Trailing choice help please

[captstu]

Hi, Our 2010 Ranger 25 has visited most of the local East and West Coast Florida ports in the past few years - and we want to go further from home - without repeating the 1000 miles closeby - thus, time to buy a trailer.

We need to buy a towing vehicle as well - our thoughts:

1. Buy a 2500 truck and 3-axle trailer - we obviously will be going longer distances and want the security of a heavy rig.

2. Buy a 1500 truck and a 5th wheel trailer to put reasonable load on the rear wheels and eliminate the sway - clearly with trailer brakes and such.

We also expect to rent a travel trailer from time to time and appreciagte the flexibility of a somewhat smaller truck and a shorter overall length.

Thanks for the advicce. If you are in S. Florida and want to rent yours or split a purchase, please PM me. /Stu

 

[Brian B]

You are fortunate to be in FL where there are multiple trailer companies to choose from. A very popular one is Float ON, they used to make trailers specific for Ranger Tugs. I have a Hi-Tech Marine ( company is in FL) trailer with a winch post from Float ON specifically made for the Ranger Tugs. Do you really need a tri axle trailer? You just increased trailer maintenance and tire purchases as well as chances of flats. A 2500 diesel truck will certainly handle the boat, I have a Ford 3500 and it has served me well.
Check around for a used one that will handle the load then you can always upgrade it, that's what I did. A brand new one will probably be around $10,000.00.

 

[Irish Mist]

If there are any thoughts of a bigger boat in your future I would look at a 3 axles. However if no, I personally would look at a two axle trailer for your boat for the reasons mentioned, as well, with a tri axle, you do get more scuffing on the tight turns with the tires. With the proper axles and tires two axles would work fine. A fifth wheel trailer would be the ultimate boat trailer but they come at a price.
As for the truck I would opt for a 2500 4X4 and a diesel so you are not overworking the rig. Sounds like between the boat and a camper you are planning on putting some miles on whatever you get, I would suggest getting a truck that is comfortable and up for the task.
Sounds like your future looks like fun.. enjoy 🙂

 

[knotflying]

A two axel Float-on works fine for me. They are right in Vero beach and I have found them to have great service. I have over 21,000 miles including a trip from the East coast to the West coast. Good tires are important. I use Maxiss and Goodyear just came out with endurance. A 3/4 ton diesel will do just fine.

 

[ixlr8]

A 2500 gas is the minimum you should get for a truck pulling a RT25, don't even think about a 1500, for long distance hauling a diesel 2500 will be a better bet. What ever truck you get, make sure it has a trailer package that is capable to properly tow over 10,000 lbs. I found there are 2500's available that don't have that much towing capability. A properly built two axle trailer is all you need for a RT25 or RT27, no need to go to a tri-axle trailer. Make sure all towing components; vehicle, hitch, tongue, ball are all rated for what you are going to tow.