Mounted search and rescue

["David Skofstad" <dbs54neigh@earthlink.net>]

Pennbo, don't go there.

My first truck was a Dodge 1/2 ton.  The "salesman" assured me it would be
fine.  It was not.  I had to add leaf springs just to ride level. 
Eventually, the lug studs sheared and the right rear wheel fell off. 
Fortunately I was not pulling the trailer.

Fuel economy is more a function of engine displacement and gearing, not so
much the strength of the chassis, although weight does count for something.
But if you are hauling in mountainous terrain, you want all the engine and
gears you can get. Don't get tricked into a false economy.


> [Original Message]
> From: Pennbo's <pennbo@verizon.net>
> To: Mounted search and rescue <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
> Date: 6/17/2007 9:10:32 PM
> Subject: [MSAR] Trucks?
>
> Hi all, it's time to buy a new truck- finally! I have been looking at 
> the Dodge and Chevy 2500 (3/4 ton) 4x4 diesels. But a salesman today 
> said he thought I could pull the horses just fine with a 1500 (1/2ton) 
> because they have beefier suspension and anti-sway capabilities than 
> they used to- and both are rated to pull approx 10,500 pounds. So- have 
> any of you used these trucks to pull your horses? what do you think of 
> them? (I will at the most pull a three horse stock-type trailer but I do 
> pull up and down mountains and dirt roads)
>
> I have always stayed away from 1/2 tons because of the weight issue with 
> live animals but the salesman today started me thinking. A 1500 would 
> sure be easier on the gas, and the pocketbook!!
>
> Words of wisdom?
>
> thanks,
> Chris Pennington
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