Towing Rnanger 21 Tug

[cockney]

Hi

I have a Jeep Cherokee with 4 wheel drive, 6 cylinder stright 6 4.0 high output engine, automatic. Would i have trouble pulling a rnager 21 tug from North East to AL. I81 does have some good hills.

 

[tlkenyon]

I have pulled my Classic R21 with a Dodge Charger car with absolutely no problems. It has a 340 HP HEMI, but I never really needed the power. Your biggest challenge may be getting stopped (my trailer ha no brakes), and avoiding overspeed on the downhill sections. Good luck.

 

[SlackwaterJack]

If you are asking about an R-21 classic .. should be no problem, but it of course depends on the condition of the cherokee and it's max tow rating. I'd recommend a heavy duty aux. trans cooler be installed. I towed my R-21 from San Jose CA to Lewiston ID with a Chev Astro Van (4.3 V6 auto, max tow capacity 6,500lbs) in very hot weather (temps as high as 113 deg) with zero problems and there are a few "good hills" between the coast and here.
My trailer also has no brakes and I never felt the need for them at anytime (the brakes weren't working when I bought the boat so I removed the seized calipers and rusted disks and pinned the actuator for the tow to ID and never replaced them...not required here for a trailer that carries "such a small load").


PS... Hi, Nellie May...I think you're the only R-21 I've seen that's the same color as mine!

 

[tlkenyon]

Slackwater - I think there must be only two of the burgundy boats in existence. We love Nellie May (named after my grandmother - more "granny" than grandmother) and have spent a lot of time on the water this spring. I am considering moving the fuel tank and/or batteries to the rear, but am a little concerned about the rearward weight distribution in the displacement hull. How hard was it to move the tank? Just longer hoses? Same tank? Also, I really like the steps that you built under the gunwale...This got kinda off-topic, so please accept my apologies TugNutters.

 

[SlackwaterJack]

I've never regretted moving the tank to the rear...and the effect of the weight change is not even detectable. Besides, I'm sure the tool and maintenance supply storage now under the engine cover more than makes up for the fuel weight. The easier access to the bilge pump and packing is great!...no need to move the batteries out of the way, just lift out the storage box.
Moving the batteries into the fuel tanks former position didn't require any wire cutting just minor re-routeing ( I didn't even need to disconnect the batteries..just lift and slide). Even the overflow bottle bracket just needed to be relocated to the other side of the original mounting location (even used the same holes to re-attach it). The only material I had to buy was some plastic "wood" to level and support the tank and some longer fuel lines.
Look in "Tugger Toy's" album...we both did the same project at the same time...he took some really good pictures of it though.

 

[K7MXE]

I did talk to a gentleman who towed a R21 from Alaska to the east coast of USA with no problems in a Cherokee Jeep.
So I know he did it. Bob Heselberg in Eatonville Wa

 

[captainmike]

After towing my Ranger M21 to Florida from Massachusetts twice I can tell you that the surge brakes saved me from disaster when an 18 wheeler blew a tire in front of me and caused an emergency stop in the rain.

You must thoroughly go through all the trailer systems bleed the brakes check the electrical system grease the bearings and replace any leaking wheel bearing seals.

My Trailer is a 2004 and has had little use except for the 2 trips to Florida and I have replaced the tires a new surge brake actuator, reverse solinoid ,winch strap ,lights, harness plug.

I have added reflective tape and now it is time to replace a caliper due to frozen bleeders so make sure to open and close them as part of regular maintenance.

Tire pressure is very important trailer tires run with more pressure than the tires on your vehicle if your tires are wearing unevenly it is probably incorrect pressure.

If the brake fluid is not clear and water free drain the reservoir and bleed the brakes until clear.

When on the road I carry a vacuum bleeder and spare brake fluid a floor jack and wooden blocks.

I have also upgraded to stainless tie down straps with a heavy duty webbing and a spare wheel and tire and guide on rails.

If you wait until something goes wrong you put yourself and the people around you at risk.

Capt. Mike

 

[captainmike]

Also if your boat will only go about a third of normal speed make sure you have not launched the boat with the trailer still attached :lol:

 

[Tugly]

We have the same Jeep and boat setup. Tows easily if you use your gears and have a lot of $$ for gas.