towing the 21

[smirk]

Wondering what you are using to tow your 21. Anyone who just purchased a vehicale just to tow their 21? I'm sure big ol PU's will tow it but what about something other than a PU.

 

[tlkenyon]

I have a "Classic" R21 and have both my 2010 Dodge Charger (AWD Hemi) and my mid-sized 2000 Dodge Quad Pickup (4.7L V-8) to tow the boat. Neither vehicle has anything special except the factory towing package. No problems at all. Tows like a dream except for the traffic congestion of people looking at the boat.

 

[SlackwaterJack]

The R-21 classics don't really need a huge tow vehicle with a super duty power train. Mine, with trailer, weighs in at around 4500 lbs and towed very nicely behind my "03 Chevy Astro (pics in my gallery) from Salinas Ca to Lewiston ID through temps as high as 110 deg. at 75mph with the AC on, with no issues what so ever. It had the factory tow package (rated at 6000 lbs up to 1000 lb toungue wt) and I put in an extra HD trans cooler. I currently pull it behind an "01 Chevy s-10 Blazer(same eng/trans as the van but better day-to-day mileage around town). Neither rig had/has any problem getting in to or out of the valley here (a real big climb). Braking has never been a problem with either vehicle.
Given the easy towing of the R-21 and it's minimal accomodations I think it would also tow very nicely behind a small motor home (Mini-bago or fullsize conversion van). It will certainly tow well behind any full-size pickup like an f-150 or silverado or Ram. A V8 would maybe give better gasmileage while towing, but if it is going to be an everyday driver a big 6 will have enough power without eating you out of house and home.
Of course, if you intend to move up to a 25,27,29 in a year or three, you may want to go with a much bigger tow vehicle in anticipation of that future boat's needs. The inter-spousal discussion of "moving up" is much easier if it doesn't involve a new truck too.

 

[rt11002003]

I think any vehicle with a towing package and towing capacity of 5000 lbs or more should tow the R21EC without difficulty.

I tow with a Toyota LandCruiser with a factory towing package and towing capacity of 6500 pounds. I've towed both the steel factory trailer and the aluminum FloatOn trailer. Towed each with no problems, running from 50 to 70 MPH. Got a 10% improvement in gas mileage with the FloatOn trailer, less weight. With the FloatOn, I drove thru the worse rain and water that I've ever been in without a moment of unease.

Gene

 

[rt11002003]

SlackwaterJack is correct about the "having to have a larger tow vehicle, too" situation. That was the main reason we didn't buy a R25 to start. 🙁

Gene

 

[RProffer]

My R21-EC tows just fine behind either my GMC Sierra 1500 or my Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would think most mid size pickups or SUVs with at least 5000 lb towing capability would be able to tow it. The hitch should be a Class III or better. Here is a link that helps to match a hitch to a tow vehicle.
http://www.hitchesonline.com/hitch_selection.htm

 

[Texas_Steve]

We tow our 2007 R21EC with a 2010 Honda Pilot 4 Wheel Drive and the factory tow package. It seems to do a fine job for us. I had used a 2 wheel drive Pilot previously and had some trouble with slick boat ramps, so upgraded to 4 wheel drive.

Texas Steve