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Location: groveland,fl | I currently own a dodge dakota which I use for occasional hauling of my 2 horse bumper pull trailer. I have the bigger V8 engine but where I live, going up the hills can be a struggle.I'm considering trading in for a toyota tundra or ford F150,either one I would want the bigger 5.4 or 5.7V8 engines.Can't afford the 3/4 ton trucks and too big for me.I've always favored import vehicles but would like any feedback on these two particular trucks.looking at 2007 or 2008. I know the stopping power is always a consideration,but the dakota has done well for me in that respect.thanks for any advice. Debbie |
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Elite Veteran
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Location: Coconut Creek, FL | I used to have a 5.0 F150 single cab, short bed - while it pulled my 2H BP DR fine, it lacked enough length to be as stable as I liked. With the bigger engine you will have plenty of power, just make sure you get the extended cab or long bed so you have enough wheelbase. I used to "white knuckle" it when the big trucks passed me. My BP was very tall at 7'9", but once I got a Dodge 2500HD diesel crew cab, it was a huge improvement on stability. I also get much better mileage with the 3/4 truck. You can get the stablizler bars, but I tried them, but the hitch was very heavy to put on and I hated them. I also didn't notice much improvement.
Edited by Dunoir 2009-08-26 7:13 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 197
Location: MT | Originally written by djrn55 on 2009-08-25 10:49 AM
I currently own a dodge dakota which I use for occasional hauling of my 2 horse bumper pull trailer. I have the bigger V8 engine but where I live, going up the hills can be a struggle.I'm considering trading in for a toyota tundra or ford F150,either one I would want the bigger 5.4 or 5.7V8 engines.Can't afford the 3/4 ton trucks and too big for me.I've always favored import vehicles but would like any feedback on these two particular trucks.looking at 2007 or 2008. I know the stopping power is always a consideration,but the dakota has done well for me in that respect.thanks for any advice. Debbie
1. How big is this bumper pull? If the trailer is too big for a ½ ton which doesn’t sound like it is you would be better off buying couple year’s older spending same money and getting a ¾ ton.
2. But at least you’re thinking about stopping unlike most people. If your Dakota stops it right now I’m guessing a ½ ton would stop it just fine.
3. My other thought was when I read "I've always favored import vehicles". I won't post my thoughts about this but I think the Dodge is the best ½ ton or ¾ ton gas motor. It has plenty of power and it can handle your trailer if your Dakota can. Good luck hopes you find the vehicle you’re looking for remember most important thing is not to rush and take your time.
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New User
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Location: groveland,fl | thanks for the feed back.as far as buying something older than a 2007,being a female I'm too afraid of buying problems. of course I realize this can happen with the models I'm considering.You do have a good point though.maybe I should just consider a newer dakota or tacoma? what's your opion on that? one thing someone mentioned to me was to watch that it's not on a car frame as some trucks are apparantly. |
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New User
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Location: groveland,fl | thanks for the feed back.the trailer is a 7'6" height aluminum skin steel frame at approx. 2100#.my horses combined wt is only about 2100# also, not too big.I have to laugh about the import comment,I'm basing this on cars,I guess trucks are different.seems the toyota is the only one being considered lately,I know the nissan titan is out. I've done a lot of research on pickup trucks.com,consumer guide,cars.com, and kelley blue book.this is where I'm getting info from other than trying to speak to people that have had experience with them. maybe I should just consider a newer dakota or tacoma with the bigger engines?also I do have the shorter bed.seems when you want the full 4 doors like I do,the longer bed is an upgrade. |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Originally written by djrn55 on 2009-08-25 10:49 AM
I currently own a dodge dakota which I use for occasional hauling of my 2 horse bumper pull trailer. I have the bigger V8 engine but where I live, going up the hills can be a struggle.I'm considering trading in for a toyota tundra or ford F150,either one I would want the bigger 5.4 or 5.7V8 engines.Can't afford the 3/4 ton trucks and too big for me.I've always favored import vehicles but would like any feedback on these two particular trucks.looking at 2007 or 2008. I know the stopping power is always a consideration,but the dakota has done well for me in that respect.thanks for any advice. Debbie
