I’m in a bunch of horse trailer and truck groups, and there are often posts along the lines of “Can a half ton tow a horse trailer?” So here’s my review, officially in blog form for posterior. Also, I’ve barely had the trailer a month and already it’s providing it’s worth to my husband! After the most recent “half ton towing a horse trailer” post, I figured now was a good time to chime in with my two cents.

For the past several years, this was my set up:

• 2013 F150 (3.5L Ecoboost Lariat, 7200 pound GVWR, 1194 payload with a canopy on the back)
• 2 horse Morgan Built, stock, GVWR 7000 pounds, about 5000 pounds fully loaded with two horses and a week’s worth of camping gear
• I purchased this at 116,000 miles and sold it at 148,000. I rebuilt the turbos, replaced the oxygen and upstream air sensors, as well as regular maintenance.

I hauled out several times a week and up and over the Cascades Mountains several times. I loved this truck, it drove so smooth and was the nicest vehicle I’d ever owned. The freedom to just toss my horse aboard and head out was unmatched. I never had any bobbles or close calls, other than folks cutting me off. That said, every trip started with a question in the back of my mind, “Is this enough?” I was happy to have the more affordable truck, but I had to be so careful to stay within my capabilities.
Fast forward to driving my current rig, and its night and day.

• 2010 Ram 2500 Laramie, 6.7L Cummins Diesel, 78,000 miles, recently rebuilt fuel system, 9600-pound GVWR, 2300-pound payload, no canopy.
• 2022 Double D, two horse slant, GVWR 7000 pounds, just under 5000 pounds with one horse and everyday gear.

Driving this bigger rig and knowing I have more truck than I’ll ever need (plus that nifty exhaust brake!) is such a comfort. Now there’s no question when I head out that I’m asking too much. I can bring the kitchen sink and a friend if I want to without stress, well, other than the other folks on the road!

Additionally, I couldn’t love my new trailer more, and I highly recommend Double D as the BMW of trailers. Their build quality, features, and ability to customize every inch of your trailer is unmatched. The main features and reason I went with Double D over Trails West or Featherlite include: side load, reverse facing, ramps, swing out Safetack, standard walk thru door, standard insulation of dressing room and horse area, Rumbar flooring, extra-large dressing room, among many others.

My mare, who isn’t the most comfortable hauler, will self-load on this trailer (she’s not done that on the five other trailers I’ve asked her to haul in) and relax and stuff her face while driving along.
So, back to the question of “Can you haul a horse trailer with an F150/1500?” The answer, as in so many cases, is “Yes, but.” Yes, you can do it, and more or less safely, so long as you keep to your numbers. But you’ll always be limited, and your truck will wear out faster than you’d like. Even flat land hauling with a smaller truck has its caveats. Whatever choice you make, happy and safe hauling!