Well, bless your peapickin’ lil ol’ heart rugbygirl.
WTH?
Don’t post on subjects you don’t know the facts on. Pretty simple. I hardly think it is "peapickin’ " to correct incorrect statements when someone asked a reasonable question and expected decent advice. :rolleyes:
Grow up. Being condescending and rude to me doesn’t make you less wrong.
Said the pot.
Well, isn’t that special?
I have an F150 (4.6 L V8) and towed a two horse trailer (steel, no dressing room) for the last 10 years. It was great local, excellent through Ohio (gotta love the flat), and did the job going to and from KY a few times and to and from Bristol, VA 4 or so times a year (through the WV mountains too) The only issue ever came on the steep up-hills on the highway, it just could not quite maintain the 65+ mph… I just stay in the right lane and don’t push and it holds 55 just fine.
The truck has 180k miles on it, and this is the first year I had any major issues with it. Head gasket cracked and we are looking to replace. One could say it was from trailering… but then again, 10 years and 150k (bought it used with 30k) miles is not bad for heavy usage. The body is in great condition, and we found an engine for it so hopefully the Great White will be back in commission soon 
[QUOTE]Originally Posted by rugbygirl
Yes, for even HEAVIER trailers. FYI, F150s can be “heavy duty” too. The classification is pretty meaningless unless it is qualified with a tow and payload rating.
.
An F150 is a 1/2 ton and not a ‘heavy duty’. The 3/4 and 1 tons [of all three brands] are ‘heavy duty’ because they are on truck rail frames and not on unibody frames, like the 1/2 tons are. The F150 is a 1/2 ton and not built on a rail frame.[/QUOTE]
Where did you come by that information? Half ton trucks (Domestic trucks) are body-on-frame. They are built from the chassis (basically, the frame) up. CARS are unibodies, and so are some SUVs (you can think of them as being built “body on down”). If you happen to be curious on how I came by this information, I used to work at the plant that made Silverados. 
The Honda Ridgeline is a sort of car-crossover THING that is built on a unibody. Mmm, count up how many of those you see on the highway for an indication on how popular they are/were. Some little 1/4 ton trucks (Rangers etc.) have and are unibodies too.
In the nineteen SIXTIES F-150s were unibodies. 
Maybe that’s what you’re thinking of?
The reason I say that “Heavy Duty” is pretty meaningless is because it gets used in the automotive industry a lot the way “X-TREME” gets used in other industries. Heavy Duty can refer to suspension packages, transmission arrangements, frame qualities or engine models. On some models of truck “Heavy Duty” is stamped on the side…it’s almost like a model number, tells you what’s in the truck package (usually beefed up springs, a full size box, the bigger engine, sometimes better brakes, usually a tow package).
Go to your Ford dealer. He has the statistics in a brochure.
When I was shopping for a truck, the F250 was the truck that could pull a trailer with a 16.2 wb and a 16.0 TB. I opted for the F350.
I would ask your dealer and tell him the type of trailer and type(s) of horses.
[QUOTE=poltroon;4089971]
Sometimes the most dangerous part of hauling is pulling out of the driveway, so even short trips need to be taken seriously, especially if you will be in a semi-urban area or if there are hills.[/QUOTE]
Ditto. Friend wrecked her trailer 15 miles from home last winter on a way to a lesson (she is in her 50’s by the way and has been driving trailers for decades).
I don’t know if I agree that the dealership is the best place to get info. I’ve asked a few dealerships in the past around here (truck country too) about specs and safe towing and they were more of the mindset to say whatever I wanted to hear to buy the vehicle.
I’m a big fan of towing with more truck than I need (love to borrow my friend’s 3/4 ton) but because I live in town and need to drive both vehicles I’d be buying the 1/2 ton right now too.
[QUOTE=rugbygirl;4092096]
Where did you come by that information? Half ton trucks (Domestic trucks) are body-on-frame. They are built from the chassis (basically, the frame) up. CARS are unibodies, and so are some SUVs (you can think of them as being built “body on down”). If you happen to be curious on how I came by this information, I used to work at the plant that made Silverados.
The Honda Ridgeline is a sort of car-crossover THING that is built on a unibody. Mmm, count up how many of those you see on the highway for an indication on how popular they are/were. Some little 1/4 ton trucks (Rangers etc.) have and are unibodies too.
In the nineteen SIXTIES F-150s were unibodies. Maybe that’s what you’re thinking of?
