Ask TFLtruck: Half-Ton or an HD Truck to Haul My Horse Trailer? GM or Ram?

We recently received these two questions, and we would like to get you feedback. The first question comes to us from Destiny R.

I’ve always used my parents trucks, and we have all 3/4 ton trucks. This hasn’t became an issue until now, since I am wanting to purchase my own truck. I rodeo and so I am trying to figure if I should go with the half-ton or the 3/4 ton truck and trying to figure which is the better deal. I would like to have a gooseneck trailer but would haul a bumper pull. Half-ton used trucks being a $15k-20k dollar range of budget, I just want to get the best for my buck. I’m confused on what to look for. My reasoning on looking for a half ton is because of the price, along with I don’t haul as much as I used to, so basically I just need to hit the every other weekend barrel race and be done. All local races maybe an hour out from where I live. So my question really is between Dodge, Chevy, or GMC – which would you recommend in the half-ton to pull either type of trailer? Mind you, I’m only looking for a 3-horse trailer max. I’m not sure on the weight or where to find the weight of the trailer. My horses only weight about 900lbs, so I’m thinking from the idea I have gotten from your videos that a half-ton may be good. I live in central Oklahoma and so the land is pretty flat. Every now and again, I may travel to Arkansas in the mountains to trail ride, but the elevation is nothing compared to what you hauled up in the tow test videos. Thanks!

First, a half-ton truck should be capable enough to haul a 3-horse gooseneck or bumper-pull trailer.  However, a gooseneck trailer requires much more payload capability from a truck. When looking at the used truck market, GM half-ton trucks have more payload capability than the Ram(Dodge) trucks.

The half-tons will be more affordable than a 3/4-ton trucks, so that plays in your favor.

2011, toyota, tacoma
2011 Toyota Tacoma

Second question comes from Nelson R.

I want to tow a small travel trailer with my 04 Toyota Tacoma prerunner double cab with the 3.4L V6. What should be my weight limit to look at? And what modifications should I look into getting the truck ready for towing. Have you guys done an Ike Gauntlet run with a 1st gen Tacoma? It would be cool to see. Thank you in advance for your time and keep those videos coming.

If you have the 3.4L V6 and your truck is not a Tacoma S-runner, then your maximum tow rating is 5,000 lbs.  I would not recommend towing a trailer heavier than 3,500 lbs with your midsize truck. I would look into a hitch with weight distribution (WDH) and sway control for extra towing confidence. Here is a Towing Guide we wrote a little while ago. As always, following all safety regulations and check your lights and brakes.

We have never done a towing test with a first generation Tacoma.

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov is an Automotive Enthusiast, Producer, Reviewer, Videographer, Writer, Software Engineer, Husband, Father, and Friend.