[jsb5717]

This is a classic situation. A 1/2 ton truck is a light duty truck. 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are heavy duty. The towing experience between the 2 platforms is very different. The current experience of "the tail wagging the dog" will mostly disappear with a heavy duty truck...gas or diesel. You will still need sway control but the larger truck will better manage the trailer.

I'm a diesel guy all the way. To me the benefits out-weigh any cost or payload differences. Gas can't compete with the simple low-rev torque of the diesel. Long uphills just feel more effortless. Fuel mileage is also better. I get 11-12 mpg towing and up to 20 empty. YMMV...literally