R21EC trailer questions

[Messenger]

Hello fellow Tugnuts. I am in the process of purchasing a R21EC that I will have to procure a trailer for. I've read through many threads about trailers for the baby Tug but cannot find any specific dimensions for the hull, or recommended trailer dimensions needed to clear the keel of the boat. So I'm here to lean on your experience.
I have decided on a tandem axle aluminum trailer but would like some recommendations as to brand and model number. And options that maybe you have or wanted.
The reason I need this info that I have to travel from Kansas City to Long Island, NY to get the boat so I want (really need!) the trailer to be absolutely 100% dead-on. It's not like I have room for trial and error on this. Can't run back to the trailer dealer to get things changed or swapped out.
Another twist is that I'll be in Florida before heading to NY so I will be in the middle of boat trailer country. If you know or can recommend a dealer that would great. I've also seen a few ads on Craigslist for dealers(?) selling new trailers. Most have names I can't seem to find on an internet search so I'm a bit leary of buying a trailer from the guy building a couple trailers a week in warehouse. Do any of you have experience with a small time trailer builder vs a big name brand company?

Thanks, Paul

 

[ohioan55]

Mine is a tandem Load Rite Elite, so I'm guessing they have the specs to build the trailer.

 

[Messenger]

Mine is a tandem Load Rite Elite, so I'm guessing they have the specs to build the trailer.

I've called a half dozen places today and was asked how far the keel drops from the hull. Most said "without dimensions we don't know if the skeg will clear the rear crossmember"
An option to take is that I can buy a 'ski boat' trailer that has a modified rear crossmember to clear the prop/skeg like you see on most inboard ski machines. That might be a plus as the boat can sit lower on the trailer.

 

[Mastercraft]

What does Ranger Tug Mfg say? I ordered a brand new R29 trailer thru them in August 2021 and it will be here in June 2022. I am in no hurry for it. It is an EZ load trailer made in Washington State and I live in Seattle. Ez load won’t sell to you directly. They say you have to go thru a dealer like Ranger. I did not want to take the chance of a small outfit making a custom trailer that won’t fit. Ez load has 8 mfg sites on Eastern half of US. If you can’t wait you may be out of luck with EZ load.

 

[Catch22]

You might try Integrity Trailers in Nunica Michigan...phone number is 616-837-9758. Most Ranger Tugs here in the Great Lakes are put on Integrity trailers after being trucked from the factory. My 21EC was on an Integrity aluminum single axel. Its not a tandem,, but had plenty of capacity and high quality. It sat low, towed great, and launched/loaded well. The trailer had the running lights that pigtailed to the Ranger boat lights.Pick one up on your way from KC to NY....the factory has the specs. Good luck.

 

[Newf]

My R21EC came on a single torsion axle, EZ Loader trailer Model #AB 21R 3700. Aluminum I-Beam frame.

 

[Captain Nice]

Since you're going to Florida, I'd recommend contacting Float-On trailers in Vero Beach. They made a single axle trailer for the 21 when it was in production. IMO a tandem is overkill for this boat. I've pulled mine from the factory (WA) to Florida, no issues. Curious where you'll be using your boat; I'm originally from Topeka.

CN

 

[Mastercraft]

Everybody has there own opinion about double axles. If it is larger than a 4 x 8 utility trailer, I would buy two axles. My ski boat trailer has gone 25,000 miles. It had one blow out and one broken axle. I might have lost the boat if it was one axle. It has been kept in garage, never seen saltwater, and is in excellent condition. You will never regret two axles. It is much more stable on road. Ignore the price of two more replacement tires and two more bearings. Two axles makes the boat tow package look cooler too!!!!

 

[hwhayes]

We have a 2015 Ranger Tug R21EC. Float On in Florida made the tandem trailer for it. They have the pattern for the R21EC. Your will probably have to go thru a dealer but many dealers in FL carry FloatOn.

 

[S. Todd]

I second what Catch 22 says. I have had Integrity trailers build a trailer for both our 2015 R25SC and our 2021 R29S. Small company that provides good personal service. Trailers have nice custom fit and are well built. The Midwest Ranger Tug dealer, Reed Yacht Sales, uses Integrity trailers under all the boats they sell, even those from manufacturers other than
Fluid Motion.

 

[Messenger]

Thanks to all that responded. Due to several factors, including needing a trailer right away, I have had to back away from this purchase. The stars did not line up properly on this one.
I had called several of the recommended dealers for a trailer, and a few more, but almost all said that it would take a few weeks to get something ready. Everyone I called was helpful, apologetic, and sympathetic to my needs. It just wasn't working out and I felt best not to push it through.
To Captain Nice, I am in the KC metro and will initially splash some of the local lakes around here. If we can get a boat lined up before too long, a late summer trip to the Erie Canal is already being planned. We also have looked at Lake of the Ozarks for some long weekends on the water.