Mounted search and rescue

[Pennbo's <pennbo@verizon.net>]

> Also on your truck look at transmissions.  Your 3/4 ton tranny may not 
> be as stout as the 1 ton.

It's a pretty good tranny on both the Dodge and the Chevy.

>  Are you going automatic or manual?  

Now that's a harder decision. I've always driven manual. And driving a 
mountain road daily makes the manual a Godsend! BUT driving our units 
automatic truck makes hauling a breeze AND is much easier on the tranny 
than the constant shifting sometimes needed in a manual on our narrow 
dirt mountain roads (which is where we are usually deployed!). The new 
tranny's seem to be set up to accommodate hauling and many have the 
added benefit of being able to 'convert' to manual. I haven't been able 
to FIND a 3/4 or 1 ton with a manual yet so I can test drive it. Here in 
CA home of the recreational tow-er, most folks do freeway driving and 
want an auto.

> I have found that coming down steep rutted mountain roads that a 
> manual gives better control and saves a LOT of wear on the brakes.

I live at 7000 feet and drive to work at 3000feet daily on a 17% grade. 
However I would only be using the big truck on very snowy days heading 
down that- and only occasionally hauling horses that way. However the 
rest of the hauling would definitely be over mountainous terrain as 
well- just not quite so steep!!! When I haul our units F350 4x4 with the 
stock and 4 horses down that grade we are in low all the way. It does 
fine thankfully!!!

> Good luck and have fun spending money!!
> Faye

Thanks Faye!! It's been a long time coming! We built a new home several 
years ago and have had the old one on the market since then. It finally 
sold!! what a relief- only one mortgage payment now! LOL

>  
> P.S. Paul,  The oval head was a gift from my parents  didn't even know 
> about it until i went to buy my first helmet. 

I have an oval too! I didn't know there was a difference until I went to 
a helmet fitting clinic our local horse group held- many many years ago. 
A rep from a large tack store brought several brands of helmets up and 
discussed which ones fit which shape best. If you get the wrong one it 
can be very uncomfortable! I have found the Troxels fit an oval pretty well!

Thanks for all your advice Faye- much appreciated!
Chris