Posted 2007-03-23 2:22 PM (#57588) Subject: Advice on pulling GN
Member
Posts: 38 Location: marcola, oregon
We want to upgrade from a 2H BP to a GN trailer, so we'll have a place to sleep when we go to weekend shows. We were considering a 3H until I read here that pullling 1 horse in a 3H GN would affect the weight balance (most of the time we would be pulling only 1 horse). Would pulling only 1 horse affect the weight balance in a 2H GN also? Now for my tow vehicle: I have a '98 3/4 ton GMC,V8,7.4L with 454 Vortec engine. Would I need to upgrade to a 1 ton or a dually to safely pull a 2H or 3H GN trailer w/o straining the engine or transmission? We live in Oregon, so there are hills we would probably be passing through. Our driveway is also very steep for about 150 feet. Thanks! Any advice appreciated!
Posted 2007-03-23 2:28 PM (#57589 - in reply to #57588) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Welcome to the board ...
The 1 horse in a 3 horse trailer is only a problem if your truck is marginal for the trailer. Unless you go to extremely large LQ's - one horse in a 3 h GN pulled by a 3/4 truck isn't a problem.
Posted 2007-03-23 2:30 PM (#57590 - in reply to #57588) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
If you're just going to have a dressing room, no LQ, then either one should be fine. I've pulled one horse in a 4 horse slant countless miles and never had any problem with weight balance. If you were using a half ton truck then it might become an issue.
Posted 2007-03-23 2:52 PM (#57593 - in reply to #57589) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Member
Posts: 38 Location: marcola, oregon
Thanks! If our truck is enough to pull a 2 or 3H GN, we would have to install a gooseneck hitch in the bed. Do trailer companies install those? I've heard of turnover balls that let you use the truck bed, so that seems the way we would go.
Posted 2007-03-23 3:03 PM (#57597 - in reply to #57588) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 544 Location: Claxton, Ga.
Yes they do. Get a B&W turnover ball. I have heard good things about it. I have a Drawtite Hide-a-ball that has a removeable ball. The B&W I hear is better from many people.
Posted 2007-03-23 10:25 PM (#57643 - in reply to #57599) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: washington
I tow a steel 2 horse slant load gooseneck with big tack area which I finished myself this past winter, with good insulation, wood paneling and cedar shelving. I usually only haul 1 horse, and never have a problem with weight distribution. I think the trailer rides a little better with the horse in the back stall... a little less bounce. The trailer is about 4500 lbs empty, so not lightweight. I drive a 1999 3/4 ton Chevy Silverado xtra cab, 4x4 with a 6.0 Liter and have no problems with the truck's ability, even with 2 horses. I love the combination of the 2 horse gooseneck with my truck. It's so easy to haul, park, etc. I hauled a 3 horse gooseneck fully loaded with camping gear and 3 horses a few years ago with the same truck. I must have been towing 8000 lbs which seems within limits for that truck, but I can tell you that pulling over the mountain pass was really hard on the truck. I sold the 3 horse trailer and bought the 2 horse... no more worrying about how everybody else is getting there!
Posted 2007-03-24 12:47 AM (#57658 - in reply to #57643) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Member
Posts: 38 Location: marcola, oregon
Yeah, I'd rather have more truck than trailer, expecially when traveling over the mountainous I-5 corridor here in Oregon. Now I feel assured my 3/4 ton could easily pull a 2H gooseneck with 1 or 2 horses.
If we did decide on a 3H gooseneck, I wonder if we should upgrade our truck to a 1 ton to make it easier on those long steep sections of freeway, or would my 3/4 ton do the job just as easily? Anyone have suggestions there? thanks....
Posted 2007-03-24 7:52 AM (#57665 - in reply to #57588) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Member
Posts: 18
Location: Minnesota
We bought our first 5th wheel just a couple years ago- will never go back to a bumper pull! Our's is a 3 horse w/extended dressing room (6'x10') and we have hauled 1 horse many times, never felt any difference. Our truck is a 3/4 ton as well, 2002 silverado HD; pulls great, but our next truck will definatly be a diesel- you can't beat them when it comes to pulling, they simply have more torque (better fuel milage too!). Your truck should do just fine since it has the 454- lots of power there (bet it eats a lot of gas though lol). You will find that the 5th wheel pulls so much better than a bumper pull, they are just easier to manuver.
Posted 2007-03-26 10:19 PM (#57858 - in reply to #57588) Subject: RE: Advice on pulling GN
Regular
Posts: 93 Location: Cherokee, Ia
I have been hauling 1 horse in a 3horse slant steel trailer GN for years .Have used my 1T dually 454 Chevy, and my husbands 3/4 ton F250 without any problem. I haul a long trip yearly 700+ miles one way, loaded with hay, all my stuff, (small dressing room). My horse and the trailer do just fine.(hay in the front stall, and horse in the back) I do cringe when I see these people pulling a 3 horse GN with a 1/2 ton. Not enough power to climb the smallest hill, very hard on your tranny. Your truck sounds like just the one to pull a 3horse, with a dressing room, especially if your truck has an added "towing package" like our Ford. My friend pulls a 5 horse Featherlite, loaded with hay, 3-4 horses and gear with a 3/4 ton F250, no problem whatsoever.You will love a GN, more room and to me, more stable driving down the road( sorry BP owners) just my opinion!! Get haulin and keep ridin!!!
Advice on pulling GN
