trailering the R31

M

mleopold

Member
Joined
May 7, 2015
Messages
6
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Sea Ray Sundancer
Vessel Name
Seaquel
We are interested in purchasing the 31' Ranger Tug. We have a boat barn that is 42' deep. We would like to know if someone has the total length of the R31 on a trailer from the ball of the trailer hitch to the end of the swim platform? What type of a tow vehicle are you using?
Thank you for your input.
 
my 2 cents: for a safe passage, probably only one choice for a 31: a diesel dually 4x4
 
We have a R-31 sedan and are getting ready for our first tow adventure: FL->NY. We have the boat, trailer, and just bought the truck. After much evaluation, we went with a Ram 3500 single wheel axle. We can get into any amount of detail you'd like, but to give it an honest appraisal, wait until we get to NY for the final word. We will be going thru the mountains of WV and VA and planning on a 3 day drive (1400 miles). I have all of the info for the permits also so I can give you the lengths based on the trailer we have.

Tri-axle Float On Trailer
- Total length of boat: 34 feet (including swim platform)
- Total length of trailer: 39 feet
- Total length of truck: 20 feet
- Total length of truck, trailer and boat: 63 feet
- Total length of overhang in the back: 4 feet
- Total length from ball to back of boat (including swim platform): 43 feet
 
Thank you for these insights, eager to hear more as venture forth. What is the make/model of the boat trailer you are using? Also, is there any specific reason you opted not to go with a dually? Thanks again, and best of luck on your upcoming adventure!
 
The trailer is made by "Float On" over on the east coast of FL. We got the tri-axle version to spread the weight out. It is rated at 18,000 lbs. Overkill for sure but it makes me comfortable about towing our 10,000 lbs.

As for the single wheel vs. dually discussion, there are lots of opinions out there. For us, we plan on towing twice a year but the truck is our second vehicle (read my primary vehicle). I didn't want to deal with a dually in a day to day scenario just to have it available for the tow twice a year. Better for us to have something manageable daily and deal with the lack of the dually for those two hauls.

I will tell you I'm already glad I did the 3500 vs the 2500 though. Granted, its the same drive train for both. But if you use the 10% rule, there will be 1000# plus on that tongue and you can see her squatting when we hook her up. I feel the 3500 version is that much stiffer to help make up for the lack of the dual wheels in the back. But it is all hypothetical right now. I'll know more in a few weeks.
 
Karma
Check your tongue weight if it is squatting a lot.. On my 2500 it does squat slightly but it is nice and level when you look at the side.I have 1200 lbs on the ball.. Just a pointer..my first trip I found myself doing 65-70 most of the way south... I kept it to 55 this trip coming back... Much better on fuel and much better for my passanger.. I just set the cruise control and enjoyed the trip
Save travels ... Make sure to post how the trip goes
 
I would really recommend you run the boat on the trailer over a certified scale. Our 25' C-Dory, with an 8.5' beam, on a galvanized trailer weighed 8,700 pounds. I think most R-27 owners are reporting around 11,000 pounds on the trailer. I would guess you are going to be on the far side of 12,000 pounds with a 31... a ton more than your 10,000 estimate.

To get an accurate weight, you will have to do two weighs: one with the truck and boat/trailer with the truck wheels separate from the trailer wheels. Then, disconnect, and have the tongue jack on a separate section from the trailer wheels - that will give you an accurate tongue weight, boat/trailer weight, as well as over-all weight.

Good luck with your trip. 1,400 miles in three days with a heavy load is pretty ambitious. No big deal for a big rig driver who does it everyday, but it is a different situation with a pickup pulling a heavy load. Your 3500 should be a good match-up, but that is a lot of weight and dynamics on the back. With a trailer with an 18,000 pound weight rating, I would imagine it has electric over hydraulic brakes. Some truck models require a weight distributing hitch for weights over a specified amount, as well. Tow/haul and manual shifting with the Allison transmission is something you will want to get familiar with.

Jim B.
 
I agree with Jim, you will be fine with your rig, but you will weigh a bit more than you estimate. Here is a quick search on this site for weights:

Re: R 27 Weights
Postby Spirit of Gratitude on Wed Sep 14, 2011 9:38 pm

I am sitting at 13,920lbs on my R-29 with a float-on trailer (triple axle) . Trailer is 1800lbs. !5gals of fuel and no water or waist.
Click to expand...

That puts the R-29 at 12.120 lbs plus trailer. Your R-31 will be a bit more. My 27 weighed close to 10K plus the trailer.

Please stop at a scale and weigh your rig for us (and you) I will be real interested to see the actual towing weights. Have fun and keep us posted.
 
Yep, you will be pushing 15,000 lbs total, more if you have the boat loaded ready to cruise.
 
Don't forget to add at least 1000 extra Lbs for Patience's stuff.........LOL
Marc
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top