I am venturing into doing some competitions for the first time this year.  I have a mini horse that pulls a cart, so the horse itself is not the major weight/concern.   The driving competitions around here are 2  hours+ away from home and multiday (combined driving events) so often 2 overnights is required. 

I am considering buying an inexpensive, older camper so that I can stay over long weekend shows in the camper. (We would also use it for a family camping trip this summer).  I have not yet bought a trailer, but a friend is loaning me a heavy, older steel 3 horse (it is weird, more like a 21/2 horse size plus tack room) with tons of room for the horse and cart and will also be big enough to stall the  mini in.  It is a heavy trailer, but the horse only weighs about 250# and the cart another 100# so I figure that the whole works will be under 4,500#.

My truck is a 1992 diesel F250 longbed so I THINK I am fine with staying under the capacity for the truck.  The older campers are closer to 2,000#.  I have pulled horse trailers before (I used to own one) but a camper is an added degree of difficulty and weight load I have never dealt with.  What should I be concerned about?  How has this sort of rig worked out for people.  I am guessing gas mileage gets really bad, how much worse then the horse trailer alone?

If I decide I want to continue with competitions I will look at upgrading my whole rig situation and buying my own trailer, but I am looking for something to get me through half a dozen clinics, schooling shows etc this year.... safely.

Thanks in advance!

A mini cart of course!  Mine actually weighs less then 100#.  My friend does the marathon section in a "bike" that weighs less then 30 pounds, although she does dressage and cones in a cart that is more like about 120#.

These are schooling events so easy entry carts are permitted, even the with just the wire wheels.   Actually, that is permitted for sanctioned events for training level.   For single minis, they don't get much heavier anyway as they do not require a navigator until you have 2 in hand or more.  I am not going to upgrade to the wooden wheels and all that until I do at least one season of the schooling/training events to see if I want to do it. 

I appreciate the replies - I really do think I am okay as far as weight goes, but it is good to hear practical experience from others.  Is it hard to drive a truck with a camper on it?   I am very ignorant about campers,  I thought they were all "slide ins" and you somehow tie them down.  I've got the big extended mirrors already... not sure what else needs to be considered.  I just like the idea of having a place to hang out on the grounds rather then driving off to a motel.

Also when shopping for older campers inspect very carefully for leaks in the roof.  Models with front windows in the bunk area were notorious for leaking as well. 

Yes, you will need to tie your camper down.  Belly bars are the less expensive way to go and very traditional.  There is a HappiJak system that is supposed to be easy but involves attatching some hardware in the truck box & also there is some cost involved.

We don't have any problems when pulling with our camper on.  It will feel top heavy and you will notice cross/head winds.  Anything you can do to beef up the truck suspension will improve handling of course. 

Thanks everyone - very informative!

I did a little research this weekend and was kind of scared off by the potential costs of preparing the truck (which I haven't decided how long I will keep).  Will need tie downs - was quoted $500-1,000 installed, depending on type.  If the camper is longer then 8 1/2 feet may need a different truck hitch then I currently have.  If the camper is heavy, may need those suspension bag/cushions.  Now all of this was said without the guy even seeing my truck.... so it is very general information.   I also looked at some used campers and learned that many of the older ones don't fit well over the bumper so measuring seems pretty important.  I am a little worried about dry rot or water damage too with some of the older ones.  This is not as simple as I originally imagined!

I am going ot a "clinic" in early may and will just kinda muddle through with a tent and then determine what makes sense.  It will give me a chance to look at other rigs too.

thanks!

Wow - you must be looking at some pretty nice ones!  Decent used units around here can be found for $4-10k, with some of the newer used Lances going for $15-25k.

Just putting this out there are general information for anyone with truck campers/horse trailers:  trot over to www.rv.net  They have a very informative forum section just for TCs and the different issues we with deal with.  Hitch extenders, jack systems, truck suspension stuff...

Sarah