Proper Tow Vehicle

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Jfrano

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Will a 2019 1500 be sufficient to tow an R27?

Thanks,
 
Jfrano":3tlubuq6 said:
Will a 2019 1500 be sufficient to tow an R27?

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Depends on make/model/options... in general- no
 
If you were just towing down the street on flat ground, maybe.

But definitely go with a 3/4 ton truck with the proper hitch weight ratings.

Also, it's the stopping power of the tow vehicle that may be the most important; not just the pulling power.
 
In theory there is a 2018 Chevy 1500 that can be equipped to tow up to 12,500 pounds. It’s actually more expensive than a 2018 Chevy 2500 with fewer options that has same or greater towing capacity. Go for the 2500 or 3500 equipped to safely tow the R27!
If you plan to tow a lot, go for diesel. But diesel adds $10,000 to the cost of the truck. Many on this forum consider a gas powered 3/4 ton to be blasphemy but if you don’t tow more than 10% of your total annual mileage I think it’s a viable way to go.
 
If you are towing beyond just the local area, get a 3/4 ton diesel. Pulling 10,000 pounds requires heavy-duty everything— engine, transmission, cooling, suspension, brakes. The diesel engine in a typical 3/4 ton pickup produces its maximum torque (900 ft. lbs +/-) at 1800-2000 RPM. A gas engine needs about 4,000 RPM to produce its max torque of around 400 ft. lbs. So a gas engine is worked to death— twice the revs for half the pulling power.
 
CaspersCruiser is right about the max torque numbers. But I tow a 9,650 pound R25 Classic about 1,400 to 1,600 miles a year. My typical towing RPM is 2,200 at 65 mph with overdrive locked out. And I only get over 3,000 RPM about two hours a year up the four 2,500 ft 6% grades between Southern Oregon and Bellingham, WA. I’m not worried running my gas engine about two hours a year 15 minutes a time above 3,000 RPM while towing.
 
The goal in towing is safety followed by longevity. The further you stay away from the upper limit of your equipments rating the more you increase your safety while underway. As to longevity, the lighter the equipment the harder it works and the shorter it lives.

The yardstick to measure by is heat. If the engine, transmission, differential, brakes, bearings, and tires don't dissipate the heat generated while doing what you ask they’ll wear quicker or fail catastrophically.

Figure out your needs, figure out the minimum vehicle that, on paper, can “do” that and then add layers of capability, getting further and further from the upper limits of said vehicles.

Agreed, a half ton could be factory equipped to paper out as capable and for short tows would be fine say from the garage to the street. Once at the street, hook up to a three quarter ton truck and if towing more than a few hours connect to something that’s more likely to get you to the destination such as a one ton.
 
This is a debate of opinions. The true answer is what works for your use. First and most important the tow vehicle must provide enough tow capacity for the boat, trailer, and equipment. Don't use the dry weight. There is enough information on Tugnuts to get a close estimate of what any model weighs. For example we have a C26 it is slightly heavier then a classic R27. There are many post of how much the R27 weighs going down the road. I use the weights posted to get a close estimate. When choosing a truck look at tow capacity along with the hitch rating and the requirements for that capacity. Many trucks ( the Silverado 1500 high country has a high tow capacity ( I don't know exact spec but it is 11000 to 12000lbs capacity) but requires distribution bars. Most 3/4 ton pickups have the higher rated hitch but not all, its in the small print.
If your trailering is down the street to the ramp a 1/2 ton will be fine. Our first year we used a Tahoe to tow our C26, I had to install air bags and use distribution bars. The Tahoe did a good job, pulled fine and hauled the boat up the ramp with no issues. I would never take it on the highway! The vehicle would pull it. I'm not sure it could stop it in an emergency situation ! There is a big difference in a Tahoe, 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. 3/4 or 1 ton seems to be the preferred and honestly the right choice. The next question is Gas or diesel ? This too is based on how you are going to use the truck. Is it your tow vehicle and work truck ? Is it your daily driver and tow vehicle, do you use it on your farm, use it for your business and tow? What tows best ? My opinion diesel, you can't argue with torque. Will the gas engine tow the same load? Chevy, Ford,Dodge say it will. We tow with a Gas HD 2500 Silverado I purchased it new in late 2016. I wasn't retired yet and knew I had a few more years until I retired. The truck would be my daily driver and tow the boat 4 or five times a year with a max distance of 2500 miles a year. I couldn't justify spending 8 to 10 thousand more for the diesel. My plan was I'll buy the Gas truck now, use it, maintain it and when I retire we find ourselves doing much more towing I'll sell it and purchase a diesel. Since purchasing the truck I have put 31000 miles on the truck, of the 31000 miles the truck has towed the boat less then 4000 miles. While towing up a few of the hills in the smokey mountains I did see close to 3000rpm and my fuel economy dropped to 7 mpg. Most of our fuel economy stays at 8mpg average while towing. Diesel gets better but I'm not towing enough to justify the cost difference. The 31000 miles has cost less $500.00 in maintenance cost at the Chevrolet dealer. Oil changes, tire rotation and multi point inspection. I can't say from experience but I'm told the maintenance cost are higher for the diesel. The argument that towing all the time with a Gas engine will reduce the longevity of the engine, I would agree If I was strictly going to use the truck for towing it would be a diesel. The reverse situation goes for the diesel If the truck is your daily driver, light loads city and local driving this is hard on a diesel, it needs to be run. I honestly don't think there is a right answer. Its what works best for your situation. The most important point is safety, tow with safety.
 
3/4 ton or 1-ton. I read a great statement once on this subject . It may have even been on here.

Someone said that a certain 1/2 ton truck could tow 12,500 pounds. The person’s answer to that was “Just because it can doesn’t mean it should” :lol:

I have spent most of my life driving all kinds of pickup trucks towing all kinds of things. That quote might be the smartest answer I have ever heard.
 
Don't see comments on whether it should be a 4WD. I have seen folks with enough towing capacity but spinning tires coming out of the launch. For my 2018 R27 I went with a dodge 4WD 2500 at the advice of the service that delivered the boat as well as plenty of research. Does the job but I do not tow long distances. If I was going to tow a lot may need even a little more for the hills. Luckily I live in relatively flat FL.
 
There is such a diversity of boat ramps through out the country, 4 wheel drive is a necessity for me.
 
I have spun rear wheels, and watched others, enough times that for me, if towing a boat is in the trucks mission, it WILL have 4wd. It is not an option in my book.
I bought a GMC 2500 gas powered 4WD with the tow package for towing my 2018 RT-27OB. It is a 2015 I bought new and presently I have 6500 miles on it. I just couldn't justify the added cost of the diesel, purchase/maintenance, for the way I use the truck. As much as I would like the diesel torque on some of the hills around me, the added costs of the diesel will buy a LOT of gas.
 
Hi All, New to the tug family! we have a R27 on order and can't wait.. My question is with the new Ram 1500 towing capacity of 11,410
would this be acceptable to tow the R27 on a float-on tandem trailer? I read that boat/trailer can way 11,000lb. fully stocked and that would be close to top of capacity of truck.
Is anyone out there towing with a newer ram 1500 or have any input from towing one? Thanks in advance
 
captg":1dkslf3n said:
Hi All, New to the tug family! we have a R27 on order and can't wait.. My question is with the new Ram 1500 towing capacity of 11,410
would this be acceptable to tow the R27 on a float-on tandem trailer? I read that boat/trailer can way 11,000lb. fully stocked and that would be close to top of capacity of truck.
Is anyone out there towing with a newer ram 1500 or have any input from towing one? Thanks in advance
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