I’ve always used my parents trucks, and we have all 3/4 ton trucks. This hasn’t became an issue until now, since I am wanting to purchase my own truck. I rodeo and so I am trying to figure if I should go with the half-ton or the 3/4 ton truck and trying to figure which is the better deal. I would like to have a gooseneck trailer but would haul a bumper pull. Half-ton used trucks being a $15k-20k dollar range of budget, I just want to get the best for my buck. I’m confused on what to look for. My reasoning on looking for a half ton is because of the price, along with I don’t haul as much as I used to, so basically I just need to hit the every other weekend barrel race and be done. All local races maybe an hour out from where I live. So my question really is between Dodge, Chevy, or GMC – which would you recommend in the half-ton to pull either type of trailer? Mind you, I’m only looking for a 3-horse trailer max. I’m not sure on the weight or where to find the weight of the trailer. My horses only weight about 900lbs, so I’m thinking from the idea I have gotten from your videos that a half-ton may be good. I live in central Oklahoma and so the land is pretty flat. Every now and again, I may travel to Arkansas in the mountains to trail ride, but the elevation is nothing compared to what you hauled up in the tow test videos. Thanks!
First, a half-ton truck should becapable enoughto haul a 3-horse gooseneck or bumper-pull trailer. However, a gooseneck trailer requires much more payload capability from a truck. When looking at the used truck market, GM half-ton trucks have more payload capability than the Ram(Dodge) trucks.
The half-tons will be more affordable than a 3/4-ton trucks, so that plays in your favor.
Second question comes from Nelson R.
I want to tow a small travel trailer with my 04 Toyota Tacoma prerunner double cab with the 3.4L V6. What should be my weight limit to look at? And what modifications should I look into getting the truck ready for towing. Have you guys done an Ike Gauntlet run with a 1st gen Tacoma? It would be cool to see. Thank you in advance for your time and keep those videos coming.
If you have the 3.4L V6 and your truck is not a Tacoma S-runner, then your maximum tow rating is 5,000 lbs. I would not recommend towing a trailer heavier than 3,500 lbs with your midsize truck. I would look into a hitch with weight distribution (WDH) and sway control for extra towing confidence. Here is a Towing Guide we wrote a little while ago. As always, following all safety regulations and check your lights and brakes.
We have never done a towing test with a first generation Tacoma.
Thanks! First, a half-ton truck should be capable enough to haul a 3-horse gooseneck or bumper-pull trailer. However, a gooseneck trailer requires much more payload capability from a truck. When looking at the used truck market, GM half-ton trucks have more payload capability than the Ram(Dodge) trucks.
If you plan on hauling a larger, heavier trailer (especially if you have large breed horses), a diesel truck might be a better option for you. That's because diesel trucks usually have more engine torque and can stay in a higher gear during towing.
In general, a half-ton or larger vehicle is required to tow a horse trailer. The smallest pickup trucks, for example, are not designed to be heavy-duty enough to safely haul a horse trailer.
The Ram 1500 is ideal for one horse with a towing capacity of a maximum of 12,750 pounds. Its agility and responsive handling make it a top choice for smaller horse trailers. If you're transporting multiple horses, both the Ram 2500 and 3500 are the ultimate choices to pick from.
“A horse's center of gravity is about four feet high, and they will move around. You need to control for that.” In other words, if your loaded horse trailer weighs around 4,000 pounds, then you'll need a tow vehicle with a GTWR of about 5,000 pounds.
First, a half-ton truck should be capable enough to haul a 3-horse gooseneck or bumper-pull trailer. However, a gooseneck trailer requires much more payload capability from a truck. When looking at the used truck market, GM half-ton trucks have more payload capability than the Ram(Dodge) trucks.
A 1.8 petrol should do well but if you tow a lot then go for a diesel 1.8 or above. As you say, the kerb-weight is the most important. The recommendation is 85% of the cars kerb-weight although you can tow up to 100% and stay within the legal limits. Another consideration is whether the trailer is braked or not.
A horse trailer designed to transport one or two horses typically weighs between 2,300 and 3,900 pounds. With horses and cargo loaded, this number increases. The average empty weight of a horse trailer is about 2,900 pounds. When loaded up, small horse trailers max out at 7,000 or 8,000 pounds (GVWR).
A maximum towing capacity of up to 12,500 lbs is a strong foundation, and the 2019 Silverado 1500 climbs even higher. When you do the math and estimate how much you'll typically be towing, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that this beastly half-ton is all you truly need.
Even with its base-level engine, the Ram 1500 towing capacity is an impressive 7,730 pounds when properly equipped. The maximum of 12,750 pounds1 – the greatest in the lineup – comes with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with eTorque. However, choosing the Ram 1500 TRX gets you the most horsepower and torque.
Heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 are designed to take on tougher jobs such as carrying construction equipment and hauling commercial loads, making them ideal for towing horse trailers.
That's why our GMC vehicles like the GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra HD, and next generation Sierra 1500 aren't just great utility vehicles that can pull your horse trailer, but they also offer premium comfort and technology so you can find everything you need in one place.
Yes, the Ford F-150 can tow a horse trailer in most cases. The towing capacity of the new 2024 Ford F-150 trucks ranges from 5,000 pounds to 13,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The weight that a Ford F-150 can tow will vary depending on the cab/box configuration, engine, and optional equipment. The 2024 Ford F-150 towing capacity can achieve a best-in-class tow rating of 13,500 pounds2 when properly equipped. This can allow you to bring a camper or horse trailer along with you.
Towing this trailer with the V6 engine is close to the margin. So it would be better to go up to the 4.8L V8 engine with a 3.42 axle ratio which is rated to tow 6000 lbs., or the 2500 series which is rated, depending upon equipment, from 6500 lbs. to 10,500 lbs.
Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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