Using your Tug as a camper?

[tonto]

Hey all, this is my first post on these forums! Hello from Lawrence, KS 🙂

This may seem like a silly question, especially since you might think, "just camp on the water", but have any of you used your tug as a temporary land-based camper??

Ok so what prompted this question is we like to go camping, and we have tents, and just a 20ft ski boat (VIP Victory), but ever so often the conversation comes up about getting a camper. But because I love boating so much, I keep toying around with the idea of getting a trailerable boat with a cabin.

I just discovered the Ranger Tugs about a week ago and have been researching everything I can on them. 🙂 Prior to finding them, I was (still am) considering a Tattoo 26 (like the old MacGregor 26) sailboat (and yes I like sailing as well) since it was also light-weight enough to be "doable" once in a while when we need a land-based camper. Now, if we get something like either of them, our choice would be to stay on the water, but I can already envision a few scenarios where it would be nice to have a camper (with electric, water, etc) and just tow the boat instead. This wouldn't be cross-country, but could certainly spill over into Missouri or Nebraska (I live in Kansas).

With an adapter from shore power to regular power (or even generator), I think it could be a decent over-nighter or maybe weekend deal.

What do you all think? Am I completely crazy for thinking this is even a good idea for consideration? I had looked at amphibious RVs before, but those near the million dollar mark. I'd most likely be considering the R-25SC and R-27 models (as well as the MacGregor). With the Ranger (either model) I'd need a different tow vehicle, so there's that cost, too.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Lots of people use their boats as a camper when on land. Understand that there are some limitations, mostly to do with water - the showers/sinks dump overboard, a big no-no in RV parks and campgrounds. So, you have to have some way to capture your gray water.

Any of the three boats you are considering will be a "climb-up" situation, as opposed to a step-into with an RV. You can get or make an adapter for the 30 amp marine power cord to use with the electrical hookup in a campground.

We towed our CD-25 thousands of miles, going from one great waterway to another, and always used the boat as our RV when on land. During that time, we did get turned away from several RV parks, because the boat did not have a RVIA sticker on the side (certifying it was "RV compliant"). Most will welcome you (and your money) with no issue.

That said, there is a MAJOR difference in the build of the Tattoo (run by Roger MacGregor's daughter) sailboat and the Ranger Tugs. The Rangers are built to a much higher standard and are priced more, accordingly. This is not a slam on MacGregor/Tattoo, simply a statement (we owned a 26x years ago). You will find the Rangers that you are considering to be nearly twice the weight of the Tattoo on a trailer - like the difference between a very entry-level car and a fine luxury sedan.

We have also been RV owners for over 3 decades... I consider most trailerable cabin-type boats to be adequate as a land conveyance, but you can buy an entry level travel trailer for a lot less money, and it will be more convenient on land.

Read through the archives here and on the C-Brats, and you will find scores of owners who use their boats as an RV on land.

Good luck with the decisions,
Jim B.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

We call camping or rv'ing with our boat "Boaterhoming", but we only boaterhome when we're between body's of water. That said boating is our primary objective or goal, while rv'ing is a means to an end. In addition to Jim B's great advice I'd add only a couple of thoughts. What will be your primary goal......boating or RV'ing? In my opinion a Ranger Tug would be the idle vessel if your main goal was boating with a secondary goal of rv'ing. If not, a Ranger Tug would be a fairly expensive camper. For a Ranger Tug you'd need at least a 3/4 ton pickup, preferably a 4x4 and ideally a diesel engine. You could get away with a lot less truck with a lot lighter boat as your rv......again what is your main goal, would be the question to answer.

Jim F

 

[andejack]

We have used our R27 as a camper on various occasions -- sometimes by necessity and sometime by choice. Previous posts offer good advice. To that I would add, be prepared for a lot of curious and envious visitors in the campground!

 

[tonto]

We call camping or rv'ing with our boat "Boaterhoming", but we only boaterhome when we're between body's of water. That said boating is our primary objective or goal, while rv'ing is a means to an end. In addition to Jim B's great advice I'd add only a couple of thoughts. What will be your primary goal......boating or RV'ing? In my opinion a Ranger Tug would be the idle vessel if your main goal was boating with a secondary goal of rv'ing. If not, a Ranger Tug would be a fairly expensive camper. For a Ranger Tug you'd need at least a 3/4 ton pickup, preferably a 4x4 and ideally a diesel engine. You could get away with a lot less truck with a lot lighter boat as your rv......again what is your main goal, would be the question to answer.

Jim F

Thanks to everyone for their answers! Boating would be the primary goal, with the occasional need to "boaterhome" (I like that term!) I realize I might have to get a new vehicle, depending on size of boat. Right now my 4Runner would tow the 21 foot tug. But anything bigger and yeah I'd need a new rig 🙂

 

[Sam Walker]

Hi Tonto. All have given good advice. I would add a couple of "on the hard" limitations to Jim's list. I don't believe that you will be able to run the onboard generator or air conditioning units because they both depend upon water at the sea cocks for cooling and proper operation. Thus, you would need a second or portable genny for 110VAC and would not have A/C. Also, I would chat w/ folks who already own a Ranger about water heating. Is there a 110VAC heating element for the hot water or is it only created by running the engine?

Good luck w/ your decision.

Sam