StreetMutt wrote:
nicolemorgans wrote:
Honestly its not really the strain on the engine, but rather the strain on the transmission. Are there mountains or steep hills where your going?
I have a 2005 1500 chevy, so the same truck, and have been hauling horse trailers for about 3.5 years with it and haven't had any problems (knock on wood). My mom has the same trailer that you do, and I have hauled 2 horses with her trailer for about 2 hour trips. I have hauled 1 horse for 5+ hours with my trailer, but haven't really done 2, but wouldn't hesitate if needed.

I will say that the gooseneck hauls WAY easier. You can tell that its easier on the truck to haul the 3 horses in my gooseneck (never for more then 1/2 hour) then it is to haul 2 with the other trailer.

Do you have anti sway bars installed on your hitch? That will help stabilize it and make it easier on your truck. If you do need to do it, just drive really carefully, don't accelerate going up hills and just keep your foot steady and allow your trailer to slow if needed. One thing that helps with the truck is to keep it in 3rd gear instead of drive, that will keep the transmission from kicking into over drive and is easier on the engine and transmission.

I feel your pain though! I have a 3 horse and unless we are going less then 15 minutes my hubby kicks a fit about hauling 3, even when one is a 13h pony! I do try to bow to his greater wisdom since he has been hauling and working on trucks since he was 16 (now 32).

Going to Rougemont (north of Raleigh), so no real hills until we get there and then just sloping easy hills. I think it does have sway control, as I believe that come standard. We have the braking package, but it hasn't been installed (another grrr).

I used to take it out of overdrive for hauling just Buttercup, but found it didn't strain the tranny when in overdrive (no "searching" and nice smooth shifts) but was def planning to take it out of overhaul for 2 horses.

I don't believe these are a standard, they are an add on you get later and are two little bars that come in and help support the hitch. It doesn't cost that much to get the brakes added on and takes about an hour. I wouldn't haul one without brakes...way too hard on the trucks brakes!
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Curt Trailer Sway Control Kit Curt Trailer Sway Control Kit
Friction Sway control bars give you a smoother tow with less sway. Trailer towing with sway control bars is easier on the driver. It uses friction to resist trailer sway once it has begun and keeps trailer and tow vehicle stable.. The Sway Kit has a durable EVERGLOSS Powder Coat finish that resists rust and corrosion.