Posted 2010-01-09 9:33 AM (#115052) Subject: what used truck for hauling 2 horse stock trailer?
Member
Posts: 17
Location: western NC
Hi, I need a new (used) truck. My trailer is a 2 horse stock, about 2800 lbs. Horse is small, about 700 lbs, but I'd like to be able to occasionally haul 2 horses, so figure about 1700 lbs of horse. I only do day trips, so no other cargo (besides me, tack, and maybe a passenger.) I DO live in the mountains, though. I'd like to stay below $12,000 if possible. How big a factor is mileage with trucks...is something with 100,000 miles a no-no? Thanks for any advice!
Posted 2010-01-09 10:25 AM (#115053 - in reply to #115052) Subject: RE: what used truck for hauling 2 horse stock trailer?
Regular
Posts: 54
Location: Farmington, IL 61531
Originally written by shorthorse on 2010-01-09 9:33 AM
...is something with 100,000 miles a no-no? Thanks for any advice!
I would not hesitate to buy a used truck with that mileage if you can verify how it has been cared for. I have put 300,000 plus miles on several trucks with very minimal repairs, but I do take exceptional care and don't abuse them in my opinion. I recently saw a 1984 Ford F350 dually pickup (6.9L diesel) that I bought new and it was showing 460,000 miles on the odometer and I was amazed at the overall condition of the truck. Although I can't speak for a Chevy or GMC (because I have never owned one and never will), the Fords and the Dodge I presently drive have been good trucks for me.
Posted 2010-01-09 11:33 AM (#115054 - in reply to #115052) Subject: RE: what used truck for hauling 2 horse stock trailer?
Expert
Posts: 1205
Location: Arkansas
I just pulled our day trailer, a modern 2 horse, about 1 and an half hours one way, 4 times in 2 days on a mounted search and rescue operation, with a 3/4 ton Chevy that has 330,000 miles on it, we bought it new and know it is the orginal engine and most everything else! If you can get a mechanic to give the rig a once over, and some recommendations as far as what you might need to stay away from, you can find a good truck out there. Mileage doesn't worry me at the 100,000 level, maintainence and how it is equipped mean more.
Posted 2010-01-09 1:58 PM (#115062 - in reply to #115052) Subject: RE: what used truck for hauling 2 horse stock trailer?
Regular
Posts: 92
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Originally written by shorthorse on 2010-01-09 9:33 AMHi, I need a new (used) truck. My trailer is a 2 horse stock, about 2800 lbs. Horse is small, about 700 lbs, but I'd like to be able to occasionally haul 2 horses, so figure about 1700 lbs of horse. I only do day trips, so no other cargo (besides me, tack, and maybe a passenger.) I DO live in the mountains, though. I'd like to stay below $12,000 if possible. How big a factor is mileage with trucks...is something with 100,000 miles a no-no? Thanks for any advice!
Your budget is perfectly acceptable.While I don't think you can get the diesel you'd like you can get a solid gasser with big engine for that price. The big gas engine trucks are very reliable and a great value to buy used.If you intend to use the truck for a lot of other things you may come to hate the mileage of the big gas engine but during a tow you'll really appreciate the extra torque, even with 5k in trailer. I also recommend you get a 3/4 ton since the price is similar to the 1/2 tons but you have much bigger brakes. The 3/4 ton will be a nice comfortable truck without being utter overkill.Dave
Posted 2010-01-10 1:02 PM (#115092 - in reply to #115052) Subject: RE: what used truck for hauling 2 horse stock trailer?
Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by shorthorse on 2010-01-09 9:33 AM
Hi, I need a new (used) truck. My trailer is a 2 horse stock, about 2800 lbs. Horse is small, about 700 lbs, but I'd like to be able to occasionally haul 2 horses, so figure about 1700 lbs of horse. I only do day trips, so no other cargo (besides me, tack, and maybe a passenger.) I DO live in the mountains, though. I'd like to stay below $12,000 if possible. How big a factor is mileage with trucks...is something with 100,000 miles a no-no? Thanks for any advice!
You can find a nice diesel with under 150-k miles for that or less and a gas truck with under 100-k for that or less. Just don't buy the first one you see! The later model gas trucks will go 300 easy with right maintance and diesels even more! I Just sold a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 quad cab diesel 4x4 with the 5.9 Cummins, automatic, loaded and a nice truck with 160-k miles for $10,500.here local.
Also just sold a 2004 Ford F250 extended cab 2 wheel drive short bed with a 140-k miles, 5.4 gas, auto, loaded for $6000.00 Make sure you run a carfax or autocheck before you pay for it.