What 4X4 would you recommend for towing a horse trailer?

Question

I am looking for a 4X4 to tow a double horse trailer with two 15.2 hh horses. The vechicle needs to be powerful enough to tow up steep hills (live in wales!) and i know certain makes are awful for towing. Any ideas or advice apreciated

PS I LIVE IN WALES UK!

Answer 1

Obviously the answers you have received so far are from Americans who didn't notice that you live in WALES, in the United Kingdom.

Answer 2

I'm assuming that this is your first horse and the only horse you plan to own for a while. Going with this, I would get a 2 horse slant load with a walk-in tack (those under-manger tack compartments are a big pain). This gives you room for a second horse if a friend goes, not to mention how hard it is to even find a single horse trailer! I would try and find a fairly new trailer if you can afford it, but new or old, it should have wide floorboards (8" or so) which are in excellent shape. There should be little rust on the frame, especially on the supportive welds and hinges. Drop-down windows are nice because you can close them in the winter. I would also get a trailer that comes with rubber mats because finding ones to fit can be a pain. And gooseneck trailers pull SOOOOOO much better, especially with bigger trailers. With a 2 horse, a bumper pull will be ok, especially if you invest in an equalizer. As far as trucks go, it once again depends on your budget. Make sure you're getting a truck that comes with a towing package with electronic brake controller and electronic trailer breaks on the trailer. These are the two non-negotiable items, no matter the size or brand of truck and trailer that you buy. If you're able to afford a new or fairly new truck, the Nissan Titan has the best towing capabilities of the 1/2 ton trucks (Ford F150, Chevy or Dodge 1500), but any of the above would be ok for a 2 horse. Personally, I'm a Ford gal, from a Ford family, and that's all we own and all we have owned for 35 years and 3 generations. But it's just like picking your favorite breed of horse-they all fit someone and one of them likely fits you. However, if you're looking to the future, want something with room to grow, and can afford it, a 3 or 4 horse Featherlite trailer and a Ford F350 with a turbo diesel is what I'd get. I personally have a 97 F350 Turbo Diesel with a Banks Power Pack. It gets up to 20 mpg empty, and can pull a 7 ton load up and down Colorado passes without breathing too hard. When you're looking for a truck, find a salesperson who has horses and who you trust is your best bet for making sure your new truck can do what you need it to. Good luck, and welcome to the World of Happily Broke Horsepeople!!!

Answer 3

Chevy, Ford, or Dodge diesel truck. They all tow nice. I am a Chevy fan, but think the Dodge has a little more power. I have a 2006 Dodge (traded in 2004 Chevy diesel) that I use to tow an aluminum stock trailer that holds up to 6 horses. It tows great!

Answer 4

I have a 2003 Chevy 2500 HD diesel 4x4 4 door. I also have a Predator programmer for added horsepower. The Chevy has a Allison transmission, nothing beats it.

Answer 5

I like the ford deisels myself wit the 7 1/2 liter motor. Preferably extended cab to hold all of your stuff if you are hauling horses. Ford F-250 or bigger and Dodge 2500 or bigger have solid axles in the front. This gives better handling and traction than independent front suspensions like the chevrolets have. You can find a 96 to 01 models pretty reasonable. If they have 150,000 to 200,000 miles, this is no biggy for a diesel. It will be just broke in.

Answer 6

I second the previous suggestion, you need at least a 3/4 to 1 ton turbo diesel like a Ford F350. They have 325 HP and are geared low enough to pull up most grades without any effort.

Answer 7

Ford F-350 turbo-diesel.

Answer 8

I'd get a diesel. Ford, Chevy or Dodge 2500's.