5 Best Compact Post Guide Ons For Minimal RV Storage Space Maximize Space

You’ve finally perfected the Tetris-like art of packing your RV’s storage bay, only to be faced with two awkward, 4-foot-tall metal posts that have no logical home. Standard boat trailer guide-ons are a notorious space-hog, forcing a frustrating choice between easier boat launching and precious cargo capacity. The good news is you don’t have to choose, because the right compact guide-ons are designed specifically for the RVer’s reality of limited space.

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Why Compact Guide-Ons Are Essential for RVers

The fundamental problem with most trailer guide-ons is that they’re designed to be installed once and left alone. They are bulky, non-adjustable, and their L-shaped steel brackets are notoriously awkward. For a homeowner with a garage, this is a non-issue. For an RVer, it’s a dealbreaker that consumes a massive amount of space in a passthrough bay or rear storage compartment.

Every cubic inch in an RV is prime real estate. A set of bulky guide posts can easily displace a camp grill, a set of leveling blocks, or your favorite folding chairs. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it directly impacts your experience on the road. The goal is to bring gear that enhances your trip, not to wrestle with poorly designed accessories that create more problems than they solve.

This is where compact, quick-disconnect, or modular guide-ons become essential. These aren’t just smaller versions of the same thing. They are intelligently designed systems that prioritize easy takedown and stowing. Whether through shorter posts, simple U-bolt removal, or a completely different approach to guidance, they acknowledge that for an RVer, the guide-on’s life in storage is just as important as its life on the boat ramp.

CE Smith Short Bunk Guide-Ons: Top Compact Pick

If you want the functionality of a bunk-style guide without the massive storage footprint, the CE Smith Short Bunk models are a fantastic solution. Instead of towering PVC posts, these use sturdy, carpeted wooden bunks mounted on 21-inch galvanized steel posts. This lower profile is immediately easier to handle and store.

The compactness comes from their overall reduced size. The shorter posts and bunks can be unbolted from the trailer frame and laid flat in a storage bay, taking up significantly less vertical and horizontal space than their 48-inch or 60-inch cousins. They easily slide under other gear or can be stood up in a corner without dominating the entire compartment.

The tradeoff, of course, is visibility. These shorter guides are less about seeing your target from 50 feet away and more about providing a final, gentle alignment as the boat nears the trailer. For smaller boats, jon boats, or for use on shallower ramps where the trailer isn’t submerged as deeply, they provide all the guidance you need without the storage penalty. They are a purpose-built compromise that perfectly suits the space-conscious RVer.

Extreme Max Guide-Ons: Easy Takedown for Storage

Extreme Max offers a range of guide-ons, but their standard PVC post models have a design feature that makes them surprisingly RV-friendly: a simple mounting system. While the posts themselves are full-sized, the way they attach to the trailer frame is what makes them a contender for compact storage. They typically use a straightforward U-bolt system that clamps the vertical post holder to the trailer’s I-beam or C-channel frame.

This design means you don’t have to fully disassemble the entire apparatus to store it. You can simply loosen the two U-bolt nuts on each side, and the entire upright assembly—post, PVC pipe, and all—slides right off. This leaves the small, low-profile mounting bracket on the trailer frame, ready for quick reinstallation at the ramp.

Storing two complete posts is far simpler than managing a pile of brackets, bolts, and pipes. You can strap the two posts together with a bungee cord or Velcro strap and slide them into your passthrough as a single, neat unit. This approach is for the RVer who wants full-height visibility at the ramp but needs a takedown process that takes two minutes, not twenty. It’s the best of both worlds if you have the linear space to store the assembled posts.

Fulton TGP48 Posts: Durable & Simple to Dismantle

Fulton has a reputation for building tough, no-nonsense trailer equipment, and their post guide-ons are no exception. They are constructed from heavy-gauge, galvanized steel, making them a durable choice for frequent use. But their true advantage for RVers lies in their brilliantly simple, two-piece modular design.

The system consists of a steel post that bolts to the trailer frame and a separate, hollow PVC tube that simply slides over it. This modularity is a game-changer for storage. Instead of trying to find a home for a clunky, L-shaped metal and plastic assembly, you can break it down into its core components in seconds.

For storage, you just lift the lightweight PVC tubes off the steel posts. These tubes can be tucked away almost anywhere—in a storage bay, a bumper compartment, or even inside the RV. The L-shaped steel posts that remain are much shorter and far less awkward to handle. You can either leave them on the trailer or unbolt them for even more compact storage. This component-based approach offers maximum flexibility for stowing.

