Trailering a Ranger Tug 31

[byron_shirley]

Hi,

Thanks for all the helpful info on this site. My clients are looking at a Ranger Tug 31 CB, and love the layout including especially the flybridge. Looking to buy in WA, and take to Lake Tahoe area and trailer it a few times a year, into California (Coastal) and back to the lake.

We have an F350 pickup, and would get a gooseneck trailer.

The question is, you need licenses to travel, and it it's quite a bit bigger than, say, a Cutwater 28. With the 31 we will be "wide load". Do you think it's too much of a hassle to tow a 31 vs a simpler, smaller Cutwater 28?

Who has experience trailering a RT 31 CB and can share their experience?

Thanks!

 

[Savage]

Anything over 8’6” usually requires a permit (state by state). In Florida, I tow a 9’6” beam boat and only pay $20 annually. It also usually requires flags on the widest part of the trailer, but thats easy.

 

[MV Toujours]

Where are you looking for a gooseneck trailer?

Most do a bumper pull. EZ Loader makes a trailer specifically for all Ranger/Cutwater boats.


Patrick

 

[knersus4711]

Where are you looking for a gooseneck trailer?

Most do a bumper pull. EZ Loader makes a trailer specifically for all Ranger/Cutwater boats.


Patrick

Some folks say that gooseneck/5thwheel towing is safer and more stable than conventional, is it not true? Also, is it not possible that certain trucks can tow more on gooseneck/5thwheel than they can handle on conventional? That was the rational looking for gooseneck options.

 

[knersus4711]

Anything over 8’6” usually requires a permit (state by state). In Florida, I tow a 9’6” beam boat and only pay $20 annually. It also usually requires flags on the widest part of the trailer, but thats easy.

So the permit is an annual permit, and there is no need to get a permit every trip? That is useful information.

 

[Savage]

In most states you can get a “one time” payment for a specific period. But i found that the annual fee is best for my needs.

 

[knersus4711]

Hi,

Thanks for all the helpful info on this site. My clients are looking at a Ranger Tug 31 CB, and love the layout including especially the flybridge. Looking to buy in WA, and take to Lake Tahoe area and trailer it a few times a year, into California (Coastal) and back to the lake.

We have an F350 pickup, and would get a gooseneck trailer.

The question is, you need licenses to travel, and it it's quite a bit bigger than, say, a Cutwater 28. With the 31 we will be "wide load". Do you think it's too much of a hassle to tow a 31 vs a simpler, smaller Cutwater 28?

Who has experience trailering a RT 31 CB and can share their experience?

Thanks!

I guess everything is possible, but I was looking for input on the practicality of regularly trailering a boat this large using a vehicle that in theory meets and exceeds the capacity requirements, without a white-knuckle experience every time.

Those of you who have done it; Would you, for instance tow it 200 miles for a long weekend trip? It seems from other responses here that the permit would not have to be taken out for every trip, so that was another concern, doing that, at how much cost, trouble and waiting time. Would you take on a trip from Seattle to San Francisco with that load on a one-off?

 

[JamesTXSD]

Each state has different wide load regulations; best to check ahead with the DOT in the states where you will be towing. Fees for the permits vary state by state. There are companies that will secure the permitting for you, but you will pay for that service, above the cost of the permits.

 

[Savage]

I trailer my Baja to Marco often (right at 200 miles). It is 40’ (46 with trailer), 9’6” beam it is about 12k pounds with fuel and water. I pull it with my 2500 Ram (Cummins). I have no issues at all pulling it. I also have no issues with the beam.

But because of the length, i have to be careful where I stop (mostly bathroom - wife and 3 kids). The length makes be take wide turns. I would think a 31 with trailer would be about similar (maybe 35-36 feet on trailer). I also need to make sure that the launch has parking for my trailer + truck (about 65 feet or so)

My Baja also has an arch which puts me at about 13 feet on the trailer. If you get a CB, that would also put your height near mine. Highways have never given me any concern, but getting off the highway onto tree lined streets gives me heartburn.

