Pickups Recommended for Pulling a Horse Trailer

The truck manufacturer is not as important as the specifications for the pickup truck if you intend to pull a horse trailer. Ideally, the pickup should have a factory-installed towing package. The engine can be gas or diesel, and it can be a V-6 or V-8 depending on the size of the trailer to be pulled. The transmission can be standard or automatic.

  1. Gross Vehicle Weight

    • The gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the truck can be found on the manufacturer's plate on the driver's door or door jamb. The higher the GVW, the larger the braking system and the heavier the frame. A half-ton pickup can pull a two-horse trailer. It can also be used for other farm work without the trailer, and it can be used as a personal vehicle. The 1-ton dually is popular because it's capable of pulling more weight and a longer trailer. Because its rear dual tires extend the width of the vehicle, it is difficult to maneuver through narrow drive-through window lanes. Other drawbacks include difficulty in parking and lower fuel mileage. The 3/4-ton pickup is the most versatile.

    Drivetrain

    • The shorter the wheel base, the rougher the ride for the truck occupants and horses on the trailer. The longer the truck bed, the easier it is to pull because of to better weight distribution. A truck with either two- or four-wheel drive will work, but the latter is better for field parking at horse shows, where there may be mud. The rear end ratio reflects on the ability to pull safely; the higher the better. However, the higher the rear end ratio, the lower the fuel mileage.

    Towing Capacity

    • Know what you are towing, both the empty weight of the trailer and the loaded weight. Include not only the horses, but also loaded supplies of tack, hay, feed and bedding. Make sure the weight is balanced.

    Trailers and Hitches

    • A tag-a-long trailer can be pulled by a heavy half-ton pickup equipped with a receiver hitch attached to the frame at the back end of the truck. The trailer should never be pulled off the bumper. There are several different styles of gooseneck hitches that attach to the frame through the bed of the truck. Gooseneck trailers are easier to turn and back up. Besides the hitch, you'll need a brake controller and wiring harness for lights.