R25 vs R27

[wabislander]

Trying to decide between the R25 and R27. Going to see the R27 in a couple of weeks in person. Have only seen boats on-line to-date.

Appreciate any feedback from those that have been in both (perfect world), or owners of each model.

My main concern on the R27 is towing. We will be getting a vehicle to match the needed capacity after we decide on the boat model. For an R25 I was planning on towing capacity of 10,000 to 11,000 lbs. Assuming the R27 would be safe at 11,000 to 12,000 lbs.

Concern if there is increased challenges on towing the R27 vs the R25, as in the added length cause issues in trying to do x, y or z?

Thanks for any feedback in advance

 

[knotflying]

I have an R-27 and have done road trips with a couple of R-25 owners. You will need the same towing capacity vehicle for either, 4 wheel drive 3/4 ton diesel if you are going to do any real towing. With the proper tow equipment, dual axel trailer and tow vehicle you will not have any significant difference between them. Granted a bit longer for the R-27. Keep in mind that even if you initially feel a little uncomfortable towing a larger boat, you will get used to it quickly. However, when you are cruising would you rather have a bigger boat or smaller boat to live on. Everyone is always looking at the bigger boat they want or should have gotten and that is when the rubber meets the road, or in this case the hull hits the water. If budget is not an issue, don't make a concession on the size.

 

[wabislander]

Good point. This may be a simple question, but if I knew I wouldn't ask...

In gas stations, do you typically go to the "Truck Stop" type of station to avoid having tight turns?

 

[scross]

About gas stations: There are a lot of stations I avoid because of maneuvering room issues. In general, but not always, I find the Pilot, T/A Travel Centers, Flying J and Loves gas stops to be OK as long as they are not too crowded. You learn to swing big so the tail end of the trailer doesn’t hit the pump guard poles! I frequently take up the access to four pumps when filling up. Too be courteous I try to get in and out as quickly as possible.
The GasBuddy app has a list of RV friendly gas stations as well.
https://www.gasbuddy.com/go/rv-friendly-gas-stations

 

[Brian B]

I use the Trucker Path App. I plan the trip to fuel at the truck stops and use the pumps that the truckers use. (Assuming you are buying diesel).

 

[CaspersCruiser]

.....I plan the trip to fuel at the truck stops and use the pumps that the truckers use. (Assuming you are buying diesel).

I use the trucker pumps as well because of the limited maneuvering room often found at the auto pumps.

My problem with the trucker pumps is that those pumps most times don’t take consumer credit cards. Do you know of a workaround for that? I’ve tried getting a dedicated Pilot/Flying J credit card, but I was told I needed a federal EIN or DOT number. Having to walk inside to pay is tiresome and ties up the pumps.

 

[wabislander]

Thanks for the link on the RV friendly app.

Does anyone have/use a rear-camera at the back of the trailer?

 

[S. Todd]

I installed a backup camera on our R25SC hoping it would serve a dual purpose to see boats following us while cruising. Did not work very well for that purpose because the screen was too small and the boats behind us were mere dots. It did work for trailering but I have spent so many years using mirrors that I prefer to back with them and the admiral was happy to jump out the few times I had to back in a lot where there might be traffic changes that I needed to be aware of. Industrial strength Velcro provided a good mounting method that did not require drilling holes in fiberglass. Running a 12 volt power plug to power the camera was the only real time consuming aspect of the install.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

>> I’ve tried getting a dedicated Pilot/Flying J credit card, but I was told I needed a federal EIN or DOT number. <<

I tried again today to get one of their commercial fueling cards. Unlike my earlier experience, the person I reached by phone via the number listed on their website was happy to take my information and send me an application via email even though I don’t have a federal EIN or DOT number.

I filled out the application, digitally signed it, sent it back and it has been approved. Now, whether this process actually results in a card being issued is the next hurdle. And it’s not a credit card. They debit your bank account when used.

 

[Matty]

To the post about a rear camera for the boat. I use a Garmin Virb camera which syncs with my chartplotter. You get a wide extremely clear view and boats are easy to see. Works on the Garmin wifi and batteries last 2 hours at a time so no wires needed. I will run a power line eventually.
Camera is expensive but I like it.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Many Flying Js and some Pilots have RV lanes - we use these all the time when traveling and towing. The lanes are big enough for a motorhome with a tow vehicle and always have diesel as well as gas. They take credit cards, so no hassle like in the big truck lanes. If you have a Good Sam membership card, Flying J and Pilot also offer a 5¢ per gallon discount off the cash price with that as a rewards card.

Now that Flying J is owned by Pilot, they aren't as competitive as they used to be, but the discount helps. Loves generally has decent space around their pumps if you get one at the end.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Many Flying Js and some Pilots have RV lanes - we use these all the time when traveling and towing.

I certainly try to use them when they are available. The semi fueling lanes are my last choice, but sometimes they’re the best choice to avoid maneuvering drama.