I am totally new to posting in forums, reading them as guest for a few years. Where should I post this question to get the most reliable feedback.
I have a Adams 3 horse slant load gooseneck horse trailer with full living quarters. I am currently pulling it with a 2011 F250 SRW 8’ bed, 2x4 Lariet with the 6.7 Power stroke. I have zero issues with power or stopping. My issues is that I do not feel the suspension is up to the task. Just put new rear shocks on. Going at highway speeds, I can’t think of the word I am looking for, but it doesn’t feel “secure”, if you know what I mean. And our next trip I will have an additional 5000+ pounds of horses. Would it be wise to upgrade to a F250, F350 or F450 with dual rear wheels? I looking at 2014 or 2015 is what I think my budget would be at. Do F450’s require different insurance? I am in Alabama, will be hauling to Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia to horse shows.

Thanks in advance, if I need to post in another section, please point me that way.

[img]file:///IMG_0424.JPG[/img]I am attaching a picture of my current setup.

 

going to a dually is a tremendous improvement in load stability.

I had an f-250 with a lot of aftermarket suspension plus up's, put a pallet of cenemnt in the bed, the bed dropped to the ground.

same drill with an f-350 drw and bed barely moved.

running 4 wheels in the rear is a big safety net in case you loose a tire....

no special insurance is needed for a 450, but, you need to check if your insurance will insure a class 4 truck and if your loan company will finance.

gear ratio is important...most drw's are 4.11 and most 450 drw are 4.31.

my f-450 has a dana 110 axle 4.31 , even with the measly 6.4 engine down rated to 300hp, theres not much that the truck cant tow.

 

My F450 requires commercial insurance in Michigan. My f350 dually pickup has a regular policy.

My carrier is State Farm.

The F450 also requires commercial plates, and a CDL if it was towing a trailer over 10k.

 

Have you looked into upgrading the spring packs or installing air bags? Dad had the same problem and installed air bags.

 

What does your trailer weigh empty and loaded? What is your pin weight?

 

Air bags will make a night and day difference.

 

Try the airbags first, it's less expensive. I tow a 9500lbs gooseneck RV. It's made a world of difference adding the airbags.

 

I know someone who pulls a huge 5th wheel with a Dodge 2500 6.7L or 6.8L.
But.... He is hauling something waaaay over the truck's rating which could be problematic if there was an accident. Insurance may not pay and there could be a high law suit, fines, tickets, etc since he is way over the truck manufacture's rating.


Just because his truck can pull it, doesn't mean it's legal or safe.


Take a look at this article....
My truck pulls it just fine.


I met someone in the RV park where I stay that told me he was in Arizona and cops were pulling over anyone that looked like they were over-pulling and checked them for truck ratings and trailer weight.


I had someone else tell me California cops will pull you over and will not permit another foot of travel if the truck ratings are under the equipment weight being hauled or pulled.


Another man was pulled over in one of the Carolinas and forced to stop and have someone else drive the unit because his license was not correct for the weight ratings.


https://rvshare.com/rv/do-you-need-a...to-drive-an-rv


What States Require a Special License for RVs?

In many states, you can hop in your RV and head off into the sunset without worrying about motorhome license requirement. Unfortunately, we are a divided nation, and some states want you to have a special license in some cases. States that require a non-commercial special license for RVs over certain lengths or weights are:

• California
• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Wyoming

If you're driving illegal, don't.....


Pickup trucks pulling or hauling trailers have weight and length restrictions that require a special license for several states.
This list is close to the one posted above but may vary.


Check this out...
http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml


Most states have an RV exemption. States that do require a special license are often but not always (California) just a written test and possible road test. While some states like California also require a medical exam or certificate every 1 or 2 years. California pretty much requires a commercial class A license for vehicles over a certain weight or combined weight/length.