Posted 2012-04-23 5:54 PM (#143325) Subject: GVWR and truck
Member
Posts: 32 Location: Boyd, MN 56218
I know the towing ability of a truck has been addressed to death on this forum. I have another slightly different question this topic. I have a new to me horse trailer with a GVWR of 14400. I am just beginning the selection process for a different towing vehicle. What is everyone's preferred vehicle to tow this trailer?So many options to choose from. Diesel? Dually? 2500, 3500? Dodge, Chev, GMC, Ford?I am not able to buy anything any newer than about 5-7 year sold. I would like to stay under 100K miles. Would I make sure I find a towing package? Which vehicle will get the best mpg? Which vehicle won't cost an arm and a leg to service? Is one make a better financial decision?I do not want to be underpowered yet I don't want to spend extra cash or gas on unnecessary power either. I will not likely be towing in the mountains. I am underpowered right now and I do not like it!So many questions.thanks, Jean
Posted 2012-04-24 6:45 AM (#143331 - in reply to #143325) Subject: RE: GVWR and truck
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Quote.... I am underpowered right now and I do not like it!
What is your present tow vehicle..? What is the pin weight of your trailer with it fully loaded? What does the trailer weigh fully loaded? Do you have a preference, Gas-vs-diesel? Ford, GM, Dodge?
I still tow with a 2001, 3500 Chevrolet dually, ext. cab 4x4 8.1 liter gas with the 1000 Allison auto.... Maybe not as fast as the new diesel trucks but it pulls 15000# pretty good and it's been paid for since 2001!!
Posted 2012-04-24 9:55 AM (#143342 - in reply to #143325) Subject: RE: GVWR and truck
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
Jean, I think you missed the point. To give you a valid opinion it would be nice to know more about the weight you are planning to pull. Have your fully loaded trailer weighed using your existing truck and let the forum know the results for each axle. You really need to know what size of truck you need before I'd worry about the brand. JMHO...
Posted 2012-04-27 6:35 PM (#143473 - in reply to #143325) Subject: RE: GVWR and truck
Member
Posts: 32 Location: Boyd, MN 56218
Good idea. Where would I look for a weighing station? I have never done that before. And no, brand is not something I am concerned with other than getting the most efficient vehicle for my needs at a fair price. It is good to know what other people appreciate in certain vehicle models.
Posted 2012-04-27 7:39 PM (#143476 - in reply to #143325) Subject: RE: GVWR and truck
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
Many of the larger truck stops on the major highways have certified scales. Look for a CAT sign, yellow with a black cat face. It costs a few dollars to get a printed axle weight sheet. I suggest stopping inside first for actual instructions and cost. The time we did it the outside help button was mounted cab height for a semi and I had a little trouble reaching it from the window of our F350.
Posted 2012-04-28 8:54 AM (#143487 - in reply to #143325) Subject: RE: GVWR and truck
Location: centrally located amongst the "NUTS"
You could also go to your local grainery or gravel pit. Their scales are used for commerce and are likely to be regularly calibrated. Most of the ones here local have a digital readout at the scale or will tell you the weight for no charge. Also if you have a bigger dairy farms that has a commericial scale, they might be willing to work with you.
GVWR and truck