Having said all that, the choice is really about what you you prefer. I would personally be ok with a 31CB because i know what to expect towing a bigger boat and the space would make it worth it. But then again, the boss has the final decision, I’m just happy she lets me pretend to be in charge!! We will be looking at Rangers/Cutwaters after this damn virus passes.

Best Regards!

 

[JSoup]

We only have the experience of one trip with our new-to-us R31CB, but that trip was from Kalispell, MT to Portland, OR so a significant number of miles with a couple of passes. I can't compare to the 29 or any other Ranger or Cutwater, but we have towed our 34.5' J/105 sailboat (also oversize) from Portland to/from San Francisco and to/from Anacortes . The sailboat has a gooseneck trailer, the Ranger a standard tow behind. I cannot really report that much difference between the two experiences. The Ranger is heavier, but the truck (2019 F250 Diesel) handled it just fine. Truthfully, the trip was easier than expected and I would not hesitate to tow again and plan to.

For Permits, Oregon is a one time annual fee ($8? - it was really cheap). We purchase Washington permits each time at $10 per trip. For Idaho and Montana we used a service (Reliable Permits) that I believe was about $100. For California I've read on here that you need a CDL, but at least in 2014 we were able to get an overwidth permit through the same service. FWIW, in almost 10,000 miles of oversize towing we have not once been asked to show the permit. I would never tow without one though for fear of insurance or legal trouble!

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions.

 

[knersus4711]

I trailer my Baja to Marco often (right at 200 miles). It is 40’ (46 with trailer), 9’6” beam it is about 12k pounds with fuel and water. I pull it with my 2500 Ram (Cummins). I have no issues at all pulling it. I also have no issues with the beam.

But because of the length, i have to be careful where I stop (mostly bathroom - wife and 3 kids). The length makes be take wide turns. I would think a 31 with trailer would be about similar (maybe 35-36 feet on trailer). I also need to make sure that the launch has parking for my trailer + truck (about 65 feet or so)

My Baja also has an arch which puts me at about 13 feet on the trailer. If you get a CB, that would also put your height near mine. Highways have never given me any concern, but getting off the highway onto tree lined streets gives me heartburn.

Having said all that, the choice is really about what you you prefer. I would personally be ok with a 31CB because i know what to expect towing a bigger boat and the space would make it worth it. But then again, the boss has the final decision, I’m just happy she lets me pretend to be in charge!! We will be looking at Rangers/Cutwaters after this damn virus passes.

Best Regards!

Thanks a lot for your useful insight. How did you do in mountain passes on your trip? :lol: just kidding. I did my first solo flight at Marco. Not a lot of those around!

 

[knersus4711]

We only have the experience of one trip with our new-to-us R31CB, but that trip was from Kalispell, MT to Portland, OR so a significant number of miles with a couple of passes. I can can't compare to the 29 or any other Ranger or Cutwater, but we have towed our 34.5' J/105 sailboat (also oversize) from Portland to/from San Francisco and to/from Anacortes . The sailboat has a gooseneck trailer, the Ranger a standard tow behind. I cannot really report that much difference between the two experiences. The Ranger is heavier, but the truck (2019 F250 Diesel) handled it just fine. Truthfully, the trip was easier than expected and I would not hesitate to tow again and plan to.

For Permits, Oregon is a one time annual fee ($8? - it was really cheap). We purchase Washington permits each time at $10 per trip. For Idaho and Montana we used a service (Reliable Permits) that I believe was about $100. For California I've read on here that you need a CDL, but at least in 2014 we were able to get an overwidth permit through the same service. FWIW, in almost 10,000 miles of oversize towing we have not once been asked to show the permit. I would never tow without one though for fear of insurance or legal trouble!

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions.

Thanks a lot! It sounds encouraging but the news about needing a CDL for California is not good and possibly a deal-breaker! I need to confirm that somehow. Getting on the DMV site now.

