Towing an R27

[wndwalkr]

Our daily driver is a Chevy 1500 4x4 extended cab with a 5.3. Anyone use one of these to tow the r27? I also have a 2500hd work truck but would prefer to use the 1500. For those that are towing an r27 what ya using? Thanks.

 

[scross]

There are numerous threads on this forum about towing with 1/2 ton trucks. Lots and lots of numbers and comments available from knowledgeable folks about this. Suggest you try search.
Short answer to your question is to use the 2500 IF it is big enough to tow the R27. The 2500 should be big enough but you need to double check all your 2500's towing and gross weight numbers to be sure.
A normally equipped R27 on the trailer is at least 11,000 pounds and probably closer to 13,000 pounds if you tow with full liquids.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Here's a thread from this summer to get you started.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[wndwalkr]

Thanks. Forgot about the search feature. Lots of info.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Our daily driver is a Chevy 1500 4x4 extended cab with a 5.3. Anyone use one of these to tow the r27?

I owned a nice Chevy 1500 4x4 extended cab 5.3 when I bought my R27. I traded it for a 2500HD diesel. Unless you’re towing only a few miles, an R27 is beyond the safe capabilities of a 1500.

 

[scross]

In the thread Bruce referenced the only thing I’d mention is the empty trailer weight quoted. A 1,250 pound trailer used for towing a R27 is very, very light. Most tandem axle trailers towing R25s and R27s are closer to 1,800 pounds regardless of steel or aluminum construction. I have difficulty imagining a 1,250 pound trailer being built strong enough to tow a R27.

PS: per the EZ Loader web site, their Custom aluminum tandem axle CAIB9000 with a 9,000 pound boat capacity trailer has an “empty” weight of 1,850 pounds. http://www.ezloader.com/custom/trailers ... 8/aluminum

 

[tincup]

F250 6.7 liter diesel.

 

[knotflying]

Our daily driver is a Chevy 1500 4x4 extended cab with a 5.3. Anyone use one of these to tow the r27? I also have a 2500hd work truck but would prefer to use the 1500. For those that are towing an r27 what ya using? Thanks.

You can read the threads, but I wouldn't do it unless it was a very short flat distance to the ramp and a slight incline at the ramp. The tongue weight alone will be at your limits or a bit more. Your hitch, if factory, is probably not rated appropriately. The torque on your engine is about 1/3 of the diesel. Your brakes are standard as is your transmission not like an Allison. You may get your boat launched, but you will struggle to get it up the ramp. Get the right equipment to do the job and be safe for yourself and others. I can hear and see your insurance company hanging their hat on an inadequate towing vehicle.

 

[YukonRon]

We just bought a R25sc and tow it with a GMC 2500HD, 6.6L diesel, 4x4, Allison 6 speed transmission, trailer package, limited-slip diff - the works. I upgraded the hitch to a Commercial Duty model rated at 18,000 Lbs; and had installed a trailer-brake controller for the trailer's electric-over-hydraulic brakes.
The truck's Gross Combined Weight Rating (total truck/boat/trailer package) is 22,000 Lbs.
The truck is listed as weighing 9200 Lbs (empty).
The boat is about 6200 Lbs (empty) plus 1800 Lbs for the trailer equals 8000 Lbs. Add in some water, fuel and gear and it quickly approaches 10,000 Lbs (I'm estimating here - I haven't been to the scales yet).
That leaves me about 2000 Lbs margin for people, truck fuel, etc. That margin can quickly get used up if I'm not careful.
Now check the capacities of your 1500 (I'm guessing much lower) and add in the extra weight of the R27 over our R25; and I think you will quickly determine that the 1500 is not adequate.
Learn the numbers and do the math, then err on the higher side for safety.

 

[ixlr8]

Keep in mind, not only does the tow vehicle need to be rated to tow whatever you are towing, but the hitch, ball mount and ball ALL need to be rated for what you are towing. The tow 'system' is only as good as the weakest link.

 

[Todd2]

This year I got a 2012 RAM 2500 w/ Cummins diesel (I wanted the exhaust brake). Then I learned I had to upgrade the receiver hitch, also. I found it amusing that the truck was rated to tow a certain amount, but the factory hitch that came with it wasn't.

Todd

 

[YukonRon]

When I upgraded my hitch, I got the Curt Commercial Duty one rated at 18,000 Lbs. The ball is rated at 20,000 Lbs, but the 2.5 inch ball mount is rated at 15,000 Lbs. So the ball mount is now my weakest link, but still high enough. Strange that they don't match up the ratings. Just goes to show how you have to check all the numbers carefully.