I'm not understanding the remark about "Can't afford the 3/4 ton trucks and too big for me".... Have you priced a Toyota lately? Eevn in an 07 or 08 model, they are much higher in price and any of the BIG 3 3/4 ton and even higher than some 1-tons I have seen. Plus the fuel milegae with the 5.7 engine even unloaded is only around 12 mpg, the couple next door bought a new one last summer to pull their boat with and love everything but the mileage.... They went from a crew cab F-250 with a 5.4 gas engine and getting around 14 loaded to the Toyota and getting right at 10 loaded....Most 3/4 ton gad rigs can be bought cheaper than the 1/2 tons, at least down here..... |
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New User
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Location: groveland,fl | Yes I realize the gas mileage is lousy on most of them,but thats one of the downfalls. I also have noted the toyotas prices,but when I've compared the standard equipment that's where the difference is,not to mention the safety equipment it comes with as standard.I would have to add these as options on the other trucks which would make them pricier.Most important to me is the reliability record,power and stopping capability for the horse trailer.I will certainly look into what you mentioned about the 3/4 tons.Thank you for the feedback and your always welcome to comment further. Debbie |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Just make sure that both trucks have the same type equipment when pricing them. And by no means take the word of the salesman when talking about tow equipment or tow package options. I am a dealer here in Ft.Worth and did a little study by sending my better half to look at trucks a few years back. She told them she wanted a 3/4 ton extended cab with a gas engine, 5 speed trans and loaded. The saleman drives around in a 1/2 extended cab 5 speed and told her the manager said he would make a better deal on this one and it would pull anything she needed to haul.
Good luck, I know how hard it is trying to find the right truck... |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Here's a professional assement of the new trucks: http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4287668.html?page=1 Gard |
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Expert
Posts: 1723
Location: michigan | Its so true about dealers and 1/2 trucks. I have known many people shopping for a 3/4 ton only to have dealers say a 1/2 ton will do the job just as well. Nonsense. I'd be looking for a good used 3/4 ton,then you'd have all the power and stopping ability you'd need unless you got some really big assed rig... |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 736
Location: Western WA | I'm going to disagree with everyone saying go buy a 3/4 ton American truck instead of the Tundra or other import. You described your trailer and trailer weight loaded and unloaded. If you can find a 1/2 ton anything that is rated to tow what you are pulling, buy what you like. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Most people who have horses for any length of time will tend to upgrade. The first thing to change is usually the trailer, from a BP to a GN. A review of many postings in this forum will reveal the question, "what can I pull with this truck?" A rig is only as good as its weakest link. A half ton truck doesn't do well with even moderate or large sized trailers. Not only do you want to buy a larger trailer, but you will now have the additional financial burden of another truck as well. Buy a truck you won't outgrow, and it will be much less expensive than constantly trading up. Gard |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Originally written by gard on 2009-08-26 4:13 PM Most people who have horses for any length of time will tend to upgrade. The first thing to change is usually the trailer, from a BP to a GN. A review of many postings in this forum will reveal the question, "what can I pull with this truck?" A rig is only as good as its weakest link. A half ton truck doesn't do well with even moderate or large sized trailers. Not only do you want to buy a larger trailer, but you will now have the additional financial burden of another truck as well. Buy a truck you won't outgrow, and it will be much less expensive than constantly trading up. Gard gard, you took the words right out of my mouth! Well said! 
Edited by hogtownboss 2009-08-26 9:12 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 690
Location: missouri | Heck! get a Sportschassis and be done with it. |
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Posts: 1069
Location: MI. | If you can afford one......You can't get one into horse camp. Trail is what we do so even if we could afford one it would be useless to us. I would be opting for the 3/4 ton.
Edited by Gone 2009-08-27 10:12 AM
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Member
Posts: 23
Location: cental Illinois | I would love to have purchased a gooseneck when I had to upgrade in 2007. But i could not afford one. :( So I opted for the best bumper pull I could get with hopes that when I could afford to go to GN I could get a good price for the trailer I have.
Maybe my thinking is out of whack but that was my only option financially....
Now I am tyring to figure out what to do with/about my truck. ;/
It has 168k miles on it :( I am always worried that it is going to break down on the side of the road while I am pulling my trailer. Is it better to do all I can to my old truck to keep it running or switch to a newer truck.