 

[Irish Mist]

Most states honor what your home state requires. In Ontario I have to have what they call an A restricted license because of the weight of the boat ( R29 ) and trailer.. Basically it is the same that you need for a transport but no air brake certificate.
I learned this after being pulled over on one of my trips north. The officer was very nice and let me go once he realized it was for personal use.. I would not personally do a short trip with the boat and trailer unless I was staying for a while.. Getting it loaded and strapped down and flags attached takes some time. It’s not like loading a small fishing boat. I fifth wheel trailer would be nice but would be a custom and a bit Murawski expensive.. Personally I am better with my boat trailer then my fifth wheel camper backing up.. but that’s just me.. Both tow equally well..
I try to find a travel lift to load and unload when possible to keep the trailer out of the salt water.

 

[NorCal]

I live in California and have done a lot of research. The laws are vague but this is my experience.

According to the commercial division of DMV, if you tow any trailer that is over 10,000 GVW that is not a travel trailer you need a CDL. (Commercial Driving License)

According to the CHP commercial division officers you would need a non-commercial Class A to tow your R31. They would treat it as a travel trailer.

However, to get a non-commercial driving license you need to take a driving test at a Commercial DMV and tow a trailer that is "in class." ( a large travel trailer over 10,000lb GVW). BTW you can't just show up at DMV with your trailer you have to have a CDL license holder with you after you get your CDL permit.

So in the end I found it easier to just go to truck driving school for a couple of days and use their truck to take the test.

My biggest concern is liability. Commercial CHP told me that even if I tow my R31 trailer empty without the CDL license I am towing out of class which is like towing with no license at all. If there was an accident I am not sure there would be insurance coverage if you are towing out of class.

As far as I know if you live in another state, California would follow your home state guidelines.

If you have any questions let me know.

John

 

[knersus4711]

As far as I know if you live in another state, California would follow your home state guidelines.

So I need to figure out whether this is true, given that I live in Nevada. There is too much at stake in my view to not have 100% certainty.

 

[NorCal]

Contact Commercial DMV in Sacramento CA. A Commercial CHP officer recommended that I go there and they were the only source to go to for the real answers. The other DMV offices don't deal with this and have no clue on what to do.

It took me over 6 months to figure out what I really needed. I have been to Commercial DMV probably 6 times asking for clarification.

 

[Journey]

I tow a c302 Cutwater with a F-450 Platinum. Towed it from WA. to FL in November Its a little wide but other than that I hardly know its back there. I would rather tow the Cutwater than my Raptor toy hauler. You get used to anything. Are you buying it to tow or have a great time when you get it in the water.

 

[knersus4711]

I tow a c302 Cutwater with a F-450 Platinum. Towed it from WA. to FL in November Its a little wide but other than that I hardly know its back there. I would rather tow the Cutwater than my Raptor toy hauler. You get used to anything. Are you buying it to tow or have a great time when you get it in the water.

OK I am OK that I will be able to handle it with my F350 with heavy duty tow package (21,200 lbs conventional). Now to make sure it is legal in CA. I will follow John's advice and speak to Commercial DMV in Sacramento.

 

[bob daily]

When checking with your state or other states be sure to inform them that this is a private, non commercial,not for hire, and personal pleasure only. It will make a big difference! All CDL's require a medical card to be valid, and I would be surprised if most of us could pass! Most if not all states exempt farm and recreational use from DOT requirements. But it is up to the driver to know the law and comply. Bob

 

[knersus4711]

Contact Commercial DMV in Sacramento CA. A Commercial CHP officer recommended that I go there and they were the only source to go to for the real answers. The other DMV offices don't deal with this and have no clue on what to do.

It took me over 6 months to figure out what I really needed. I have been to Commercial DMV probably 6 times asking for clarification.

John, you had to make appointments and physically go in, right? You drove from Walnut Creek to Sacramento for that? That will be hard for me in Nevada as well. Or did you call them? I called and the options do not allow me asking for this kind of advise. They also say to wait until after April.