Re: truck search

["Corrine Osborne" <whiteoakarabians@email.com>]

I have to agree w/ Terri....I have a F250 1990 3/4 Ton Extended cab 4x4
Diesel, 250K miles and you'd never know it except to look at her.  I've had
this truck for 5 years, and except for replacing normal wear parts, the
engine and drive train have given me no problems whatsoever.

I recently purchased an Expedition with the big V8 it it, and had my first
oppertunity to pull with it last week.  The engine didn't even pretend that
there was weight behind it (3 horse stock w/ 1400lb of 'junk steel' in it).
The Expedition is a 1/2 ton so I could feel the trailer bouncing a bit.  My
Exped has a towing package too (which means my milage sucks at 13.5 average
per gallon).  I have a feeling without helper springs it would get kinda
squirlly with a horse that didn't ride well in the trailer.  Ah, that's what
you get when you try to make a big SUV ride like a car :-)

But, all in all, for hauling a lot I would definately go with a 3/4 ton--gas
is easier to come by but more prone to breaking down vs. diesel which is
harder to find out in the sticks but will never quit running.  Guess you've
got to weigh the pros and cons.  Oh, if you go with a diesel...get a turbo
diesel.  They get better gas milage I'm told (my non turbo gets 10 mpg), and
have more power.

No matter WHAT you get, be sure the drive train is made for towing--get the
towing package for sure!!

Just my .02$
Corrine
----- Original Message -----
From: Terry <canajello@echoweb.net>
To: <wildpony@san.rr.com>; <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 28, 2001 11:22 PM
Subject: RC: truck search


> Hi annette. When I decided to buy a truck to haul for the first time I
> wanted the smallest truck I could find for the job too. My
> brother-in-law, who hauls a lot, had a fit and insisted I buy a 3/4 ton,
> heavy duty F250 instead of the half ton 150 I was contemplating because
> of the issues of safety, stability and length of service of the engine.
> He pointed out that gas was the cheapest thing you can put into your
> truck...mechanics are lots more money than a whole tank of gas. He also
> pointed out that if you are doing endurance riding you travel to way out
> places without mechanics and tow trucks. Sitting beside the road in the
> middle of nowhere is not fun, especially with horses aboard. and my
> Horses, he added as the clincher, deserved the greatest safety I could
> give them without going all the way to a huge truck. He found me a good
> used heavy duty truck and the years have proved him right. Not only did
> the truck serve me for thousands and thousands of miles of hauling
> without problems, when my plans expanded and it was time for me to
> invest in a camper (ah luxury) my truck was able to handle the extra
> load with no problem.
> I recently leaped in to buying a new truck and, once again led by
> experienced advice, bought a one ton Ford V10. What a dream. It hauls
> with no effort, has better gas mileage than my old truck (now retired
> honorably to farm work...and still running great) and is quiet and
comfortable.
> The difference in price in buying a light truck and a heavier light
> truck is not enough to risk your safety and your horse's safety. Buy the
> heaviest thing you can afford and enjoy it for years to come.
>
> Just my thoughts....I love to give advice, you are welcome to ignore
> me!!! Terry C
>
>
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