The reason I say that “Heavy Duty” is pretty meaningless is because it gets used in the automotive industry a lot the way “X-TREME” gets used in other industries. Heavy Duty can refer to suspension packages, transmission arrangements, frame qualities or engine models. On some models of truck “Heavy Duty” is stamped on the side…it’s almost like a model number, tells you what’s in the truck package (usually beefed up springs, a full size box, the bigger engine, sometimes better brakes, usually a tow package).[/QUOTE]
Well I sure won’t argue with you if you worked in the plant. You know more than I do. I am a Dodge guy, and I know that you crawl under their Heavy Duty 2500 or 3500,and they are built on rails, just like the big trucks. And their 1500 is not. After reading your post, I went out and crawled under my older Chevy 1 ton dually, from 1987, and it sits on perhaps what you are describing. It does not sit on frame rails like my 2005 2500 and 3500 Dodges do.
Just when you think you ‘know it all’ [hehe], you learn something new! Thanks for the info.
Okay - so it’s a no go on the Rumble Bee! :lol: I’m embarrassed to even be considering it now! Wowee. Haha!
And I think I’m just gonna try and organize the bigger Dodge I have an option with. It will be more difficult but I can try If not I will use the F150 but the person who will be driving the truck is experienced.
As for my OWN truck, I do not have the option of a 250 or 350 (although I would LOVE to…don’t have the money to support the purchase OR the gas)! So I will be going with the 150 but I guess I will be careful with how much I trailer (as I attempt to learn).
Thank you SO MUCH for all your help!
feather river, You’re just ahead of your time 
The big three are thinking of trying a unibody approach on the smaller trucks (possibly 1/2 tons) and SUVs.
I THINK that this is because Unibodies can be lighter and they can make them more fuel efficient…it isn’t a popular idea in the truck-o-phile community :lol:
Working at the plant might not get you the knowledge anyway…working at the plant and having a truck-addicted significant other does
[QUOTE=TrotTrotPumpkn;4092117]
Ditto. Friend wrecked her trailer 15 miles from home last winter on a way to a lesson (she is in her 50’s by the way and has been driving trailers for decades).
I don’t know if I agree that the dealership is the best place to get info. I’ve asked a few dealerships in the past around here (truck country too) about specs and safe towing and they were more of the mindset to say whatever I wanted to hear to buy the vehicle.
I’m a big fan of towing with more truck than I need (love to borrow my friend’s 3/4 ton) but because I live in town and need to drive both vehicles I’d be buying the 1/2 ton right now too.[/QUOTE]
I have found all of the above to be true. Especially as far as the dealerships. Some salesmen can tell you about what you need to tow a boat or a jetski but don’t have a clue as far as horses. Most of them haven’t a clue at all about towing and just want to sell.
I also agree that it’s better to be over than under trucked. The first time you get in an emergency while towing you will appreciate it.
[QUOTE=rugbygirl;4092096]
The reason I say that “Heavy Duty” is pretty meaningless is because it gets used in the automotive industry a lot the way “X-TREME” gets used in other industries. Heavy Duty can refer to suspension packages, transmission arrangements, frame qualities or engine models. On some models of truck “Heavy Duty” is stamped on the side…it’s almost like a model number, tells you what’s in the truck package (usually beefed up springs, a full size box, the bigger engine, sometimes better brakes, usually a tow package).[/QUOTE]
Well as I said, I do know Dodge, and their Heavy Duty signifies it is either a 2500 or a 3500. And it is built on rails, not on the whatever-kind-of-body their 1500 is on. I own both a 2005 2500 and a 3500 dually. The only difference I know of is the springs in the rear. I specked out both trucks and ordered them the same–Cummins and manual trans, 4X4, limited slip diff, etc. So I know the rear springs are the only diff. I then added those Firestone airbags to both trucks on the rear. Pretty awesome pullers and you can adjust the air in those bags to adjust the set of the rear end of the truck. I pull a 21 foot 3-horse 4Star slant, and a 28 foot 5-horse 4Star slant. Both trailers are air ride also. Bags on all 4 wheels. Both trucks will pull either trailer, but I prefer the feel of the rear end of the dually, plus its extra weight handling capacity, when pulling the 5-horse.
