R27 Classic: Rack Almost Flew Off While Trailering

[mfreeman_1998]

We are trailering our 2012 R27 from the west coast to Alabama to start the Great Loop. In the process we are learning that trailering imposes forces on the boat that it does not see in normal operation. In the attached blog post we describe how we almost lost the rack on which the solar panel and a rocket box was mounted. You'll also see what corrective action we took.

We've had fun pulling into RV parks along the way and responding to questions. All in all, we still believe Ranger Tugs are great adventure vehicles. However, in addition to learning how to tow properly, there are some actions your can take pro-actively to insure parts don't fall off and the vibration and wind of highway speeds don't cause other damage.

If anyone else would like to share what they've learned from trailering long distances, please share your finding here so others (myself included) can learn.

https://mikebethadventures.blogspot.com/2021/10/great-loop-shake-rattle-and-oops.html

 

[scross]

See this thread from last year.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17861&p=117084&hilit=Rack+drill+set#p117084

We have both a Yakima cargo box and a big 320 watt solar panel on our R25 Classic’s sport rack.
We tow an average of 1,600 miles each year.
I drilled deeper into the tubing to give the set screws a better purchase and used Loctite to better secure new, slightly longer pointy ended stainless set screws. On my rack the ends of the originally installed set screws was flat - not giving much holding power.

I also added braces to the front bar of the rack.

gallery2.php?g2_itemId=79376

 

[ALICE J]

I think the greatest enjoyment of "trailer traveling" is to take your time and see lots of sites, stop frequently, smell the roses. We have a great country to explore, and we have a great way to travel to get maximum enjoyment.
An important lesson learned this year coming from Maine back to Florida was the weight of the trailer/boat. When I first got my R27, I went to a scale and weight the rig, the weight was right at the edge of the maximum loading. So I put on new "H" rated tires and kept my speed at 55 mph. Ok off to Alaska and many other adventures, BUT over the years I carelessly added this and that to the boat I have a two axle Float On trailer, noticed that the fenders were showing cracks, had them rewelded, then lost brake fluid in the electric over hydraulic trailer brakes, capped that brake line to the offending wheel, then the other wheel, same side showed brake fluid. Went to a trailer shop in Norfolk, VA and discovered that that the pistons had ruptured. Replaced all four wheel brake assemblies and proceeded back to Florida. Stopped at Float On trailer manufacturing facility in Vero Beach to have the trailer inspected. I noticed that one of the trailer tires was severely worn on the inside. Tim, the owner noticed evidence of overloading and said "had I recently weighed the trailer"; No. Off to a nearby Certified Scale, and to my amazement I was at 14000 lbs. 2000 lbs. over the allowable limit. Certified Scale can weigh the whole rig and give the weight of the truck and trailer separately, then for an additional charge I unhooked the trailer and placed the tongue on one scale and the wheels on another scale. Tongue weight was 1220 lbs. wheels were 12780 lbs. total 14000 lbs. Back at homeport further inspection revealed the trailer wheels were canted outwards. With the overweight and rough roads I had bent the axles, the aft axle was the worse and that tire showed the most tire wear. I will be adding a third axle, giving me an allowable weight to 18000 gross weight. Lessons learned: Watch your WEIGHT !!!! , and the distribution of the that weight. No issues going to Alaska as I placed heavy stuff in the truck, but over time I left the heavy stuff on the boat not thinking about weight distribution, hence the wear of the rear trailer tires. (outboard motor, ebike and batteries, gasoline, etc,)
With about 40,000 miles on the trailer; I have had safe travels and great adventures by paying attention to details and addressing initial problems before they became big issues. Don't be put off by issues, that's part of the adventure !

 

[knotflying]

My observation is that the trailer is the most neglected piece of equipment by many boaters. Tires, brakes rotors bearings should be inspected and serviced at least once per year and before every trip.