Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 17:00:33 -0400
From: Debby Hussey
Subject: RE: Correct Vehicle to Pull a 2 Horse Trailer.
For the person asking for information on the best truck to pull a trailer. I made the decision to trade my car for a truck in order to pull a trailer many years ago.
Here is what I learned. You will need at least a 6 cylinder engine to pull a 2 horse trailer. If you absolutely must have an automatic transmission, you will need to purchase a special towing package. (you can pull it without this package.. But be prepared to have constant problems with your transmission). The smartest thing to do is to purchase a manual transmission.
If you haven’t already purchased your trailer, forget about the tag-along models and buy the Goose Neck. It pulls SO MUCH EASIER, and I have always found it is easier to hook up to a hitch you can see. I bought a new F-150 4×4 with a 6 cylinder engine and manual transmission, with a low 1st gear and Overdrive in 1988. It would be wise to consider the 4 wheel drive option. (a little more money, but a necessity if you park on soft ground or wet grass with a trailer in tow).
I have used my truck to pull a 4 horse Goose Neck trailer, that usually had 3 and occasionally 4 horses on it. The truck is ancient… but continues to do the job. No need to change now. I have had no transmission problems and always got where I needed to be, when I wanted to be there. Good Luck!
Debby Hussey