Alright, in typical Steve form I am diving in with both feet.........

Now that we have this nice 2001 PSD, I get to use it for what we got it for, we are looking at a used 2 horse trailer this weekend to pick up a horse we are buying 450 miles away. Assuming the trailer checks out and I get the damn thing registered (Massachusetts DMV is always sporting to say the least), we will head down in a couple weeks to get said equine.

The trailer is probably 2500-3000 at most and the horse is about 1100lbs give or take 100lbs. With extra gear, water etc. we're probably looking at only 4500lbs or so, no where near the limit of the truck but I wouldn't want to get hit by it either.

My truck appears to be running well and assuming that remains the case I am guessing this will be no big deal from a truck standpoint right?

I have a Prodigy controller coming in next week and I ahven't picked up my hitch yet until I can measure the drop and know the exact ball size, so that is next week. It just dawned on me, does the F250 with the towing package come with a Class 3 or 4? I assume 4. Can someone clarify?

Is there anything I should watch out for while on the road? I do not have a tranny temp gauge at this point, I do have boost and EGT though......

I plan on taking the trailer to a large parking lot and get used to moving it around, should be reasonably easy as we aren't launching the space shuttle here....

Are there any stupid newbie things I should know before hand?

Thanks

Steve

 

Just remember that these trucks like to pull around 2000-2300 rpm. So to keep your EGT's in check when climbing a hill don't lug it, it will only create more heat and less power if you try to climb at less than about 2000 rpm depending on tire size.

 

Make sure your brakes are in good shape, trailer lights are working, brake controller (if the trailer has brakes) is wired up correctly and you'll be set.

 

Check the tire pressure rating on the tires ( it is printed on the side wall of the tire ) use that as a guide for tire pressure. Don't go by the what it says in your owners manual. Tire technology has changed in the past 10 years since the owners manual was printed.

 

Thanks guys.

Tire Pressure, I'm running 305 70 16 Nitto Grapplers on Eagle Rims right now with about 60lbs in each.

With the 373 rear end I'm at about 1900rpm at 66-68mph which is where I usually cruise on the highway. I'm not sure what speed I will tow at, as it all depends on how the trailer feels and how it handles. I can't imagine going any faster than that.

Should I knock the OD off while climbing hills so there is no bogging down? Than again we are only talking about 3500-4500lbs here so this isn't a giant 5th wheel or anything.

Prodigy is coming in next week, should be plug and play, hopefully.

In other news, my Leer cap should be on in time to possibly make the run with us.........

 

At 4500 lbs, you won't hardly know it is there. Make sure the trailer sets level. If it is tonge up, it will tug on you on every bump and if it is tonge down, it will push you every bump. Either one is uncomfortable you and other occupants and hard on said equine. As long as you are turning at least 1900 rpm, I would not drop out of OD.

 

There is a pigtail connection that mates to the under the dash hookup for your Prodigy. All trucks came with one in the glove box to help you hook up a controller. If you don't have one, I would suggest calling Ed or a dealer to get one. No hacking up your factory harness under the dash.

 

I have an '01 and pull a 30 foot camper.... I don't even know that it is back there.... you can leave the OD button alone.

 

Don't forget it is behind you.

You'll be up on a curb before you know it.Or forget that your rig is longer now and pull out in front of someone and they hit your trailer.

Take your time and you will be fine.

 

Prodigy is plug and play, just make sure you get the right plug , you may have ordered it with the prodigy. Also verify that your plug at the hitch is working properly and all fuses are good.

You might refer to this thread for pictures. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...er-wiring.html

 

sounds like you may be new to horse trailers so maybe I'll offer some OPINIONS

I prefer slant load trailers with a forward tack room....I have hauled horses is stock trailers with no dividers and they seam to naturally assume the slant load position...

If you do purchase a slant load when hauling 1 horse usually the 1st stall is the better choice, the horse will be more centered over the axle.

Don't store anything on the floor of the tack room unless you are completely confident in the seal.....things tend to get "wet".

so are you completely new to horses or just getting back in to them? There are a lot of horse folks here so we could be of use with advice on trailering a strange horse for the first time as well as advice on horses in general.

 

Thanks for the advice guys..........is there a good way to test the plug on the truck prior to hooking up...........I don't feel like driving 175 miles to find out my crap isn't working, that would suck.

I am new to horses, however my wife is not, she rode for 19 years then took 12 years off, incidently those are the 12 years we've been together....our first "date" was me dropping her off at the field edge and then watching her exercise a horse for a friend, but I digress.

Overall, I'm hoping some basic tips and common sense will get us through the 450 mile journey from MD to MA. The horse is pretty bombproof and raced for the past 4 years so he is used to trailers and equipment, however he does not have the normal temperment of a race horse (hence why he is coming with us vs. racing) he's pretty chill and my wife is great with them so I'll deal with the rig, she can deal with the monster in the trailer.

That being said, I appreciate any tips on trailering the horse..........my plan is to follow the basics of loading him on the drivers side of the 2 horse trailer for better balance on crowned roads, we'll have water, hay etc. with us and he should make the 8 hour journey alright. I would like to be able to comfortably stay at 66-68mph, I have no doubt the truck will barely feel it back there, I just hope I can avoid sway and keep everything steady.

BTW - I did order the Ford plug with the Prodigy, one would hope it would be the right one. I already dug out the harness under the dash.......pretty straight forward (which is why something will go wrong).

Thanks

Steve

 

You could invest in one of these 7 Way Trailer Connector Vehicle Tester Accessories and Parts TR20117
you can get them at any RV shop or trailer place. Super easy and keep in tool box.

 

A slant load is the more prefered way to haul a horse.You have to remember you have a "live load" back there,use brakes gingerly,unless an emergency arises,when you hit the brakes the horse has to put his weight on his front legs,to keep himself in position,hence the popularity of the slant,the horse can lean into the stop and not put all the pressure on his front legs.Take it easy on the corners so you don't sling him around back there,and take corners wide enough so you don't"ride the curb".Is this 450 miles one way or round trip? In any case,stop every couple hours to check on him.A hay bag in the back is nice,and water if he wants some when you STOP,otherwise it just sloshes all over.Rubber mats on the trailer floor are a MUST.Let us know how you make out.Have a safe trip.