Posted 2011-04-02 7:17 PM (#5208) Subject: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 4
I bought a 98 Chevy K1500 silverado Z-71 with 5.7L V8 (350). It has a brake controller, hitch and 7 pin wiring.
I've been told that it will be fine to pull a 2 horse (2690lbs) plus my horse (1000lbs) so its total would be 3690lbs without any tack, hay, etc.
The owner's manual for my truck states that the max trailer weight is 5,500lbs or 6,500lbs depending on the axle ratio.
The sticker on the inside of the drivers door states that the GCWR is 7000lbs. the unladen weight of my truck is 5,036lbs.
So, if I follow the guidelines then if I combine the weight of my truck, cargo, self, tongue weight plus the trailer weight and horse. I'm up around 9395lbs. So I'm over my truck's GCWR.
So my question is, does having brakes on the trailer and a brake control change how much my truck can pull?
Also, if the trailer has its own brakes does that change the GCWR of the truck?
I'm only going to be hauling my horse a few times over the summer/fall to trail rides. I will be going up and down a mt. in Pennsylvania. Nothing huge.
Posted 2011-04-04 4:30 PM (#5209 - in reply to #5208) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 176
You should be fine on a regular 2 horse type trailer. No gooseneck and no LQ for sure....
Having brakes will not change the amount of weight you can haul. The brakes will help keep your knuckles on your hands from turning white while trying to stop.
NEVER TOW or try to tow more than the rated weight of you vehicle! Just not good for you, your truck, your horses or anyone around you.
Also a good investment if your truck does not have one already is a receiver hitch. Much better and safer to use than putting the ball on the bumper.
Posted 2011-04-04 7:40 PM (#5210 - in reply to #5208) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 4
Hogtownboss, thanks for your reply.
I am borrowing a horse trailer right now. It's a small older 2 horse with mangers. I have plans to buy my own trailer. I was thinking about going new. Thinking about a 10ft (horse area) 2 horse Eclipse no dressing room. They run between 2100lbs and 3600lbs depending on the length.
My truck does have the Class III hitch receiver.
I am planning on adding a transmission cooler here soon before I start hauling. Do you think it would be wise to also add an engine oil cooler?
Posted 2011-04-05 8:19 AM (#5211 - in reply to #5208) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 4
I guess I'm being dumb but I'm confused about why my owner's manual states a max trailer weight of 5500lbs/6500lbs BUT the truck's GCWR is 7000lbs. since my truck weighs 5000lbs itself that doesn't leave me much room for towing anything but a small flatbed trailer with a lawn mower on it.
Posted 2011-04-05 12:51 PM (#5212 - in reply to #5208) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Location: Colorado
Transmission oil cooler is good! I don't know that you need an engine oil cooler, but the other side of that is keeping oil cooler is usually good. My thoughts are you will be OK pulling your two horse trailer as you described. Just be sure trailer brakes are in good operating condition, and if you're in the mountains drive appropriately!(Mostly take it pretty easy going down the hills)
Posted 2011-04-05 4:25 PM (#5213 - in reply to #5211) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 176
From what I understand 95% of the mess in the owners manuals is to cover the manufactures butts incase. As far as the GCWR you are talking about, I think this is if you was to load the bed of your truck this is where you need to be which will be around the 1000 to 1500lb mark. Hence 1/2 ton truck......
When you hook a trailer on the bumper/hitch this will change because your trailer is carrying most of the weight and the truck is only gettng part of it. If I remember correctly the idea is to be around 80%-20% or 75%-25%. Meaning the truck will actually only be carrying 20 to 25% of the trailers weight. The transmission cooler is a good idea, but the oil cooler my opinion I would not waste the money for no more than what you are doing.
Posted 2011-05-07 10:54 PM (#5226 - in reply to #5208) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 176
Paul will the 92 GM have the same ratings as the 98 that is in question? I think the engines in th 98 have a higher HP rating than the 92 does I know mine 95 has a higher rating than the 91 that I have.
Posted 2011-05-12 8:30 PM (#5231 - in reply to #5226) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 197
Location: Vermont
hogtownboss - 2011-05-07 11:54 PM Paul will the 92 GM have the same ratings as the 98 that is in question? I think the engines in th 98 have a higher HP rating than the 92 does I know mine 95 has a higher rating than the 91 that I have.
Had a Brain fart... I had 92 on the brain...I'll check for the 98 data...
Posted 2011-05-12 9:22 PM (#5234 - in reply to #5231) Subject: RE: Can my truck pull a horse trailer?
Posts: 197
Location: Vermont
Year Make Model Engine Tow Limit 1998 Chevrolet/GMC K1500 Pickup (4WD) 4.3 V-6 5000 lbs Requires 3.73:1 axle ratio. Requires Trailering Package. Requires engine-oil cooler. Requires transmission-oil cooler. Requires weight-distributing hitch. Requires 4.10:1 axle ratio. A higher tow rating is listed for pickups that tow fifth-wheel trailers.
Year Make Model Engine Tow Limit 1998 Chevrolet/GMC K1500 Pickup (4WD) 5.0 V-8 6000 lbs Requires 3.73:1 axle ratio. Requires Trailering Package. Requires engine-oil cooler. Requires transmission-oil cooler. Requires weight-distributing hitch. Requires 4.10:1 axle ratio. A higher tow rating is listed for pickups that tow fifth-wheel trailers.
Year Make Model Engine Tow Limit 1998 Chevrolet/GMC K1500 Pickup (4WD) 5.7 V-8 6600 lbs Requires 3.73:1 axle ratio. Requires Trailering Package. Requires engine-oil cooler. Requires transmission-oil cooler. Requires weight-distributing hitch. Requires 4.10:1 axle ratio. A higher tow rating is listed for pickups that tow fifth-wheel trailers.
Year Make Model Engine Tow Limit 1998 Chevrolet/GMC K1500 Pickup (4WD) 6.5 V-8 TurboDiesel 7000 lbs Requires 3.73:1 axle ratio. Requires Trailering Package. Requires transmission-oil cooler. Requires weight-distributing hitch. Requires 4.10:1 axle ratio. A higher tow rating is listed for pickups that tow fifth-wheel trailers.