Posted 2006-03-20 7:21 PM (#39150) Subject: Tahoe vs Dodge 1500 for pulling horse trailer.
Member
Posts: 35 Location: Vero Beach Fl
I am trying to decide which would be better to pull a trailer with a 2002 Tahoe 2WD with a 5300 V8 3.73 rear axle ratio GVW Rating 6800 pounds or a 2003 Ram Dodge 1500 Quad Cab 2 wheel drive with the 20 inch tires. It has the 5.7 Liter hemi and I am pretty sure the 3.92 rear axle. I am looking at at Shadow 3 horse slant that will be 4800 pounds empty. I am beginning to wonder if I own anything that can pull it when it is loaded with two horses. Any help would be appreciated in trying to figure out if I can tow it.
Posted 2006-03-20 9:05 PM (#39159 - in reply to #39150) Subject: RE: Tahoe vs Dodge 1500 for pulling horse trailer.
Veteran
Posts: 254 Location: Dickinson, TX
Which truck has the best cooling system? I'd say either one can pull the load.
I pulled a 10,000 pound gooseneck a few times with a 1991 F-150 with the small V-8. Truck did fine... no damage at all... but you'll want to be sure you have transmission cooling, over and above factory coolers, on whichever truck you decide to pull with.
FYI... best option would be to sell both trucks and buy yourself a used diesel pickup. Neither truck you have right now will have trouble with the load, but you will get POOR fuel mileage. I'm pulling my 10,000 pound gooseneck with a 1991 F-350 diesel nowadays, getting 12-14mpg at 70mph depending on terrain. You won't get that with a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Posted 2006-03-20 9:32 PM (#39162 - in reply to #39150) Subject: RE: Tahoe vs Dodge 1500 for pulling horse trailer.
Member
Posts: 35 Location: Vero Beach Fl
Both the truck and the tahoe have towing packages which included the transmission oil cooler. It is really not an option to get rid of either one at this time. I am just not sure which one has more power... plus I am a little worried about the 20 inch tires on the Dodge truck they look good but they don't seem to have good traction. The Tahoe has traction assist whatever that is...
Posted 2006-03-21 11:10 AM (#39199 - in reply to #39162) Subject: RE: Tahoe vs Dodge 1500 for pulling horse trailer.
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
I have a 2003 ram 1500 that had the 20inch tires. They are passenger tires and not made for towing. I had a stock trailer that weighed in at 4200lbs (6500 with the horses) and every time I hauled the tires lost air. As much as 10lbs at times and there were no leaks, I had them checked repeatedly. I finally found some one with 17inch tires that wanted 20's and we traded. That way neither of us had to pay for new rims/tires.
Other than the tires I had no problems towing unless we came to a really steep hill.
Tahoe vs Dodge 1500 for pulling horse trailer.
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