attacking w/ Settlers

I just tried adding some settlers to a raid. It is very useful if you have a "safe" farm (never troops) they will drastically increase the carring capacity (travian information says 3k).

Aye, or transferring resources between close villages quickly, without merchants...

What?? Do settlers carry 3k resources?

http://www.travian.us/anleitung.php?#

Settler Settler (Romans)

Attack power Defense against infantry Defense against cavalry Wood Clay Iron Wheat
0 80 80 5800 5300 7200 5500

Speed: 5 fields/hour
Carrying capacity: 3000 resources
Upkeep: supply 1
Training time: 7:28:20

Settlers are courageous and daring citizens of your village, trained to found a new village in your honor.

Because the founding of a village is particularly difficult, three Settlers are necessary. Additionally, they need 750 units of each resource.
Prerequisites:
Palace level 10 or Residence level 10

They can be a big target though if someone sees them in your village. One strategy I believe I've seen but haven't confirmed (for Gauls only) is to hide idle settlers chieftains in your own trappers by attacking your own village. I think troops in trappers are safe from attack.

Can anyone confirm/deny this?

Unsure, but my preferred method is to send them on long trips to alliance member villages and then bring them back, keeping them in transit so they can't be touched.