatible with cross members that are 2 inches wide by 2, 3, or 4 inches high. They also fit side rails or frames (post style) of 2x3, 2x4, 3x3, and 3x4 dimensions.
U-Bolt Installation: Secure the bracket channel to the cross member using the provided 3/8" U-bolts. Insert the U-bolts around the cross member and through the holes in the bracket channel.
Secure Fasteners: Place a 3/8" washer and then a 3/8" Nylock nut onto each end of the U-bolts. Tighten the nuts securely with a wrench. Do not overtighten, but ensure the bracket is firmly attached and does not move.
Guide Tube Assembly: Insert the 24" guide tube with the PVC post into the bracket. The steel tubing of the guide-on extends fully into the PVC tube for added strength.
Final Adjustment: Ensure both guide-ons are installed symmetrically and are vertical. The adjustable height range is 24 to 36 inches. Adjust as needed to provide optimal visibility for your specific pontoon boat and trailer setup.

Pontoon boat being loaded onto a trailer with guide-ons — Image 2: A pontoon boat being guided onto a trailer. This image illustrates the practical application of guide-ons in assisting with boat loading, showing the boat positioned between the guides as it approaches the trailer.

4. Operating Instructions

The Tie Down Engineering 86468 Floating Pontoon Guide-On is designed to simplify the boat loading process, especially on submerged trailers.

Usage:

Submerging the Trailer: Back your trailer into the water to the appropriate depth for loading your pontoon boat.
Floating Action: As the trailer submerges, the PVC guide posts will automatically rise upward. This action increases their visible height by an additional 12 inches, providing a clear target above the waterline.
Guiding the Boat: Approach the trailer with your pontoon boat, using the bright orange end caps and the visible PVC posts as guides. Position the boat between the two guide-ons.
Loading: Slowly and carefully drive or winch your pontoon boat onto the trailer, keeping it centered between the guide-ons. The guides help prevent the boat from drifting off-center during the loading process.
Post-Loading: Once the boat is securely loaded and the trailer is pulled out of the water, the PVC posts will retract to their original height.

Important: Always exercise caution and maintain a slow speed when loading your boat. Ensure the guide-ons are properly installed and secured before each use.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your pontoon guide-ons.

Rinse After Use: After each use in saltwater or brackish water, rinse the guide-ons thoroughly with fresh water to prevent corrosion and salt buildup on the galvanized steel components.
Inspect Hardware: Periodically check all nuts, bolts, and U-bolts for tightness. Retighten any loose fasteners to ensure the guide-ons remain securely attached to the trailer.
Examine PVC Posts: Inspect the PVC posts for any cracks, damage, or excessive wear. Ensure they move freely within the steel tubing. Clean any debris or marine growth that might impede their floating action.
Check Orange Caps: Verify that the bright orange end caps are securely in place. If they become loose or fall off, they may need to be re-secured or replaced to maintain visibility.
Corrosion Check: Although made of galvanized steel, inspect for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially in areas where the coating might be compromised. Address any corrosion promptly to prevent further degradation.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues that may arise with the pontoon guide-ons.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Guide posts do not float or rise when submerged.	Debris or marine growth inside the PVC tube or around the steel tubing. Bent or damaged steel tubing preventing free movement. Improper installation causing binding.	Remove guide posts and clean the interior of the PVC tube and the exterior of the steel tubing. Inspect for physical damage. If bent, replacement may be necessary. Re-check installation to ensure posts are vertical and not binding against the bracket.
Orange end caps fall off.	Vibration during transport. Loose fit from manufacturing or wear.	Secure caps with a marine-grade adhesive if they repeatedly fall off. Contact Tie Down Engineering for replacement caps if needed.
Guide-ons bend or are damaged during boat loading.	Excessive force or impact from the boat. Improper alignment of the boat during loading. Not suitable for pontoons with lifting strakes that might catch the guides.	Exercise greater care and slower speed when loading. Ensure the boat is properly aligned before making contact with the guides. If your pontoon has lifting strakes, verify compatibility or consider alternative guiding solutions to prevent damage.

7. Specifications

Attribute	Detail
Model Number	86468
Brand	Tie Down Engineering
Overall Height (Adjustable)	24 - 36 inches
Material (Tubing)	1-1/2 inch square, 16 gauge galvanized steel
Material (Cover)	2 inch x 20 inch PVC pipe
Color	White (PVC), Orange (End Caps)
Mounting Compatibility	Trailer cross members 2" wide by 2", 3", or 4" high; Side rails/frames 2x3, 2x4, 3x3, 3x4
Item Weight	1.4 pounds (per unit, approximate)
Product Dimensions	36"L x 2"W (approximate, referring to the PVC pipe)
UPC	081628864687

8. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details for the Tie Down Engineering 86468 Floating Pontoon Guide-On are not provided in this manual. For information regarding product warranty, returns, or technical support, please contact Tie Down Engineering directly or refer to their official website.

Manufacturer Contact:

Brand: Tie Down
Website: www.tiedown.com
General Inquiries: Refer to the manufacturer's website for contact information.

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