New Owner w/?? about towing vehicle

Thomwa

Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2011
Messages
20
Fluid Motion Model
C-288 C
Hi, We recently purchased an R-29 - love it so far with a quick shakedown cruise up to Stuart Island.
WE NEED a new (slightly used ) truck. What are your (experienced towers) recommendations?
Thanks Thom and Lorry
 
Lots of discussion history if you use the search function on this site.

In summary:

For frequent towing any 1 ton diesel 4X4 pickup will do: F-350, Dodge 3500 or Chev/GMC 3500. Dually not necessary or preferable if you live in snow country.

For infrequent or short trips a 3/4 ton will work with gas engine, but if you are shopping for used a diesel is best; more weight in front and pulling power.

All the best. Enjoy your 29. We certainly do.
 
I have towed my R-29 effortlessly for over 5000 miles with a 3/4 ton 2005 Dodge turbo diesel. I will tow my 29 anywhere with my Dodge! It truly tows like a dream.
Click on pic below and it will enlarge.
 
I believe the folks at Ranger Tugs use a Dodge 3/4 ton with turbo diesel to haul ALL of their boats. That's what I use to haul the Red Ranger, an R-21EC. I know I have enough power and substance to haul anything in the Ranger Tug lineup, and can't be happier with the rig I have. It's 2001, and I have about 275K miles on it.
 
We've towed our ~12,000 lb boat trailer some 55K miles in mountainous country with a 1998 3/4 ton Dodge/Cummins pickup. If I were getting a newer one, I'd go for a single rear wheel 3500, which has the heavier springs more like our 2500 with the "Camper Option".
 
Stuart, Send some of that $3.10 diesel up here!
 
There is not really any difference in towing capacity of a real 3/4 ton truck (Ford F250 or Dodge/Chevy 2500) compared to 1 ton models (Ford F350 or Dodge/Chevy 3500s). The running gear and brakes are usuall the same between the models. For my 2000 F250 it is rated for towing the exact same combined vehicle weight (truck + trailer) as the F30 of same year. Funny thing is that when you consider the extra weight of the additional rear wheels on the F350 the weight of the allowed traier pulled by F350 would be lower than the F250. The big diference between F350 and F250 has to do with weight you can carry in truck bed rather than a towed trailer. The tounge weight of a R25 or R29 is well below the rated load design of either truck.

As long as you have at least a 3/4 ton truck. I would focus more on traction. My truck is 2WD. I have encountered few problems when visiting the Gulf Coast but here in Tennessee Valey unless I locate a very good ramp I have hell halling LENABELL back out of the water. Most of the ramps here on the Tennessee River are disigned for small bassboats pulled by local "Bubbas" with monster 4WDs.
 
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