It is V8 5.7 SFI engine HD trailering pkg HD Transmission Cooling system it is 1/2 ton ext cab. I did purchase a sway bar for pulling but it is beyond cumbersome trying to get that thing into the truck on my own. I have been trying to figure out how to make this easier. I have it sitting up up the ground but eye yay yay my back!!!! :)
lisa |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 824
Location: Kansas | I hauled with a Dakota for nearly 10 years and loved the truck. On the flats it was no problem stopping but it wasn't really man enough for the hills. Same trailer, 1/2 T Chevy and doing fine. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah | For several years, I pulled a bp trailer with a F150 Supercab. It did the job and was a good daily driver. Buy what you can afford and don't go into debt to buy it. I'm sure either of the trucks you are looking at will tow the trailer you have. I'm partial to the Fords myself. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420
Location: Florida | We loved our Dakota We bought a 2000 new w/V8 and traded it for a 1/2 ton. Opps! 6 months later we traded that for a 1 ton dually. Miss the simple lil Dakota and our ol BP sometimes. |
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Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Danielsville Georgia | This day and age I bleed red,white and blue.Would never give a import a second thought.Find you a Ford,Chevy or Dodge 1/2 ton with the biggest engine and lowest gear you can and don't overload it.Don't forget what GEAR its got in the back end.Plenty of used 3/4 tons out there and really the only difference in size is the tires and wheels.
Edited by hounddog 2009-09-21 8:26 AM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330
Location: northeast Texas | hi guys. I am new to this forum and was reading with avid interest the debate on towing vehicles. I am writing an article for my chosen sport's national magazine on just this very thing. Why ? Because 3 weeks ago this Saturday my horse and myself survived a bad wreck with the rig, totaling my truck and my new (only made 1 payment) LQ horse trailer. We were 1 1/2 miles from our home. I was driving about 50 in a 65 mph zone, both hands on the wheel, both eyes on the road. I had left before daylight. It had been raining and was misty and slightly foggy. Suddenly in my headlights a huge pine tree had uprooted and was across the 2 lane highway. I knew I couldnt shut the rig down in time but did manage to swerve, maintain control and go through the ditch thus missing the trunk (which would of probably killed me) and run through the top of the huge tree. The whole right side of my truck was smashed. The only glass left was my driver door. Nose of the trailer was ripped and punched in, and all down the right side was battered. The patrol officer that answered the call said he could not believe I did not roll the rig. I was driving an 05 Dodge 3/4 ton HD diesel 4 door short bed 2 wheel drive. My trailer was a Cherokee GN Super Chief 3 horse slant with 10 ft short wall LQ. I was hauling one 1000 lb horse. Having enough truck weight wise to handle your load is so very important both in stopping and especially in emergency driving situations. My truck had air bag assist to hold up the load, but I know I was toeing the line in having enough truck to safely handle the rig. We have regrouped and started over, replacing the truck with an 07 Dodge 4 door 4 wheel drive 1 ton diesel dually. I have purchased a brand new trailer that is identical to the one I lost. Please do not play with your lives and that of your loved ones or horses by simply "getting by" with your tow vehicle. I have been hauling horses for 33 years and this was my first wreck. I was not doing anything wrong or distracting. Emergency driving situations happen and that type of defensive driving is so different from being able to pull a trailer and stopping it in optimal conditions. Its hard to be over-trucked. My mare and I did not have a single bump or scratch. My truck was full of glass and from the rear view mirror over was all in the passenger seat. My door was the only one that would open. I can only imagine if the truck hadnt held the trailer steady and we would of rolled. Can you really put a price on your safety? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas | The timing on this article is great, as I have been looking into trading in my landcruiser for a truck.. My new (to me) Hart 2H bumperpull is a bit heavier than I was used to with my older 2H ST ld CM odessy.. i haven't pulled the horses in it yet, but noticed a definite difference just hauling hay.. I am nervous to see how my LC would pull 2 horses at 2000lbs total and another 500 or so lbs of hay, tent, food, cookstoves, etc, etc, etc,up and down the texas hill country roads My gas mileage would surely be in the single digits.....We had looked at the dodges because they were offering 10,000.00 off the price on '09s and they had a lifetime warranty for that year's model..I had looked at an F150 a year or so ago, just playing around. I'm not too keen on Chevys and Even tho I'd love a tundra and love the Toyota quality, They're quite proud of them and to add the features that make it a worthy trade for my car would run the sticker up even more... Now I'm thinking that maybe I'd look for an '06, maybe early '07 diesel 3/4 ton dodge because they had better mileage before the EPA imposed all of the regulations on them (as per my husband) and they can pull a house.. The only drawback is that I'd be driving it as my only vehicle and they are BIG... |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Originally written by ridingarocky on 2009-10-01 2:09 PM
The timing on this article is great, as I have been looking into trading in my landcruiser for a truck.. My new (to me) Hart 2H bumperpull is a bit heavier than I was used to with my older 2H ST ld CM odessy.. i haven't pulled the horses in it yet, but noticed a definite difference just hauling hay.. I am nervous to see how my LC would pull 2 horses at 2000lbs total and another 500 or so lbs of hay, tent, food, cookstoves, etc, etc, etc,up and down the texas hill country roads My gas mileage would surely be in the single digits.....We had looked at the dodges because they were offering 10,000.00 off the price on '09s and they had a lifetime warranty for that year's model..I had looked at an F150 a year or so ago, just playing around. I'm not too keen on Chevys and Even tho I'd love a tundra and love the Toyota quality, They're quite proud of them and to add the features that make it a worthy trade for my car would run the sticker up even more... Now I'm thinking that maybe I'd look for an '06, maybe early '07 diesel 3/4 ton dodge because they had better mileage before the EPA imposed all of the regulations on them (as per my husband) and they can pull a house.. The only drawback is that I'd be driving it as my only vehicle and they are BIG... Yes the EPA has really trashed the diesel trucks now. But thanks to the aftermarket folks, we can now have better fuel mileage and more power! So when lookiing at a newer Dodge unless you wish to spend another $1000.00 to $1500.00 (like I did) make sure you get a truck with the 5.9L CUMMINS! Mine is a 6.7L Cummins and we love it NOW, but we use it mainly as a tow vehicle! Kinda SAD that you have to spend so much for a new truck, then have to spend more to make it run right!
Edited by hogtownboss 2009-10-08 11:02 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 136
Location: Alabama | Originally written by hogtownboss on 2009-10-01 9:53 PM
"so when lookiing at a newer Dodge unless you wish to spend another $1000.00 to $1500.00 (like I did ) make sure you get a truck with the 5.9L CUMMINS! Mine is a 6.7L Cummins and we love it NOW, but we use it mainly as a tow vehicle! Kinda say that you have to spend so much for a new truck, then have to spend more to make it run right!
HTB, what do you mean by this quote? Is there something wrong with the 6.7L Cummins engine that has to be repaired aftermarket? I'm starting to look for a used truck and just wondering. Thanks!
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Location: Arcanum, OH | You can never have too much truck from my knowledge. I have been trailering for the past 8 years pulling trailers empty 10-12,000 lbs and loaded 12-17,000 lbs. and have always had 1 ton dually... Yes, a 1/2 ton can pull it but stopping is a differnt story along with saftey factor to consider. I would not let dollars talk more than your safety and your horses saftey. A GOOD dealer you advise you to go with at leat 3/4 ton and if your halling takes any distance I would go with the 1 ton as horses shift there weigth around during your travels. My wife had me go with the 1 ton dually and I have never been sorry. Max from Ohio |
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Veteran
Posts: 136
Location: Alabama | Originally written by Rose66 on 2009-10-02 5:58 PM
Originally written by hogtownboss on 2009-10-01 9:53 PM
"so when lookiing at a newer Dodge unless you wish to spend another $1000.00 to $1500.00 (like I did ) make sure you get a truck with the 5.9L CUMMINS! Mine is a 6.7L Cummins and we love it NOW, but we use it mainly as a tow vehicle! Kinda say that you have to spend so much for a new truck, then have to spend more to make it run right! "
HTB, what do you mean by this quote? Is there something wrong with the 6.7L Cummins engine that has to be repaired aftermarket? I'm starting to look for a used truck and just wondering. Thanks!
Hey HTB, still want to know what you meant by your quote regarding the 6.7 engine so I can either avoid it or at least be prepared for it if I buy one. Thanks!
