Posted 2008-07-31 6:15 PM (#88697) Subject: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Member
Posts: 6
So I've owned horses for about a decade but am finally considering making the leap into owning a truck and trailer as well. I am hoping to buy both truck and trailer used, as it's cheaper that way, but am not sure if my current planned setup is sufficient.
I have 2 horses (though one is for sale, so I should just have one long-term)...16.2h TB mare (for sale), 16h Belgian/cross gelding.
I am looking at 1/2 and 3/4 ton vehicles, and am currently eyeing a 10yo Chevy Silverado 2500 with 5.4L v8 and tow package, 95k miles on it.
I am also looking at 2-horse straight load goosenecks with 4-6ft dressing rooms. I would like aluminum if I can afford it, but am also considering aluminum shell/steel frame.
Will the 3/4 be sufficient to haul my 1,500lb gelding and another horse of varying size? Could I get by with a 1/2 ton? (I'm going on the whole "you should buy what you can grow into" principle, but a 1/2 ton would allow me to go for a lower mileage vehicle.)
Anything I need to look out for, given that I'm buying both vehicles separately? And is there somewhere I can find an accurate, consistent rating for what vehicles can tow? I've seen anywhere from 5,500lbs to 9,500lbs for this 1998 Silverado, which confuses me.
Posted 2008-07-31 6:57 PM (#88699 - in reply to #88697) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Regular
Posts: 65 Location: league city texas
Hi, congrats on jumping in. IMO you should go with the 3/4 ton. For some reason, horse people just cant stick with 1 or two horses. Its a disease or somthin! That way when you go up to a three horse gn, believe me, its inevetiable, you wont have to get a new truck. You should be able to go to each manuf. website and see towing capacitys...
I believe the full change over to 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 8.1L and the Dmax was in 2000 or 01 so the 99 guide should be close, if not dead on the money for the 98 youre looking at.
Posted 2008-07-31 7:27 PM (#88702 - in reply to #88697) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
Go the 3/4 ton. Either a 1/2 or 3/4 will cost you almost the same used. The difference in fuel mileage ( when equiped with similar engines) will be very little. So why not have the heavier duty springs/brakes/tires etc.
As far as trailers, find a good deal. One you can see personally. I'd rather buy a steel trailer down the road than an aluminum trailer out of state.
It will mean so much more to you to physically look at and inspect than what any picture can offer.
Posted 2008-08-01 11:57 PM (#88814 - in reply to #88697) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
I had the 5.7L chevy and it strained to pull my 2H with one horse up near the Tahoe area. It was an older truck ('91) but if you don't mind getting passed up even by the semi-trucks on the highway, than go for it. It was fine on the flat. I do notice the difference in brakes now though. ( now have '02 3/4 ton Duramax)
Will this be your main commuter? If not, I would really suggest getting the 3/4 ton with a bigger engine. If it is only for the horses than you won't need to worry too much about fuel mileage. Nothing worse than not having enough truck and or storage space in your horsetrailer! Good luck and let us know what you decide-
Posted 2008-08-03 6:19 PM (#88920 - in reply to #88814) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Member
Posts: 6
I live in NC, so not many mountains around. If my boy and I get really awesome at competitions, we might drive up to VA/MD for shows, but that wouldn't be for a while.
I'll be keeping my car as my daily driver...much better gas mileage there!
Posted 2008-08-03 6:46 PM (#88922 - in reply to #88920) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
Originally written by equestrianerd on 2008-08-03 7:19 PM
I live in NC, so not many mountains around. If my boy and I get really awesome at competitions, we might drive up to VA/MD for shows, but that wouldn't be for a while. I'll be keeping my car as my daily driver...much better gas mileage there!
In that case a 3/4 ton would be your better bet. Mpg and ride dont need to be a compromise if the truck is not your daily ride. There is very few $$$ diff between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton..........usually the ride and mpg are the question.
Posted 2008-08-04 8:10 PM (#89013 - in reply to #88697) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Member
Posts: 6
OK, question: How much of a difference does engine vs. truck options make?
I found an F250 with 6.8L v10, but it also has an extended cab and 4x4, both of which I've read will decrease towing power. Is a regular cab v8 better, or will the 2 cylinders negate the larger cab/4 wheel drive?
Posted 2008-08-05 12:31 AM (#89027 - in reply to #89013) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by equestrianerd on 2008-08-04 7:10 PM
OK, question: How much of a difference does engine vs. truck options make? I found an F250 with 6.8L v10, but it also has an extended cab and 4x4, both of which I've read will decrease towing power. Is a regular cab v8 better, or will the 2 cylinders negate the larger cab/4 wheel drive? Thanks!
The extended cab and 4x4 doesn't decrease the "Towing Power"
Ford's Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or CGVWR is the maximum weight of the truck AND trailer. This is the same for any given engine & drive train.
When the truck weight increases due to the added weight of the cab & 4x4 parts, then the max trailer weight must decrease to compensate. You'll see this when you look at similar trucks having dual wheels or singles. Other options like carpet, mats, running boards and other finish options have the same effect. Option parts are weights that reduce max trailer weight calculated from the "BASE" model truck
If the trailer's hitch weight is within the trucks payload, you'll enjoy the 4x4 and the extra cab room.
Posted 2008-08-07 2:09 PM (#89216 - in reply to #88697) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Member
Posts: 6
Sorry, I was mixing my terms. I'd read that 4x4 will decrease the rated amount the vehicle can tow, and then extended cab does as you said - increase the weight of the truck so it takes up more of the GCVW.
As far as v8 vs. v10, is the fuel economy dramatically different? I'm not planning on driving the truck unless it's to the store once a week to keep the truck running well, or it's pulling the trailer, so I don't care too much about it, but I would like to get decent MPG when hauling the trailer.
Also, the main reason I'm looking at the v10 is because it's the only gas engine that's rated for at least 10,000#. (I'd love to go diesel, but that's out of my price range.) Right now, 10k is complete overkill for me, but as I said above, I'd rather have plenty of room to grow into the truck than wish I'd bought something else in a year's time.
Posted 2008-08-07 4:16 PM (#89229 - in reply to #88697) Subject: RE: First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
Go with the V10. It's nice to have the extra power when you want/need it. I can't swear to it, but the fuel economy between the two should be comparable. I have the V10 in a 2001 F350 Crew Cab short box SRW. I get 10-11 mpg towing Featherlite 4H w/ 6' weekender. Got up to 18 mpg w/o, averaging around 15 mpg for driving around.
First time truck/trailer buyer - am I missing something?
Its a disease or somthin! That way when you go up to a three horse gn, believe me, its inevetiable, you wont have to get a new truck. You should be able to go to each manuf. website and see towing capacitys... 
