I am looking at a '97 4-horse Adams, model name 'Bison' , steel stock trailer for $2200. It has a double axles with all new tires, including the spare, and all the standard stuff, 7 ft tall, some rust. I have a '98 GMC Jimmy SLT, Vortec 4300 V6 engine; with heavy duty trailering equipment, gross vehicle weight of 5,350 lbs. I am thinking my Jimmy can pull the trailer, but am not sure.
Is this a reasonable price?? Do you think my Jimmy can safely tow this trailer. Any one got any input for me ??? Many Thanks !!
Posted 2005-08-22 7:10 PM (#29496 - in reply to #29492) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Expert
Posts: 2954 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by ghosthorselady on 2005-08-22 4:54 PM
I am looking at a '97 4-horse Adams, model name 'Bison' , steel stock trailer for $2200. It has a double axles with all new tires, including the spare, and all the standard stuff, 7 ft tall, some rust. I have a '98 GMC Jimmy SLT, Vortec 4300 V6 engine; with heavy duty trailering equipment, gross vehicle weight of 5,350 lbs. I am thinking my Jimmy can pull the trailer, but am not sure.
Is this a reasonable price?? Do you think my Jimmy can safely tow this trailer. Any one got any input for me ??? Many Thanks !!
Okay ... I'll bite... I'm just a sucker if you're troll. But if you're not, and you're serious about this ...
Whoa !!! A Jimmy is like a Blazer right ? I only have a 2001 Chevy tow guide. A 2001 Blazer's max tow ratings range from 4100 to 5700 pounds (depending on model)... I'd guess your trailer fully loaded will weigh about 8000 pounds or more.
So ... Tow Safely ? NO! No way ! Regardless of price, your life, your horse's life, and all the people on the road around you will be in danger.
Posted 2005-08-22 7:24 PM (#29498 - in reply to #29492) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Member
Posts: 20
Yes, I was serious about the trailer. Have had some serious reservations myself and have turned down the offer. I would only be pulling 1 horse and had thought I could more safely camp/sleep in the trailer while at horse camps as a solo. But, can do that in the Jimmy.
Thanks for your reply. It confirmed what I was feeling and I do appreciate hearing from the real world before I completely hung myself. Ghost
Posted 2005-08-22 11:02 PM (#29504 - in reply to #29492) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Location: KY
The price for the steel trailer is within reason, but the only horse trailer that you would be able to pull safely with a GMC Jimmy would be a Brenderup. What with fuel prices, the Brenderup looks like a decent investment these days. Happy trails.
Posted 2005-08-23 8:03 AM (#29509 - in reply to #29492) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Ontario - east of TO
I hauled with the exact same vehicle (98 and all). I had a small 2H steel trailer. No storage at all but it was 7ft tall. With 2 horses on the trailer I was under my limits - but not by much. I did quite a bit of hauling with that rig - including 1 horse to the east coast and back (1100 miles each way). Never had any problems, though you are not going anywhere fast, it did keep speed on the highway. You can certainly haul something other than a brender-up (as I assume that's out of the price range judging by the one you were looking at). Just make sure the weight with horse and all other gear in your trailer and SUV are under limits. I'd look for a trailer similar to those little S&H or CM ones you see around.
Also make sure you have the SUV equipped with trailer brakes and such. I didn't have a WD hitch as the Jimmy stayed level with out it, but it wouldn't be a bad idea - they also added some stability to the rig.
So you can haul with your Jimmy - and it will actually do quite well - but you have to shop carefully for that trailer. That said - my new rig or 3/4 ton truck and 3H GN is much nicer to drive - just feels better.
Posted 2005-08-23 7:11 PM (#29538 - in reply to #29492) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Veteran
Posts: 225 Location: Kansas City
I am a big fan of bumper pulls and half ton trucks. However, I have a Vortec V6 GMC 1500 pickup (in addition to a 02 Ram 360) and mine won't pull itself out of a wet paper bag. For all of those worried about pulling with the Jimmy -- don't. My engine would never reach a speed high enough to have an accident - unless you count rolling backwards on a big hill. HA
Posted 2005-08-24 5:19 AM (#29552 - in reply to #29538) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 455 Location: Ontario - east of TO
Originally written by barry on 2005-08-23 8:11 PM
I am a big fan of bumper pulls and half ton trucks. However, I have a Vortec V6 GMC 1500 pickup (in addition to a 02 Ram 360) and mine won't pull itself out of a wet paper bag. For all of those worried about pulling with the Jimmy -- don't. My engine would never reach a speed high enough to have an accident - unless you count rolling backwards on a big hill. HA Barry
LOL - like I said - I didn't get anywhere fast.... but I could do at or near speed on the highway.
I actually know people who hauled a 3H featherlite w/4ft dress with a V6 Chevy.... In hilly area's no less... they never complained - but they do have a 3/4 ton now
Posted 2005-08-24 11:34 AM (#29560 - in reply to #29492) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Member
Posts: 20
Thanks to everyone for your input. I have turned down the offer on the 4-horse trailer. I felt badly in turning down the offer because it came from a friend, but a friend who was looking for an easy quick sell. Glad you guys gave me pause for a reality check.
I will wait until I can afford a light weight aluminum 2-horse stock trailer. Until this time, I can dream a little !!!
Posted 2005-08-24 11:40 AM (#29563 - in reply to #29509) Subject: RE: 4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
Member
Posts: 20
Originally written by MBRA518 on 2005-08-23 9:03 AM
So you can haul with your Jimmy - and it will actually do quite well - but you have to shop carefully for that trailer. That said - my new rig or 3/4 ton truck and 3H GN is much nicer to drive - just feels better.
4-horse trailer & GMC Jimmy ????
In hilly area's no less... they never complained - but they do have a 3/4 ton now 
