-> I'm just in the beginning stages of looking for a truck to haul the stuff 

-> need, as well as haul a horse trailer when I buy one.  I cannot afford
-> anything remotely new.  I was told that I needed a V8 engine, and that a
-> manual transmission was preferable.  But, it's rather hilly here and I 
think
-> that a manual transmission may not provide as smooth a ride to a horse in 

-> trailer as an automatic transmission would.  Any thoughts?
Well I do agree that you should have a V-8 but the manual transmission is
certainly not necessary these days.  Automatic transmissions on trucks have
come a long way.  I have an auto on mine even with overdrive.  One thing to
remember though is that if you do get one with overdrive don't use the
overdrive gear to tow with.  Put it in the regular D and everthing is fine
though.
And your right the horses will definetely like the auto much better (and so
will you).
Mike
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