Mounted search and rescue

["Glaze" <glazejk@netmdc.com>]

In the May issue of John Lyons Perfect Horse Magazine, there is an article
that deals with buying a new truck. Safety is the overriding factor. Tow
ratings are made for travel trailers or boat trailers on flat terrain with
one person in the vehicle and a stable load that is heaviest at the bottom.
Horses are top-heavy, shifting, live cargo that can create a dangerous
driving situation that won't apply to other types of trailers. Road
conditions play a huge part. Neva Scheve, author of The Complete Guide to
Buying, Maintaining and Servicing a Horse Trailer, says your tow vehicle
should be able to perform as well with a trailer as without. The chance of
an accident increases when the tow vehicle is sluggish. Get a vehicle with a
tow rating at least 30% higher than the maximum weight you expect to pull.
Breaking power is just as important as torque and horsepower. It would also
be a good idea to weigh your fully loaded rig at an approved scales. As
stated before, forget gas mileage and go with the best truck for the job. 
Happy haulin!!

-----Original Message-----
From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of David Skofstad
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2007 10:32 PM
To: Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Trucks?

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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> MSAR-Riders@lists.ibiblio.org
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