Posted 2011-03-14 11:05 AM (#131633) Subject: Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Louisiana
I am in the market for a trailer and I have my eye on a new 2 horse straight load, but I found that the 3 horse slant load is actually cheaper. I have a 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500, 2WD with a 5.3L V8 engine and I plan on getting a brake box installed. Could my truck safely pull the 3 horse trailer (empty weight 3100 lbs)? I would usually only haul 2 horses but it would be nice to have the option for 3 if possible.
I really don't know much about all this so any opinions or information is helpful! Thanks!
Posted 2011-03-14 11:21 AM (#131634 - in reply to #131633) Subject: RE: Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824 Location: Kansas
I have that same truck and pull a 2H gooseneck. I am in the market for a 3/4 ton. I do fine but I wouldn't add anymore to what I'm doing with this truck.
Posted 2011-03-15 4:19 PM (#131683 - in reply to #131633) Subject: RE: Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
Elite Veteran
Posts: 662 Location: Vanzant, Missouri
Does the truck have a transmission cooler or a towing package built into it. If not I would be leary. I have hooked onto a 3h with the ram 1500 V8 I had and it pulled it but was a bit of a strain on the transmission. I did tow a 2h with 4ft dr steel gn with it without any issues. But the 3h was a strain on it.
Posted 2011-03-15 7:38 PM (#131691 - in reply to #131633) Subject: RE: Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
Member
Posts: 5
Location: Comanche County Texas
The V8 will pull it...but safely stop it? 2 horses push the limits, but 3 most likely exceeds it. I would personally feel more comfy with a 3/4 ton truck. ;)
Posted 2011-03-16 9:54 PM (#131742 - in reply to #131633) Subject: RE: Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
Member
Posts: 15
Location: Missouri
I am considering the same with either a 2 or 3 horse gooseneck, 4 foot dressing area (no living quarters), all aluminum Merhow verylite. Empty weight 3400 and 4200 lbs respectively. I have a Titan 1/2 ton v8 with tow package, added larger transmission cooler, and brake controller. Tow capacity is 9500 lbsI have smaller horses, 14.2 and 14.3 hands. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2011-03-17 12:41 AM (#131746 - in reply to #131633) Subject: RE: Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
Regular
Posts: 59 Location: Colorado
A 3100 pound 3 horse trailer is actually lighter than quite a few 2 horse trailers.
I suspect you can tow this trailer and depending on how you load it stay under the "legal" ratings of your truck. Whether or not you find the power, braking, and control adequate is anyone's guess. Some folks will tell you they pulled a bigger trailer with a smaller truck and it was fine, others will tell you no horse should EVER be pulled with less than a 3/4 ton truck no matter the trailer.
My experience with a similar setp is that it worked, was safe (keeping extra weight to a minimum, brakes and tires in good condition, etc..), but I certainly prefer the extra power, stabilty and braking of a 3/4 ton truck.
I personally don't consider the setup you are considering ideal, but I don't necessarily consider it unsafe either (check the ratings of your specific truck and also make sure 3100 pounds is real, not a guess).
Posted 2011-03-17 1:05 PM (#131776 - in reply to #131633) Subject: RE: Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
Member
Posts: 5
Location: denham springs, la
your 1/2 ton will pull a 3 horse bp trailer just fine. I had a 1/2 ton chevy z71 and it pulled my steel 3h bp slant load with front dressing room. i usually hauled 2 horses and would only haul 3 horses if i had to. definitely make sure you get a brake box! it will make such a difference!!! i did eventually upgrade to a 3/4 ton truck and it makes a world of difference.eta: check your owner's manual for what you are rated to pull. I believe it is close to around 7500 pounds so you should be within your rating but just make sure to check
Pulling a 3 horse with a 1/2 ton V8?
