Re: Re: re: S10 Towing

["Kirsten Price" <kprice@forums.law.Arizona.EDU>]

As one Ridecamper pointed out... the real issue is not *WILL* it do the job,
but will it do the job *SAFELY.*

I drive a GMC 3/4 ton 4x4.... a fairly heavy all-purpose truck.  I pull an
older (1987) model, bumper-pull, two-horse, TB height trailer with walk-in
tack room.  It's a heavy trailer at #3500 despite being a two-horse. Put one
horse in it (that's what I usually haul) plus a bunch of tack, hay and all
that and pretty soon I'm edging closer to #5000.

Even with the heavier, longer vehicle (compared to an S-10) I get pushed
around quite a bit in high winds and by semi-trucks passing on the highway.
The tail-wagging-the-dog effect is noticeable and it would only be worse
with a lighter weight tow vehicle with a shorter wheel-base (mine is a
short-bed, but has an extended cab).  Given a choice, a full-size pickup is
going to be the safer vehicle to tow with... as opposed to the mid-size both
from the point of view of stability, maneuverability and stopping power.
Even if you have electric brakes on the trailer, hitting the brakes isn't
always the best option for avoiding an accident.  Being able to swerve, yet
maintain control is also very important.

A trailer and contents that outweighs the tow vehicle is just not a good
idea, IMO. Personally, I think those who are confining the discussion to
engine power are really missing the most important point.

Kirsten

Kirsten Price
James E. Rogers College of Law
Director - GPSC Showcase 2000
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
splash@dakotacom.net