I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L V8 short bed single cab. I want to tow a CM two horse slant load steel trailer with a small tack room up front. I researched and found that my GCWR is 10,000 and max trailer weight is 5,400.00 according to my owner's manual. I do not have a 4X4 and the truck is sooo short being single cab/short bed. Is it safe to tow this trailer with 2 horses (about 1200lb each)? Would a bumper pull work better on a short bed truck rather than a gooseneck (don't GN trailers tow better and sway less)? I just want to be sure before I purchase a trailer that my truck can handle it... Also, does anyone know of a reliable company to install a class IV hitch in the Oklahoma City area?

Hello KP ...
First some clarifications..
The GCWR is the Gross Combined Weight Rating. This means the total weight of the loaded truck and trailer. The max trailer weight of 5400 pounds is assuming the truck is the base unit and only the driver is aboard. Every option adds truck weight and reduces the max trailer weight. So, with a short bed and only a 1500 truck, I would rule out a gooseneck trailer. A two horse bumper pull trailer would be your best option. Keep it simple and consider a weight distributing hitch for driving stability and safety.

Ride on...