Posted 2017-02-06 7:33 AM (#169290) Subject: Trailer Weight
New User
Posts: 1
This is such a repeated question that I'm sure everyone is tired of it being asked!
I am trying to buy my first trailer and currently haul with a 2010 Ram 2500 Cummins. I'm looking at a 2001 Sundowner Sierra 4 Horse with an 8.5 shortwall - also 8 wide. Whenever I inquire about a trailer's empty weight, it seems I keep getting the numbers off of the plate. I just want to get some insight on whether my truck would be capable of hauling it or not. I only have 2 horses, but haul with a friend here and there.
I'm trying to buy for long term, so I won't have to upgrade anytime soon. There is a 3 horse, 8 wide, 10.5 shortwall with ramp I'm looking at as well. Just trying to make the best choice. Both trailers are all aluminum.
Posted 2017-02-06 12:33 PM (#169291 - in reply to #169290) Subject: RE: Trailer Weight
Regular
Posts: 88 Location: Washington
My opinion is your truck will pull the trailers. It's certainly not ideal. Good brakes are a must on either (any) trailer all of the time. It's important to find out the trailer weights and at least estimate the pin weight so you can make an informed decision. You may well be over the cargo weight rating. If you go over any of the ratings, it's your decision. Lots of opinions and strong feelings on both sides of that. If you have issues with the back of the truck "squatting", there are a number of air bags or spring helpers for that. I'm not familiar with the Dodge but I don't think it's likely that the axle housing would be overloaded. A one ton would likely be better. A dually better yet. A medium duty truck would be the envy of all yer friends. My trailer is a little lighter and I pull with a 3/4 ton diesel and feel good about it. FWIW, my pin weight with 3 horses is probably slightly above the listed cargo capacity. Ask lots of questions. The important ones are often repeated.
Posted 2017-02-06 4:15 PM (#169293 - in reply to #169290) Subject: RE: Trailer Weight
Veteran
Posts: 100 Location: Waaaaay back Slaughter Hollow
Go weigh both trailers. It can be done at a local truck stop with scales or local feed or grain mill. It is the only way to know for sure.
I have an '03 Featherlite 3 horse with a 13' LQ. I originally pulled it with an '01 F350 SRW 7.3 liter Powerstroke, equipped with Timbrens. The truck could pull and stop the trailer but it was tough. I also realized that the harder it was for the truck, the harder it was on the individual components like the transmission, and more likely I would have some sort of breakdown.
The trailer loaded with everything but the horses weighs about 11,700 lbs. I ended up buying a 2016 RAM 3500 cab and chassis and adding an aluminum flatbed. I know the trailer is back there but have much more power and stopping ability.
Posted 2017-02-11 8:00 PM (#169330 - in reply to #169290) Subject: RE: Trailer Weight
Veteran
Posts: 233 Location: Pataskala, Ohio
I pull a Lakota 4 horse 10SW with a Chevy 2500HD. The parameter that I am closest to exceeding is max weight per rear tire. I have 104 gallon fresh water tank at the very front of the trailer so water weight adds up fast on the truck.
Load the heaviest horse in the rear, I only use the last stall if full, I like to allow that as a safety area for inattentive drivers. Also we load drinks and canned people food low and as far back as possible to put more weight on the trailer tires.
Your truck will do fine just watch transmission temperature.
Trailer Weight
