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D.L.
11-10-2003 20:30:31
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Re: Re: 1/2 Ton Truck and Tractor Hauling in reply to Cosmo, 11-10-2003 15:39:00
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I've been driving pickup trucks most of my life, and have done just about anything you can imagine...some none-too-smart. I started with a half-ton, sold it and got a 3/4, progressed from there to a one ton dually, and have finally ended up with a four ton (F-550) dually...all of them four wheel drives. I mention that because four-wheelers are generally rated to carry a heavier load than two wheel drive models. What I've found over the years is that I can get a load in motion with just about anything...even a Volkswagen! The excitement comes into play when something goes wrong...like the time I was using my 4 horse trailer to move...my one-ton truck with the trailer attached weighed in at nearly 24 thousand pounds...I had driven several hundred miles on intermitently icy roads with no problems, then, an antelope strolled out onto the road directly in front of me. Obviously overloaded, and with no trailer brakes, there was little I could do. Fortunately, the big buck kept on walking, and I missed him. But I learned a good lesson with that one. The problem is, when you overload a rig like that, you can get the load to move, but then it becomes a tail-wagging-the-dog scenario. I realize the F-550 is a bit extravagant (and I probably can't really justify having it, other than I like it) but we have a 37' 5th wheel camping trailer, a 30' flatbed we use to haul hay, etc, a large & heavy horse trailer...you get the picture...we USE the truck. AND, since I've driven the larger and heavier trucks, I haven't had any times I've felt like I wasn't in control of the vehicles. One IMPORTANT thing...is to get and use trailer brakes...can't tell you what a difference they make. When I first got my set-up, I bought an electronic controller (for less than $100) and installed it myself. BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT!!
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