R27 towing weight, real life experience please

[Sandyv99]

We are considering buying an R27. Our max towing capacity is about 10,000 pounds, but we are concerned that an R27 sitting on a trailer and loaded for a trip might exceed that. If any R27 owners have had your boats weighed under these conditions, please let us know your results. We've read the posts about the 29s and know that we'd have to change trucks to pull a 29. To save weight, we're planning to buy an aluminum trailer with a weight under 2000 lb. We have a brand new Toyota Tundra with full tow package and 5.7l engine. We talked to one person who said they were towing with a half ton Suburban. Do you have any experiences to share? We really want to buy this boat, and don't want to make a dangerous mistake because we're in love with the boat.

Thanks for advice!
Sandy

PS The trailer we'd likely specify would be an EZ Loader aluminum trailer with electric brakes, or something similar.

 

[Stella Maris]

I would assume that the trailer and boat come in at over 10,000#. Our R-25, Solitude, came in at just over 10,000# with a half tank of fuel, no water, no waste. Along with the fuel, we did have our cruising gear on board as well as a galvanized trailer. If possible, get the dealer to take a boat to a local scale and weigh it for you.

You can tow with just about anything, our R-25 was once towed by a golf cart! Just across the boat yard though. The concern is when someone pulls out in front of you and you need to stop. Yes, the trailer has brakes...... you still need some weight. And then there is the issue with insurance. Check your policy. You will more than likely find it will be voided if you are involved in an accident and are towing something beyond the maximum limit for your vehicle. That could be costly......

If the dealer will weigh it, I would go with the assumption that you will tow with at least a half tank of fuel (400#) and all of your gear (500 to 1000#). Add that to what the weight certificate reads and you will have a pretty good idea as to what she weighs in at.

Good luck!

 

[sportner]

Our R-27 weighed right at 10,000 lbs. fully loaded on a two axle Float On aluminum trailer. We tow with a 3/4 ton Chevy with a Duramax diesel and it pulls great. We also pull a Fifth wheel with three slides (not at the same time) and we don't really notice a difference in pulling or stopping with either one. Anything less than a 3/4 ton truck would be a mistake and if you are towing for any long distance a diesel engine is the way to go.

 

[Stella Maris]

Great picture! Where did you launch??????

 

[sportner]

Dave,

We took that photo (Monument Valley) last September after Lake Powell on our way to the Florida Keys. Since May we have logged just over 2,000 miles on the Intracoastal Waterway. We are missing our NW weather (a humid 90+ here today) and our NW TugNut and C-Brat families. But we are having a great time.

Say hello to Maureen for us.

 

[Stella Maris]

Russ and Toni,
So where are you at today on the East Coast. I have been in Conn., Ma, and RI all week. Tomorrow afternoon I will be in Boston for the evening. If you are in the area........

It sounds as if you guys are having a great time! When do you expect to arrive back in the PNW? We are planning a trip to the Gulf Islands starting on the 26th of August. Tag along if you are in the area! We would love to have the company!

Ps; Maureen is in Bentonville this week enjoying that fabulous weather you spoke about.....

David

 

[Bruce Moore]

What a classic photo. Quality Cruising... anywhere!

 

[knotflying]

My experience has been that you don't want to trailer anything long distances if you are at your maximum towing capacity. We have the R-27 and tow with a Chevy 1 ton with the duramax and allison transmission. One ton is a little over kill, but the diesel and transmission definitely do the job. As you have seen in other posts the 3/4 ton is fine with the diesel. You may be pushing your truck, but on short runs and minimal hills you may be okay.

 

[Levitation]

Umm, just some minor housekeeping items on the Duramax...
The engine and transmission are identical on the 2500HD and the 3500HD...
The brake rotors are 14" for both trucks...

The 2500HD is rated for 4192# pay load of passengers and tongue weight...
The 3500HD is rated for 6635# payload of passengers and tongue weight...

The 2500HD is rated at 17,800# towing...
The 3500HD is rated at 21,700# towing...

The 3500 has a stronger suspension and springs setup with the front axle rated at:
6000# on the 3500HD
4800# for the 2500HD...

The rear leaf springs are 20% wider (meaning stronger)on the 3500HD...

 

[sportner]

Toni and I are in Baltimore, Md. right now. We are going to put our boat in a slip in the Potomac River for bit while we take an Amtrak to Florida to get our truck and trailer, return for the boat and start back to Washington state. We hope to be back in the NW in late September for a little San Juan/Gulf Island cruising too.

 

[PhilR]

I tow my 2011 R27 on a Float On trailer with a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, 6 liter gas engine, 3.73 axle ratio. The aluminum Float On weighs just under 1,200 lbs....a real weight savings compared to the other popular trailers. I would guess that the boat/ trailer combo weighs about 9,000 lbs. My setup works fine, but I would not tow this boat with a half ton truck.