Posted by Blueink_CA on 3/2/07 10:38pm
Msg #177990

Another OT

I know alot of you are very knowledgable about other stuff besides Notary Stuff, so here goes my question. I have decided to show my colt and my sporty 4 Runner is not going to pull my new metal trailer. I need a vehicle that will safely pull a trailer and also look professional when I pull up in front of a house to do a signing. I thought about a Chevy Tahoe, but my horse-pulling buddies say I need a 3/4 ton.

Any ideas are welcome.

Reply by Larry/Ca on 3/2/07 10:50pm
Msg #177994

A nice new F-250 will do n/m

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/2/07 11:13pm
Msg #178002

Re: A nice new F-250 will do

A good option - my nephew works for Ford, I'll check out the A-Plan. Thanks!

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/2/07 10:52pm
Msg #177996

What are your driving conditions? Mountainy? Fwy v. Hwy?

Too bad the Honda Element couldn't pull new metal trailer and Colt...easy clean floors, 5 doors, tons of interior configurations, creature comforts, and Sporty good looks too. Decent MPG too, I hear.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/2/07 11:00pm
Msg #177998

Re: What are your driving conditions? Mountainy? Fwy v. Hwy?

No mountains, actually I've been able to limit my signing circle to 15 miles. I am looking for the best vehicle to pull my horsey safely and show up at signings in style.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/2/07 10:59pm
Msg #177997

Re: Another OT...How about a Suburban or Yukon...

both come in 3/4 and 1 ton models (2500 and 3500 respectively) Actually there are probably a number of vehicles that would fill the bill, the Dodge Ram and the diesel version of the Ford which has a very nice Cummins diesel in it (I know I'm going to hell for suggesting Ford, no offense Larry, but I really don't like Ford, the company, personally). There are probably some foreign vehicles that will do the trick, Mercedes makes som nice trucks. Find out what your total weight is for your horse, your trailer, and your gear and then look for the vehicle with the tow rating that will handle it. Electric brakes help a lot. Good luck. I have a GMC 3500 diesel, crew cab with a utility body I use on my ranch and absolutely love the vehicle. That thing will pull stumps (and actually has) and with its turbocharger has plenty of acceleration when pulling a load.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/2/07 11:14pm
Msg #178003

Re: Another OT...How about a Suburban or Yukon...

There's a 2005 Silverado 2500 available locally at a good price, what do you think?

Reply by Charles_Ca on 3/2/07 11:37pm
Msg #178008

Re: Another OT...How about a Suburban or Yukon...

I have to say that I am as a rabid a GM owner as they come. I have several reasons for liking GM products and they may or may not have any bearing whatsoever with your situation. One of the things I like about GM products is that I travel to Mexico a lot and GM is also produced in Mexico, I have never had a problem getting parts or service for GM products. I find that the GM trucks are pretty straight forward and repairs are easy and universally available, or easy to do oneself. I typically have several hundred thousand miles before I need serious work and then I usually get rid of it. My current GMC has over 160,000 miles and its running great. Change the oil religiously and they seem to last forever. I've always liked them, I'd say yes but I'd recommend if it is a used vehicle and you have no one in your family who knows trucks that you take it to an independent mechanic and have it checked out. Good luck!

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/2/07 11:51pm
Msg #178010

For a used vehicle, sage advice dictates taking it to a

certified mechanic for a 'pre-purchase' inspection. Avg fee, $100. Best money you'll ever spend if the shop is a good one, priding itself in inspection perfection (thoroughness). Any seller who won't consent to a private inspection has something to hide, imho. Also, if you are able to contact the previous owner, it helps to call and get the skinny on why they sold/traded. Look for maintenance logs and talk to the mechanics who worked on the prospective vehicle. One last thing - test drive with your trailer and your Colt. Kind of like shoes, some fit, some don't.

Major purchase deserves major research and due diligence.

Cheers and good hunting!

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/3/07 12:01am
Msg #178013

Re: For a used vehicle, sage advice dictates taking it to a

Great advise Susan! I have a friend that want's me to buy her vehicle "it's just what you need!" However I value my friendship with my friend more than my need for her vehicle. Some things just need their space in life.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 3/3/07 12:13am
Msg #178015

Ah, mixing business with friendship...Could be great, or

could be "wish I hadn't pet that dog."

If you like her vehicle, put your trailer on it, sans Colt first, then with Colt. Still like it? Pre-purchase inspection time.

Your due diligence betters the odds of finding a a good dog.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/2/07 11:55pm
Msg #178011

Re: Another OT...How about a Suburban or Yukon...

Thanks Charles, I am also considering a 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD. Nice vehicle, looks great. This is just hard for me because I love my 4 runner and hate to give it up. Thanks for your advice, it is well taken.

Reply by Katrina Arnaud on 3/2/07 11:01pm
Msg #177999

Maybe you could ride the horse? That might be a good showing.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/2/07 11:15pm
Msg #178005

LOL, in the 1800's this would work!

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 3/3/07 12:53am
Msg #178021

You're making me feel young... :-)

The day I got my driver's license gas was 89 cents a gallon. I remember it because I thought it was funny that my first car was an 89 Honda Civic and gas was 89 Cents. Got my drivers license in 1997.

When I was a kid (about 14) there was a lady at the Oaklyn Meat Market who would sell us cigarettes if there weren't any other customers in the store. We could get a pack of Marlboro for $1.75. If that lady wasn't working or the store was busy, we needed $2.50 in quarters to buy them from a machine at the Diner. We were so pissed when we had to spend that extra 75 cents. Circa 1994.

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 3/3/07 12:53am
Msg #178022

Whoops... wrong thread! DOH! n/m

Reply by KHAM/CA on 3/3/07 1:31am
Msg #178027

Hello most 1/2 ton trucks might not have a towing package. If it does then a half ton should work with a single horse trailer. Anything bigger a 3/4 ton with towing package is a must. I think if your truck is clean a polished and well cared for any make or model or year will do.Good luck!

Reply by Calnotary on 3/3/07 7:29am
Msg #178049

Toyota Tundra 1/2 ton truck; pulls 10800 lbs.381hp/400torque n/m

Reply by NCLisa on 3/4/07 5:49am
Msg #178219

Ford F150 with a 5.8 liter V8

is what I haul horses with in a 2 horse bumper pull trailer. I wanted a 250 but could not afford one, and this truck has a big enough engine and brakes that it is no problem hauling at all. Any smaller engine in the F150 and you'll be struggling. I've been using this truck for 2+ years, and love it. It doesn't struggle to go anywhere, including the mountains. The truck is rated for towing a little over 8000 pounds. Each horse is about 1200 and the trailer is about 1500. Just make sure it has the correct towing package.

I don't do closings in my truck anymore. I can't afford the gas. My truck gets about 13 miles per gallon, and 8-9 miles a gallon when hauling.

Reply by Blueink_CA on 3/4/07 10:20am
Msg #178231

Re: Ford F150 with a 5.8 liter V8

It's a Chevy!! After 6 hours of haggling with car salespeople, I am the proud owner of a 2003 Silverado 2500HD. Smooth and pretty enough to take to signings and strong enough to pull most anything. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!