I run out west in the western mountains, big grades, snow in the winter, high winds at times. I am a part time horse hauler, in addition to moving my own, so I’ve gone coast to coast and into Canada with these trucks. I can’t say a bad thing about them. And I used to be a Chevy guy–but couldn’t do the Duramax thing. None of the diesel mechanics would recommend it. They all owned Fords, and they wouldn’t even recommend the PowerStroke for my hauling. they all said get a Cummins.
I had to laugh when I read this. Think about it. An adult has the benefit of a few years of driving…prior to hauling around a live animal.
Wait–there is no prohibition in my state against anyone any age hauling around another human. No requirement that you have a few years of driving for that. God forbid we should haul an animal!
Last I checked, most of the humans that folks haul around don’t require a trailer. And if they do, that’s a whole different discussion. :winkgrin:
Actually, in most if not all states, it is ILLEGAL to have human passengers in a towed trailer.
RV Forum - passengers in travel trailer - handy tips about legality and good descriptions of what happens when live beings are involved in a trailer accident.
Dodge Diesel Truck Resource - riding in a camper with the best quote
Does it really matter if it is legal? It’s got to be one of the stupidest thing I ever heard of. Why would you allow anyone to ride in it?
Just fact checking. Carry on. :winkgrin:
I have a 10yo F150 V8 4x4 that hauls my two horse (with my 16.2h and 17h TBs) with full dressingroom steel BP trailer all over the country just fine. I am origionaly from Montana and had to deal with a lot of mountain passes and it handeled those fine as well. I have done a lot of long trips with it, I moved from Montana to Virginia with it and later from Virginia to South Carolina, I also hauled for my boss from VA to CT with it. I use it very regularly to haul out for lessons as well. If you where only going to have a two horse bumperpull trailer and wanted to also have your truck as your main form of transportation I would definatly go with the F150 V8 (I would not use a V6). If I had a bigger trailer I would definalty want a bigger truck, but for a 2 horse BP my F150 is just dandy.
[QUOTE=feather river;4092048]
You know it made perfect sense to me also. Who could take it any other way? but on COTH, public school reading seems to be the norm:eek:[/QUOTE]
I feel the same way. She specifically stated that she backed up and hitched the trailer and pulled it to where it was loaded. Where do you think she was doing that, on and interstate highway… She pulled the trailer to where it would be loaded… hmmmm let’s guess, a wild one here, a FARM… Could it be. People are so quick to judge and nit pick. For Christ sake people, get off your high horses, you aren’t perfect. People have been hauling horses for years, even without your almighty advice and even some of the nicest, best set up rigs have problems or accidents, with professional drivers. [Stuff] happens!!!
Phew, I was brewing that for the past page and a half of posts.
It could just as easily have been on a showgrounds or anywhere else that isn’t Evalee’s property but that isn’t a public roadway. I’ve seen plenty of unlicensed drivers operating motor vehicles on horse show grounds that they don’t own, without permission from the landowner. Do you actually think that every time some little 14 year old pony kid drives a golf cart the parent has checked with the owner of the showgrounds and made sure it’s okay with them?
But again, her personal circumstances really don’t have anything to do with the point I was making. It had to do with inexperienced drivers driving rigs. Most kids haven’t been practicing for three years before getting their license, nor do they have adequate experience with other drivers on the roadway.
Which is precisely why I find it ridiculous for people on these trailering topics to go to such lengths to tell inexperienced people who are just starting out with their first trailer that getting by with less is perfectly fine.
Getting some experience driving without a trailer attached is just good advice for someone thinking about hauling their horse in the not so distant future.
I think Evalee was just saying that her kid got some basic trailer 101 lessons before she would go out on the public roads.
[QUOTE=Everythingbutwings;4092930]
Actually, in most if not all states, it is ILLEGAL to have human passengers in a towed trailer.
RV Forum - passengers in travel trailer - handy tips about legality and good descriptions of what happens when live beings are involved in a trailer accident.
Dodge Diesel Truck Resource - riding in a camper with the best quote
Just fact checking. Carry on. :winkgrin:[/QUOTE]
Don’t be stupid. I meant you can take people in the car with you as soon as you have a license, but people are complaining about hauling a horse in a trailer. DUH
Don’t be stupid
Back at you, you know darned well we’re not talking about putting horses in the back seat of the car, either.
Simmer down, folks! No need to get riled up over trucks and trailers. Of course folks are going to occassionally misread or misinterpret comments; just explain what you meant and move along.
Thanks!
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