Posted 2016-11-26 7:44 PM (#168918) Subject: Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
New User
Posts: 4
Location: fairfax, VA
I have a F-150 2014 Lariat 4x4 Ecoboost 3.5L w/ 3.55 axel ratio and 157" wheelbase. The tow capacity listed in the Ford literature is 9500#. So, I've been looking for a new horse trailer and really like the looks of a Hawk--2-Horse Bumper Pull with Dressing room. The unloaded weight IS 3200#, the GVWR IS 7000#. Would mostly be hauling one 1300# horse and #300 in gear.
My truck has a GVWR is 7350#. According to my door sticker I have 1256# of additional capacity. Front GAWR is 3900# and Rear GAWR is 3850#. The GCWR is 15.5k.
Looking for verification that this looks like a sound decision. Also interested in feedback on Hawk trailers.
?Just from your numbers, it sounds like you are well within the truck's rating. I'm a fan of weight distributing/ anti-sway hitches for bumper pull trailers.
Posted 2016-11-27 7:56 AM (#168921 - in reply to #168918) Subject: RE: Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
Veteran
Posts: 197 Location: AZ
If you have hills, mountains, steep grades in your area/future....you will probably be fine for a while, then you will start busting flywheels and have tranny issues...I know this from experience...
Posted 2016-11-30 8:10 AM (#168928 - in reply to #168918) Subject: RE: Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
Location: Brampton, Ontario
Hi I've got that set up as well. The fuel sucks when towing but for the amount of towing we do with my wife's horse trailer or any other trailer)..... whatever, even though it's harder on fuel then the v8, the way I look at....fuel economy pretty much goes out the window on any truck as soon as you hook up a trailer too it.
Posted 2016-12-14 2:57 PM (#168975 - in reply to #168918) Subject: RE: Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
I don't think your "numbers" match...but I was only a Math minor in college. I will tell you from having that same truck if you get anywhere close to 7,000lbs you will be white knuckled to the point you'll be too exhausted to ride when you get there. I used mine as little as possible and in my mind I was panicked at the idea of having to go more than about 15 miles. It became a vet trip only type of rig. That trailer is very long from ball to axles for a short bed truck. You may have problems in the wind (here in OK it's always the wind that gets ya) with the trailer pulling you sideways. Take it for a test drive, if the seller won't do that then pass on the trailer.
Posted 2016-12-15 6:31 PM (#168984 - in reply to #168918) Subject: RE: Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Disco - 2016-11-26 10:44 PM
I have a F-150 2014 Lariat 4x4 Ecoboost 3.5L w/ 3.55 axel ratio and 157" wheelbase. The tow capacity listed in the Ford literature is 9500#. So, I've been looking for a new horse trailer and really like the looks of a Hawk--2-Horse Bumper Pull with Dressing room. The unloaded weight IS 3200#, the GVWR IS 7000#. Would mostly be hauling one 1300# horse and #300 in gear.
My truck has a GVWR is 7350#. According to my door sticker I have 1256# of additional capacity. Front GAWR is 3900# and Rear GAWR is 3850#. The GCWR is 15.5k.
Looking for verification that this looks like a sound decision. Also interested in feedback on Hawk trailers.
You'll just burn plenty of gas hauling that 2 horse bumper pull...but since I think you'll put many more miles on the truck as just a get-around vehicle you should be fine...the worse case if and when you start hauling TWO horses and stuff, you might have to add a WDH option down the road...:)
Posted 2016-12-18 2:45 PM (#168997 - in reply to #168983) Subject: RE: Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
Expert
Posts: 1989 Location: South Central OK
The Hawk trailer is very good at building a solid usable horse hauler. You'll find the doors and ramps placed well and plenty of usable space to fill with all the extras you'll now have room to take along. Having a nice usable trailer always invites friends to catch a ride. You will find yourself hauling two horses with two sets of full gear sooner rather than later.
The numbers don't add up because your axle weight ratings don't give you enough tounge weight to haul at maximum capacity when you include non WDH tounge weight in your calculations, someone proove me wrong here. Most drivers consider live cargo weight to be a lower number than static cargo weight when 'doing the math.' A load of rock won't snort,stomp and kick when a bee flies in the trailer.
However, I did just see a 150 towing a gooseneck 20' dump trailer the other day East of Dallas on I-30. He was driving about 40MPH on the highway and his front tires bounced up and down only letting him steer during the pavement touching moments. Just because you can pull it with the truck does not make it a safe rig for long distance safety and comfort (both you and the horse.)
Take it on a test drive and you will know within 30 miles if you feel like this is a good match. Every driver has a different comfort level with their equipment, but you should know it inside and out. This is a very personal decision and it's your money (not anyone on the internet.)
Posted 2017-01-05 6:05 PM (#169074 - in reply to #168918) Subject: RE: Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
New User
Posts: 3
Location: In or out of my mind, in? Where
I'm curious as to why everyone thinks a 1/2 ton pickup is a good bet when towing on a regular basis? They are NOT Built to Pull or Stop anything repeatedly. I have a trucking company.... Those trucks are BUILT for that. When I see a 1/2 Pickup pulling a bumper pull trailer (most of the time) I cringe and those are the 'rigs' that are a Wreck looking for a Place to HAPPEN. The important and expensive parts of the P/U wearout quickly ie Engine/Transmission. I don't like paying the Mechanic, apparently a number of other people do.
Need some validation before I buy new trailer--Towing w/ F150