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Member
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Location: Saskatoon, Canada | Just Google - 6.7 dodge diesel problems - you will have hours of reading. Please don't think it is just Dodge though, GM and Ford have had their fair share of problems lately too. It all revolves around new pollution control systems that the Federal Government mandated. They are getting things figured out...slowly. |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Originally written by Rose66 on 2009-10-02 5:58 PM Originally written by hogtownboss on 2009-10-01 9:53 PM "so when lookiing at a newer Dodge unless you wish to spend another $1000.00 to $1500.00 (like I did ) make sure you get a truck with the 5.9L CUMMINS! Mine is a 6.7L Cummins and we love it NOW, but we use it mainly as a tow vehicle! Kinda say that you have to spend so much for a new truck, then have to spend more to make it run right! " HTB, what do you mean by this quote? Is there something wrong with the 6.7L Cummins engine that has to be repaired aftermarket? I'm starting to look for a used truck and just wondering. Thanks! Well here goes. The 07 and newer Dodge trucks with the 6.7L engines has what they call a DPF and egr system installed on them which regenerates the exhaust gases back thru the engine. Which is BAD for the engine (check the oil on one right after you change it) and kills the fuel mileage. They do run well, but with the work I did to mine it runs BETTER and my oil is staying cleaner between oil changes. The 09's and 10's have more of the bugs worked out, but there is still some 07.5's and 08's that have had some issues with the DPF being stopped up even with low miles. Diesel trucks are made to be stopped up with the egr mess that the epa has put on them and is cutting the life span of the engines. On the other hand the new 6 speed automatic and factory exhaust brake is perfect for any type of towing. My opinion if I was looking for a USED truck I would look for a 07 BACK with the 5.9L CUMMINS, then if I was looking for mileage I would look on back to early 04 and older 5.9L Cummins trucks. |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | Originally written by Rose66 on 2009-10-08 7:47 PM It comes down to the Feds. They have no clue what does and does NOT work on vehicles, MAINLY DIESELS! The newer trucks are OK, but can be GREAT if you can work around the extra "un needed in my opinion" stuff they have added to them. Just take mine, it would pull fine loaded, but POOR fuel mileage even unloaded. I spent around $1300. and now it runs GREAT and BETTER fuel mileage loaded and unloaded. I installed an S&B intake kit (is legal) an H&S XRT delete kit (is not really) which deletes the DPF on the exhaust unplugs and turns off the egr system then reprograms the pcm for the adjustments. What I ended up with is a heavy duty 1-ton truck that I get almost 18 mpg out of unloaded while driving right and around 14 LOADED with the trailer shown in my picture and now I do not have to drive with the tow/haul mode on while towing I can leave it in regular drive unless I am running in the mountains (haven't seen them here in Texas) |
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Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by hogtownboss on 2009-10-08 11:58 PM Originally written by Rose66 on 2009-10-08 7:47 PM " HTB, what do you mean by this quote? Is there something wrong with the 6.7L Cummins engine that has to be repaired aftermarket? I'm starting to look for a used truck and just wondering. Thanks! It comes down to the Feds. They have no clue what does and does NOT work on vehicles, MAINLY DIESELS! The newer trucks are OK, but can be GREAT if you can work around the extra "un needed in my opinion" stuff they have added to them. Just take mine, it would pull fine loaded, but POOR fuel mileage even unloaded. I spent around $1300. and now it runs GREAT and BETTER fuel mileage loaded and unloaded. I installed an S&B intake kit (is legal) an H&S XRT delete kit (is not really) which deletes the DPF on the exhaust unplugs and turns off the egr system then reprograms the pcm for the adjustments. What I ended up with is a heavy duty 1-ton truck that I get almost 18 mpg out of unloaded while driving right and around 14 LOADED with the trailer shown in my picture and now I do not have to drive with the tow/haul mode on while towing I can leave it in regular drive unless I am running in the mountains (haven't seen them here in Texas) If they ever go to emission testing in your neck of the woods...you will be dinged for having disabled the emissions crap...New England inspects that junk... |
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Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas | I'm sure the time will come for testing here, but for now I'm going to keep my truck running how the manufacture should have made it run. The good thing about the stuff I installed is I kept the old stuff and it takes me and 1 buddy less than an hour to return the truck to stock. So when that time comes or if I need to "bother" the so-called service department I can and will be legal. The last time I had to see the dealer for service he did ask me how I my oil is staying so clean..... I just told a little white lie and told him I change it once a month... That is the major downfall to the new grap the epa has put on the diesels, it regens the exhaust gases back into the engine and fills the turbo and DPF full of soot! Before I did the work on mine I change the air filter at 10-k miles when I installed the S&B INTAKE and the factory intake and hose was full of black soot, no it is not......
Edited by hogtownboss 2009-10-09 4:44 PM
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choosing a truck
