Towing Issues: pulling horse trailer, dodge diesel, good horses

Question
Can you advise, I purchased a 27', steel, horse trailer.  I don't know the weight of the trailer, but it will haul 2 horses.  Loaded, with tack & camping equip, & the horses, will my 2001 Dodge Diesel 3/4 ton pull w/o damage to the truck?  Thanks

Answer
It is hard to say with so little information.  Are these ponies or clydesdales?  How much tack are you bringing?  Are you doing shows or are you pushing cattle?  

The first thing to do is get the trailer weighed.  Trailers without weight information on the frame can be a dangerous thing.  Knowing the value of good horses, I would recommend you have the trailer inspected by a good fabrication shop that does trailer work.  You will want to know if the trailer is structurally capable of holding itself together.  A trailer that breaks an axle mount (or something similar) will whip violently and can very easily injure a horse riding inside.

I am going to guess, since this is a 27' trailer, that it is a gooseneck.  Your truck (depending on options) is rated to tow between 9,300lbs and 13,950lbs.  

You should be fine, but I can't say for sure without having the trailer weighed.  I would also make sure that the brakes  on the trailer are working correctly (good condition and ADJUSTED!) and I would use a good quality brake control.  eg. Tekonsha Prodigy or Valley Odyssey...


Good luck,
Shayne Peterson
MobileHitch
http://www.MobileHitch.ca