I have a 2004 , 2500 short bed with the Cummins in her. I was looking at getting a 3 horse slant trailer and some type of camper like a lance. JNot sure of the aveerage weight of the trailer and camper but 3 horses would range 3300Lbs.

Would my truck be able to tow it safely?

 

It's all about the weight that you don't know. You should be ok, but I'd sure get the weight info and post it here. That way we could kick it around together. Also check out your receiver weight limits - Your truck may have enough weight capacity, but you may have to upgrade the receiver.

Speaking of hitches - you need to decide if you are going to use a weigh distrubtion hitch or just go without one. My personal opinion is to use a WD system - I Don't leave home without one.

Whats a Lance - a truck bed camper?

If your budget allows it, you might think about a fifth wheel or gooseneck horse trailer w/living space. Those look cool, will give you the best towing package and will give you the highest weight load.

I'm afraid I know nothing about horse trailers but I tow a RV about 11k+ a year.

Best Wishes,
Larry

 

Shouldn't be a problem especially with an aluminum trailer. You'd have a trailer weight around 9000 with the horses, tack and feed. My LQ 3 horse slant runs closer to 12,500 loaded for a weekend.

 

I'm thinking you're going to be maxed out with the Lance, trailer and horses. Maybe a little unstable with that kind of weight in the bed and on the hitch.

 

Are you talking about towing these trailers individually or as a train?

 

Towing horse trailer and lance camper would fit in bed of truck

 

On a 3/4 ton, I think you'd definitely be pushing the limit. I would also suggest a GN trailer with living quarters. They're kinda pricey, but by the time you buy a bumper pull and the Lance, it'd even out.

 

Lack of funds would cause me to go used on horse trailer and the lance camper.as long as i stay under 10500# i should be find correct? We use to pull a 26' toyhauler at about 11K fulley loaded?

I made the decision to not trade this truck in on a new one after reading the fuel milage the new ones are getting and cost of fuel these days It would be hard for me to justify getting rid of a 22MPG vehicle.

 

The weight behind you isn't really the issue. It's the weight on the axle.

Looking at Lance's website, their smallest camper dry weight is 1755 lbs. Add propane, water, etc. That's probably another 500 lbs at least. The new ones are lighter than the older ones too. Your truck weighs probably 7000 lbs. and approximately 40% of that is on your rear axle, you've got 2800 lbs of truck weight on that axle as well. That's about 5000 lbs. right there. Then you're looking at probably around 800-1000 lbs. tongue weight on the trailer, so you're at 5800-6000 lbs.

Load range E tires are generally rated around 3100 lbs. each inflated to 80psi. You're right at the max weight.

A properly setup weight distributing hitch will really help, as well as airbags, but you're still limited by the tires. I've seen a lot of people run basically the same setup, but I really don't think I could recommend it on a 3/4 ton pickup.