Posted 2008-03-22 7:38 AM (#80107) Subject: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Member
Posts: 45 Location: Goreville, Illinois
This is my first post, so bear with me.... I have a 2001 F150 V6, about a month ago I bought an older 3 horse slant steel BP with a small front tack. I think the trailer is about 16 foot maybe a bit longer. I only plan on pulling short distances and my horses are small. My mare is about 14.5 and 900-950 lbs and I have a 2-year-old that is about 750 lbs or so. These will be the two that I haul the most and sometimes not even the colt. On rare occasion I will also be pulling a 50 inch haflinger pony in there too. Do you think I have enough truck? (short distances 45 minutes max not bad roads)
Posted 2008-03-23 10:17 AM (#80168 - in reply to #80107) Subject: RE: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Member
Posts: 27 Location: atwater,ohio
In My own Opinion, a V-6 is,nt enough power to haul a Heavy 3-H BP Steel Trailer. You also have to think about being able to STOP that Heavy Trailer also . You should check your Trucks owners manual to see How Much weight that specific Truck could haul .You should find the weight of the Trailer posted somewhere on the Trailer.....if Not, then have it weighed . The Truck MAY seem to be able to handle it fairly well enough....But You,ll eventually Blow the Motor sooner than You would Like .
Posted 2008-03-23 10:42 AM (#80172 - in reply to #80168) Subject: RE: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Veteran
Posts: 136 Location: Alabama
I agree with MW. Although I'm not a truck expert, I think the motor and the transmission will definitely be working too hard when pulling this load. It being an older steel trailer probably means it is HEAVY. And as he mentioned, stopping the trailer may be a problem too. At the very least, I would not pull the trailer with that truck unless the trailer has good WORKING electric brakes. His advice on checking the towing capacity of the truck and the weight of the trailer loaded is good. If they are not compatible, I wouldn't risk pulling it...losing your horses and people getting hurt are not worth it.
Posted 2008-03-23 11:22 AM (#80175 - in reply to #80107) Subject: RE: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Member
Posts: 36 Location: Trout Creek, MT
I did a quick google search and your pickup with a v6 is only rated to pull around 2200 lbs. If it had a v-8 it would be rated to tow 7000 or so. What that tells me is you will have a tough go from a power standpoint, ie you won't be able to pass or accelerate very quickly. It will be stressful on your pickup's engine. That said, the V8 truck would have the same braking capability as the v6 one, so as long as your trailer is under the 7000 lb range (it should be by a fair margin) and the brakes are functioning properly on the trailer you shouldn't have a safetly issue as far as stopping. However, there are instances when going and going quickly can be almost as important as stopping and you will have issues there.
For the types of use you described, I would probably go with it until I could afford a heavier duty pickup. But be especially cautious, and always leave a large following distance.
Posted 2008-03-23 11:27 AM (#80176 - in reply to #80107) Subject: RE: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Your truck is adequate, your motor is barely enough to travel a straight, level road. Make sure your trailer brakes are working correctly, and when driving, try to anticipate any moves or plans well in advance. You don't have any reserves of power or handling, so any moves should be made carefully and deliberately.
Posted 2008-03-23 3:21 PM (#80200 - in reply to #80107) Subject: RE: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Member
Posts: 45 Location: Goreville, Illinois
Thank you everyone for your answers I really appreciate it. Actually my truck has been in the shop for a month now, not due to this trailer, some other issue, but as soon as I get it up and running again, it is being sold. My mechanic has an F250 SD 4x4 that I am looking forward to buying. Probably will sell the trailer and get a GN with a sleeper. I know I will have enough truck then. Thanx again everyone!!!
Posted 2008-03-23 6:31 PM (#80214 - in reply to #80107) Subject: RE: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
When you consider the SD truck, inquire as to which engine is installed. The 5.4 liter is a little small if towing a GN in mountainous conditions. The better choices would be the V-10 gas or the diesel. The truck is very capable.
Posted 2008-03-23 9:01 PM (#80228 - in reply to #80107) Subject: RE: Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 309 Location: MO
You have a lot of good advice here. I'd add that you should contact Ford about the towing capacity of the F250 BEFORE buying a new trailer. That way, you cn be sure to have enough truck. Also, if you are planning to haul in the mountains, have an exhaust brake installed. It could save our life. I've had brakes burn out in Wyoming. It's not pleasant. I was almost faced with hitting the wall or going over the side of a steep drop off.
Do I have enough truck for my trailer?
