single or Double Axle for R21EC

[cruz-in]

Hi Team,

In preparation for purchase of a new R21 EC, I have been thinking about trailers. The one I am considering is at the dealer w/o a Ranger Trailer so it will be an aftermarket trailer.

As the fully loaded weight (full tank of fuel, fresh water, gear, etc.) of an R21EC can approach 3300 pounds, this seems to be near the cross-over point (3500 pounds) for a dual axle trailer.

So what do you all tow your R21EC with a single or tandem axle trailer?

Thanks
Dan

 

[fran uteg]

Hello Cruz-In. I have a 2011 R21EC and it is on a Float-On (Vero Beach, Fla phone # 772-569-4440) aluminum trailer which weighs approximately 600 lbs. The trailer is a single axle and has a net capacity of 4400 lbs, therefore a gross vehicle weight of 5000 lbs. The trailer easily handles the tug on long trips between Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It trails very well with the boat at full capacity of fuel and water, although on the long trips we tow the package dry. The single axle appears to be an advantage because we can achieve relatively sharp turns while maneuvering without skidding one set of tires ....... also makes for one set of surge brakes. Hope this helps with your decision making. Fran

 

[dalee62]

I have a galvanized EZ Loader trailer thar says the capacity is 3700lbs, GVW 4088 lbs. I weighed the boat and trailer once fully loaded with fuel,water and personal belongings for 2 and enough provisions for a 5 day trip. It came in slightly under 5000lbs if I remember correctly. I would rather have a dual axle trailer. I have looked into adding a second axle but was told by the EZ Loder people it can not be done. I will put E rated tires on it for the next long trip.

Dave

 

[knotflying]

I would go dual even if you can go single. I have done quite of bit of towing in my time. Get a flat or blowout with a single axle is not fun and scary. Trailers are susceptible to flats and blowouts. The safety of being able to pull over and also control the vehicle is worth the extra cost.

 

[dalee62]

The GVW for the trailer is 4600lbs. Not 4088 lbs. Sorry about that.

Dave

 

[cruz-in]

So it seems a single axle would be adequate. However, givne the choice, a tandem axle gives you a little more brreathing room when fully loaded for a cruise..

Curious anyone know the weight rating of the single axle that Ranger tugs sells with the boat? Looking around at prices $5K seems like a lot for a single axle trailer.

 

[mrrlc]

I have a 2015 EZ Loader sold from the Ranger factory. On the rating plate is stated CAPACITY 3700 LBS and PVWR 5000 LBS. You can see pictures of the trailer on my album. I have an extremely difficult corner to manage when backing into the place I store the boat so the single axle works well plus I probably won't make any extended lengthy trips so the single axle works well, so far, for me.
Bob

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Dan,

I, too, have the SINGLE axle Float On brand aluminum trailer that Fran Uteg describes above in his post. Excellent trailer!

I think you will want AT LEAST 4000# carrying capacity nonetheless. And ALWAYS get TORSION suspension; it is a much smoother trailing mechanism and much less metal to corrode (i.e., leaf springs always corrode since they are not stainless).

I've always had tandem axle boat trailers in the past and liked them except for the doubled tire/bearing/brake maintenance chores (in comparison to the single axle trailer).

/dave

 

[karmaMD11]

I'm onboard with what knotflying is saying. If there is a blowout, it sure is nice to have another wheel to help carry that load until you can get safely out of the way. Additionally, we have a friend that pulls his MacGregor with a single axle and he has had blow outs. That boat wobbled sideways significantly (it was a handful) until he got it slowed down. Finally, our R31 is supposed to be 12k lbs. I weighed it before my last tow and she came in right around 14k. Our friends in a R29 came in closer to 16k. Maybe its all water weight gain, but I'd go conservative on the numbers and axles.

 

[Two killicks]

mine is a double axle, love it, there is no sway at all, and just like every one else said, if you blow up a tire...

 

[RSC]

My EC21 is also on a double axle trailer . I view it as a little extra insurance on the road if difficulties arise. Trailers take a lot of abuse through weather exposure, launching and neglect. I also never put my trailer into salt water as it can never get completely clean of the damaging salt that hides out to eat what it can. Fortunately, when needed, there is a marina relatively close to me that can lift the boat off and on the trailer for a reasonable price.
Bob

 

[rt11002003]

I also have the "FloatOn" single axle trailer previously mentioned. My first R21EC came with the factory single axle trailer, but Marc agreed to replace it with a FloatOn. He had the company make the first FloatOn trailer for the R21EC, which I wound up with. The only difference I saw between towing the trailers between Atlanta and East Point was in mileage; the steel trailer caused a 10% higher fuel consumption.

I've made several long distances tows with both single and double axle trailers; one trip from Atlanta to OK and return with a double axle trailer with two boats on it. Another from upper state NY to Atlanta on a single axle trailer. Some times travel trailers, some times boat trailers; but, always properly loaded and balanced with never a sway problem with either type. Been lucky, no problems. However, I can see value in the double axle rig with a blowout. If, I were buying a new trailer; I'd go double axle, just to reduce risk.

 

[skultuggery]

Original posting a bit older, but this is still a relevant topic. I recently purchased an R21-EC with no trailer. I spent a while hunting for a used aluminum trailer during a phase when almost none were available. In trying to determine which way to go, I called three well known trailer builders all very familiar with the R21-EC and all capable of building single and double axle trailers. During my 30 minute talks with these builders I was heavily impressed at their knowledge. Each builder scoffed at any notion of recommending a single axle trailer. As if I was foolhardy for even suggesting it. This even after I mentioned that most new Rangers of this model were sold with single axle trailers who's owners eventually reported good experience with. They indicated that given the inboard status, length and weight of a fully loaded R-21EC, it was at the absolute threshold of where a single axle trailer is adviseable. One got me to snickering when he said it was like a full grown man buying a bed frame rated for 500 lbs and then bringing home a 400 lb woman.

Anyway after my talks with these three builders I migrated away from buying a single axle. My tow vehicle also benefits from a dual axle. It's a Tacoma which means that the tongue weight capacity is pretty minimal. A dual axle offers the ability to go a little lighter on the tongue weight with a little more room for error. Of course, with a single axle, my Tacoma would benefit from the 350 or so extra pounds less weight it'll be hauling and stopping. Ultimately it was a tough decision, but I decided on a dual axle and found a Venture 5225 in rough shape, but with very good bones. I'm currently rebuilding it and getting it ready for it's maiden voyage.