VEVOR Guide-Ons: A Value Choice for Easy Stowing

For the RVer who needs a functional, storable solution without a premium price tag, VEVOR is a name that consistently comes up. Their guide-on posts often mimic the designs of more expensive brands, incorporating the same user-friendly features that are critical for compact storage. You’ll typically find the same PVC-over-steel-post construction or simple U-bolt mounts that allow for quick removal.

The primary benefit here is cost-effectiveness. You get the easy-to-dismantle functionality that makes RV life easier, but at a fraction of the cost. This is perfect for the RVer who trailers their boat a few times a season and can’t justify spending a lot on an accessory that spends most of its life in a storage compartment.

The tradeoff is often in the fit and finish. The galvanization might be thinner, the steel a lighter gauge, or the hardware less robust than what you’d find on a Fulton or CE Smith product. However, for light to moderate use, they perform the job perfectly well. If your priority is finding the most affordable and easily storable option, and you’re willing to keep an eye on potential corrosion over the long term, VEVOR is a smart, practical choice.

Tie Down Bunk Slicks: A Flat-Storing Alternative

Sometimes the best solution is to completely rethink the problem. Tie Down Engineering’s Bunk Slicks offer an alternative to posts altogether, and for an RVer with absolutely zero extra storage space, they are a brilliant option. These are not guide posts; they are low-profile, durable plastic strips that you screw directly onto the top of your trailer’s existing carpeted bunks.

Their primary purpose is to reduce friction, making it easier to launch and load your boat, especially on shallow ramps. However, they serve a secondary function as guides. As the boat’s hull makes contact, these raised, slick surfaces help channel the keel into the correct position. The entire system adds less than an inch of height to your existing bunks.

The storage benefit is unparalleled: there is nothing to remove or store. They become a permanent part of your trailer. You get the benefit of physical alignment without sacrificing a single inch of precious RV storage. The clear downside is that they offer no visual guidance from a distance. This is a purely tactile solution, best for experienced boaters or those who are confident in their approach to the trailer.

Choosing Guide-Ons: Height, Material, & Mounting

When selecting a compact guide-on, your decision boils down to three key factors. First is height. Taller posts (40+ inches) are excellent for steep ramps or boats with high sides, as they remain visible above the water. Shorter bunk-style guides (around 20-24 inches) are far more compact but serve more for final physical alignment than long-distance visibility. Your choice here is a direct trade between visibility and storability.

Next, consider the material. Most posts are made from galvanized steel to resist rust, which is essential. The guide portion is typically either a PVC pipe or a carpeted wooden bunk. PVC is lightweight but can get brittle with sun exposure, while carpeted bunks are gentle on your boat’s hull but can hold moisture and wear out over time. There’s no single right answer, only what’s right for your boat and climate.

Finally, and most critically for RVers, is the mounting system. Look for designs that prioritize easy removal. U-bolt systems that allow the entire upright to be removed are excellent. Modular designs where a PVC tube slides off a permanent steel post are even better. Avoid any system that requires you to completely unbolt the main bracket from the trailer frame every time—that’s a recipe for frustration at the boat ramp.

Smart Storage Solutions for Your RV Guide-On Posts

Once you’ve removed your compact guide-ons, the next challenge is securing them for travel. Simply tossing them into a passthrough bay is a bad idea; they can roll around, damage other gear, or make a racket. The goal is to immobilize them. Heavy-duty Velcro straps or reusable zip ties are your best friend here. Bundle the two posts together tightly so they become a single, stable unit.

For a more permanent solution, you can mount hardware inside your storage bay. Simple broom handle clips or larger tool-holding clamps can be screwed to the wall or ceiling of the compartment to hold the posts securely in place. This keeps them off the floor and prevents them from becoming projectiles during a sudden stop. Always think about what happens during travel, not just when you’re parked.

Don’t forget to look for unconventional storage spots. Many RVs have a hollow, 4-inch square tube bumper that is perfect for sliding long, thin items into. The lightweight PVC tubes from a modular set are ideal candidates. For other designs, you might be able to use bungee cords or straps to secure the posts directly to the boat trailer frame itself, keeping them completely out of the RV’s limited storage space.

Ultimately, the best guide-ons for an RVer aren’t just the ones that make loading your boat easier. They’re the ones that seamlessly integrate into the mobile lifestyle, respecting the universal truth of small-space living: every item must earn its place. By choosing a system designed for easy takedown and smart storage, you’re making a small decision that pays big dividends in space, convenience, and sanity on every trip.