Posted 2006-07-04 11:58 AM (#44001) Subject: 3H for v8 Engine?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Elk Grove, California
Hi! I need some help! I just bought a new F-150, it has the 5.4 V8 and can tow 9500 lbs.
1. Can I tow 3 horses (avg 1000-1200 each)?? I'm thinking yes, as long as the trailer is under 3500 lbs. most of the time I would only be towing 2 horses, but it would be nice to be able to tow 3 if I needed to.
2. BUT the only way I can find a 3H that weights under 3500 is to go with an aluminum frame and sides. HOW safe is that compared to a steel framed aluminum sided trailer??????
3. Any suggestions on brands to go with?
Any input will help!!! I'm stuck in a horse trailer buying rut! LOL!
Posted 2006-07-04 1:22 PM (#44003 - in reply to #44001) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
Regular
Posts: 90 Location: louisiana
BUT the only way I can find a 3H that weights under 3500 is to go with an aluminum frame and sides. HOW safe is that compared to a steel framed aluminum sided trailer??????
As far as safety, almost all of your larger trailers nowdays are aluminum frame and sides. Lighter doesnt always mean not as strong. With the aluminum channels most of the trailers are built with they are as strong if not stronger than the steel ones. And added bonus, you dont have to worry about rust.
As far as brands, I owned a 89 4 star that I loved and just traded it in on a larger 06 C&C, bought strictly because the C&C was almost an exact duplicate of my older 4star. I dont like how 4star changed their sides, prefer the old style sides which C&C now uses. I had alot of people tell me that custom was more expensive than line trailers such as Sundowner and Featherlight but I bought my C&C for cheaper than the quotes I got on the 2 line trailers I mentioned and with the C&C it is exactly how I wanted it. I was even able to change my stall widths to my liking and put doors and windows where I wanted without added cost.
Posted 2006-07-05 7:16 AM (#44033 - in reply to #44001) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 634 Location: Tipton, IN
If in fact your trucks towing capacity is 9500 pounds you should be ok. As for aluminum trailers, they are structuraly sound and should make you happy. On the truck side, I would suggest you look at this Ford guide and make sure your truck IS rated for that weight, and the saleman didn't just blow smoke up your butt.
Posted 2006-07-05 12:44 PM (#44065 - in reply to #44001) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
i dont understand how 9500# (if correct) minus the 2 or even 3 horses is only 3500# left for the trailer? must be some big horses? i would think the payload of the truck in reference to pin weight, is going to be the limiting factor in this situation.
Posted 2006-07-06 9:56 PM (#44174 - in reply to #44001) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
Regular
Posts: 57 Location: FL
I have a recent copy of the Ford RV Trailer Towing Guide - is states that the F150 can pull 5,000 max with a weight carrying hitch and 9,900 with a weight distribution hitch.
I hear that it may be difficult to install a weight distribution hitch on some trailers.
Posted 2006-07-06 10:29 PM (#44178 - in reply to #44174) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Elk Grove, California
I would never trust a car salesman!!! lol! I'm the girl crawling under the truck to make SURE it says 3.73 on the rear axle. I'm sure they got a laugh about it.
according the the 2006 ford towning guide I have and what efaubert1 posted my truck can pull maximum loaded trailer weight of 9500 lbs. It's the 5.4L V8 with 3.73 rear axle and tow package.
I was always told to pull 25% less than your max, which would be 7500lbs. 3 average fat horses=3600 lbs. which means my trailer would need to be under 3500 lbs to allow for tack and such.
Am I figuring this correctly??? And can someone help me find out if I would really need a weight distrubution hitch?? Even with a small 2H and 2 average size horses would be over 5000 lbs.
Posted 2006-07-07 12:42 PM (#44206 - in reply to #44178) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
Veteran
Posts: 201 Location: Lincoln, NE
I believe absolutely you need the weight distributing hitch. I don't think they are that expensive or complicated. Also I think there are DOT standards which may reruire them. I'm sure you don't want to put your horses or yourself and passengers at unnecessary risk.
Posted 2006-07-07 1:57 PM (#44214 - in reply to #44001) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 634 Location: Tipton, IN
It is the hitch which REQUIRES the weight disribution system, not the truck. A classIV hitch would be fine for that much weight carrying. But, depending on your tongue weight, your truck may squat in the rear end and you may be over your GAWR for the rear axle if you don't use the WDH system. I'm sure somebody will start a debate about it, but that's the way I see it from where I am.
Posted 2006-07-09 3:32 PM (#44289 - in reply to #44001) Subject: RE: 3H for v8 Engine?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Elk Grove, California
How do you figure out the tounge weight?? is that 10-15 % of your total trailer loaded weight??
For instance a loaded trailer weight of 7500 lbs would be putting approx 1200lbs of weight on the hitch??? On the door of my truck, it says the GAWR for the rear axle is 3850lbs.
Also, for my truck it says the GCWR is 15,000 lbs. And that is the truck, trailer, and all passengers/cargo. right?
3H for v8 Engine?
