Purchasing a truck to haul the 27

[mac07733]

I understand that a 3/4 ton truck is a good match for towing the 27. I have the ez loader triple axle trailer and the activator II electronic trailer brake controller. I also understand that diesel is good if I am going to tow a lot (which I probably won't - maybe 3-4,000 miles per year and east coast). I also am probably going to buy a used truck. I am open to any manufacturer. Are there any trucks that are incompatible with my configuration? Also are there any accessories (eg. heavy duty towing package) or trucks that you recommend?

 

[Wolf Pack]

Make sure you get a 4x4.

 

[Spirit of Gratitude]

You will love the power of a diesel. You will give yourself many more options having a diesel. Everyone has a opinion on which is the best so I will leave that alone.
I will tell you that I use a 2005 3/4 ton dodge turbo diesel 4x4 to tow my R-29. About 14000lbs with trailer. It does a fantastic job! I have towed many many miles and it tows like a dream. All the major brand diesel trucks will do just fine.

Best of luck!

Stuart

 

[ozoner]

Actually, I would consider 3K-4K miles per year a decent amount of towing!

New member here, secretly lusting after an R-29 🙂

I agree with Wolf Pack - 4X4 is pretty much a must-have. I've pulled out of too many ramps where I would have been toast without 4-wheel-drive.

I imagine you will find that most 3/4 ton diesels will have a factory tow package already. If so, check to make sure that the factory hitch will easily handle your anticipated tongue and tow weights.

If your vehicle ends up not having a factory package, or if it is missing something, you'll need the following installed:
A nice beefy hitch with a good quality drop bar
A very good transmission cooler
A good electronic brake controller (I swear by Tekonsha proportional controllers)
Maybe some mirror extensions, if your ride doesn't have extending mirrors

Not as much a factor on the Right Coast, but over on the Left with all of our hills, a truck with a compression brake would be really nice - they can really save you from toasting your brakes on a long downhill run. I think that GM offers them, Ford and Chrysler may also.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In addition to what has been advised you should check the driver door post for the factory label for pertinent information about that trucks GVWR and more. If a truck you're looking at was built with a trailer towing package and has a factory hitch I know Ford and GM have labels in the hitch/bumper area that spell out the trucks towing capacity and more. In came across this while researching for a 3/4 diesel to tow our new R27. If you want to read more on this you can check out the article I wrote for the BoatUS online sight

http://www.boatus.com/cruising/kismet/p ... p?bid=3120

 

[JerryE]

I tow a loaded R25 on an EZ-Loader with my 2006 long bed F350 4x4. I have a 300hp 5.4 liter V-8 gas engine. It has an electronic haul gear engage which I must use at all times when towing. I would not recommend this configuration for towing an R25 (any less an R27) long distance, or more than a couple hours. You don't need a one-ton truck, but you do need a stronger engine. I can't speak to the 6.8 liter V-10, but there are dozens of happy diesel truck guys on this site hauling up to R29s with ease. Don't get a gas engine, at least a V-8.

 

[Dale777]

mac07733,

I tow a 2012 R27 on a Float-On 12K trailer (electric over hydraulic disc brakes) with a 2011 Chevy Silverado LTZ Plus 2500HD Crew Cab Diesel 4x4, with the towing package, towing brake controller, towing mirrors, 18" wheels, and rearview camera system. This configuration provides the following features that are important for towing my boat/trailer configuration:

Exhaust brake system
StabiliTrack Electronic Stability Control System
Trailer sway control
Hill Start Assist
Auto grade braking
Brakes with Intelligent Brake Assist
Integrated trailer brake controller
13,000 lbs ball mount hitch rating

Since July 1st, I've towed about 1,025 miles from Apalachicola, FL to Lake Texoma on the Texas-Oklahoma border. Then I've towed about 1,150 miles from Lake Texoma to Lake Winnebago-Fox River in Oshkosh, WI. In a couple of weeks, I will make the return trip to Lake Texoma, with possible stops to launch in two different locations to motor about for a few days at a time. Next winter, I plan to tow to the west coast of Florida for a couple of months stay. Additionally, I have plans to launch all along the Gulf Coast of Texas to Florida and in many of the tributaries of the Mississippi and the Mississippi itself.

I mention all this to point out that my modus operandi is to trailer the R27 a lot, so I bought the truck that I think will do the best job for my particular circumstances. I suggest that your particular towing circumstances should dictate the type of truck to buy, BUT I would definitely recommend diesel and 4x4.

I couldn't be happier with this truck outfitted with the towing features that it has. I've never noticed it straining either at the boat ramps or on the highways. Stability and braking on the highways are excellent.

 

[Favunclerich]

The Chevrolet Silverado 3/4-ton diesel pickup was just recommended by Consumer Reports as the best vehicle for towing heavy loads. As a recent GM retiree, I can arrange a "friends" discount for you on a Silverado or GMC Sierra. I'm currently cruising the North Channel of Lake Huron on my R-25 where internet coverage is spotty, but will be home in about a week. Please send me an email if you are interested.

Rich Odendahl
rich@odendahls.com