I've been trying to get my hands on an 84 F250 W/ 6.9 Diesel 4spd and 4.10 rearend that a friend has. He hates the truck because it is only getting 8 mpg and the top speed is only 65 but it is the only pickup he has. I have driven it a few of times and all it needs are the injectors rebuilt or replaced. Gooseneck hitch is there as well as the oil cooler and brake controler. But I can't get it away from him now when I need it.

 

When you consider the weight of that horse trailer, towing with a 1/2 ton is nuts. I would at least try and upgrade to a 3/4 ton. At least you will have more mass to keep that trailer in line. Yes I've seen guys pull too much with their truck and they do sometimes get by, but come the first time you really need to stop, having the extra brakes and suspension of that 3/4 will help.

If you have the money I totally agree with alan73 and get a dually.

 

If you are ever going to put stock of any kind behind a truck think of the idea of having to put a bullet in the brain of your trusted saddle horse, that has served you so well. So just do the right thing and get rid of the 1/2 ton and get a 1-ton with a diesel and a manual tranny. you will pull better get better milage and the tranny if used right will help you stop and thus keep the brakes cool.

 

I have to reply on this one,
I would really say you need more truck but that is just my opinion, my guess is you dont have the gears to make that trailer go, and the brakes to make it stop... but that is if i was using it you requirements may be different.

my first question is how often and how far will you be towing? my second is what type of horses to you tow, there is a heck of a difference in weight between a 500 lbs arab and a 2500 lb clyde, use a weight tape or a scale dont guess(as an aside it takes one heck of a quarter horse to kill 1000lbs). what is the terrain like where you will be towing? in kansas it is a different story than in colorado... what type of trailer do you want gn or bp(my rule of thumb is if is over 6k lbs you want a gn that is the point when the expense and inconvince of a gn are outweighted by the proformance gain) what style is it and who makes it? is is double wall(you want this for your horses) or single wall, LQ, how tall is it(this makes a huge difference in wind resistance) how wide is it?

these factors can account for a bout a 15,000 lbs or more weight differece in a four horse trailer.

the next question is do you need a four horse? how often do you hall four horses? if it is less than a couple of times a year it may be worth it to have a hauler haul them, and buy less of a trailer... b/c a four horse trailer is a bear to pull out to go down the road a mile to just go for a quick ride.... JMHO

anyway the truth of the matter is you might be ok with that truck depending on your needs...
but it is always better to have a bigger truck....

Just my opinion

Nickolas

 

Thank you for all of the responses. On friday 12-5-03 my engine Died, 3 dead Cylinders. I do plan to rebuild when my wallet permits. Thanks again for all your responses.

Scott