Posted 2013-12-21 8:01 AM (#156316) Subject: Hauling Advice - Florence, SC to Memphis, TN
Veteran
Posts: 152 Location: Florence, SC
My husband and I are hauling one horse from Florence, SC to Memphis, TN. We are planning to drive straight through, stopping only to eat, get gas, and give the horse a break. My question is which route would you take? I think it would be easier hauling to take I-20 to Birmingham and then north on 78. Any thoughts?
Posted 2013-12-21 8:17 AM (#156317 - in reply to #156316) Subject: RE: Hauling Advice - Florence, SC to Memphis, TN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 430 Location: TN
On my experience, long distance hauls are always the best when you take the easiest routes. I prefer interstates rather than back roads and try to avoid rush hours at large cities or towns. I keep my stops to a minimum, usually just fuel and potty breaks, and do not unload while on the road. I try to leave as early as possible in the early morning hours or time my driving around avoiding heavy congestion. I have both my truck and trailer gone over before hand by a qualified mechanic and also am a member of US Rider. I also make sure I have plenty of hay and water on hand for the horses in case of a breakdown that would leave me stranded somewhere for any period of time. We also carry drinks and snacks for humans as well as water for our dogs. Hope you have an uneventful, safe trip!
Posted 2013-12-21 10:17 AM (#156318 - in reply to #156316) Subject: RE: Hauling Advice - Florence, SC to Memphis, TN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I second the above. The longest we've hauled yet is 11 hours. We stopped at the halfway for about 45 minutes for lunch and water the horse, but not unload them. Just letting them stand still for a while is a big benefit in my opinion. Also do a pre-trip planning. Make notes of any fair grounds, boarding places or livestock sale barns near your route. That way if the unfortunate breakdown happens you have an idea of where to take the horse.
Posted 2013-12-21 10:23 AM (#156319 - in reply to #156316) Subject: RE: Hauling Advice - Florence, SC to Memphis, TN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
Also stick to the larger truck stops for fuel, less likely to get a bad tank of fuel, especially diesel. If you have a diesel, carry an extra fuel filter, I do. That way if you pick up some bad fuel that plugs the filter you're not stuck waiting for a tow.
Posted 2013-12-21 10:37 AM (#156321 - in reply to #156316) Subject: RE: Hauling Advice - Florence, SC to Memphis, TN
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
I'm not familiar with it, but do what I do. When I'm planning on hauling down a road I'm not familiar with, I use google street view. Granted you pretty much know how interstates will be, but side roads are where this technique really shines. I've avoid more then one route because of a narrow bridge doing this.
Posted 2013-12-21 1:00 PM (#156322 - in reply to #156316) Subject: RE: Hauling Advice - Florence, SC to Memphis, TN
Member
Posts: 36 Location: The Natural State
We traveled on 78 between Birmingham and Memphis this summer. We were not hauling horses, but 78 is a nice 4-lane highway all the way to Memphis. Terrain is gently rolling hills and would be an easy pull, in my opinion. Hope this helps.
Hauling Advice - Florence, SC to Memphis, TN
