[QUOTE=Eddie A.;222322]You all are confirming what I suspected and what I've tried to explain to my wife (seemingly on deaf ears [emoji57]).
The good news is, when I originally expressed my concerns about the TT she wants vs my TV she immediately suggested that we just get a new TV. The bad news is I really love my truck and don't really want a knew one; hell, I've only been in this one three years!......decisions, decisions
With a growing family you will want "bigger" as time goes by....not smaller. The one thing that hasn't been mentioned is SAFETY. Lots of folks kind of blow that aspect off, but with young children and the family looking forward to fun, uneventful trips, a truck of sufficient size is mandatory.
The 31SQB is barely within the towing specs of your truck (100 lbs). Your payload will be an issue. It is 1510 lbs per online (your yellow sticker on the door will tell you exactly) and may be lower depending on options on the truck. The dry hitch weight of the trailer is 820. The GVW of the trailer is about 9000 lbs. Your loaded tongue weight will run in the 1200 lb range so you have about 300 lbs for 4 people, 100lbs for hitch, toys, BBQ, tools etc. It will be tight and probably not doable.
The 29BHS is about 800lbs lighter but has a hitch weight (dry) of 845 - heavier than the 31SQB. It's still going to be a load for the truck.
You like the truck you're in but I can assure you after one long trip with a maxed out 1/2 ton you won't like it as much; and you definitely won't be looking forward to those long trips with the RV and family. I liked my 1/2 ton as well but now that I'm used to it I like my HD as much or better (even if I need a dang ladder to get in it) and towing doesn't even come on the radar when thinking about a cross country trip.
Get the floorplan and trailer that the family likes...it will make all the difference in how much you enjoy it then get the truck that will pull it easily. That will make all the difference in how much the driver enjoys the trip and provides a ton of "peace of mind" when towing instead of squinching up every time a semi comes by you....or a gust of wind....or a whirlwind....or a braking event....or....; you get the picture
My wife vehemently didn't want a new truck (mine was a year old or so) but understood the issues I explained and grudgingly said OK. After our first trip (she knew how it was driving the 1/2 ton) and her watching me for 4 days as we traveled cross county one way she told me she was so glad we had gotten a bigger truck. Not only was it obvious that I had a much better time but she did as well. She didn't realize how uptight she was simply because I was. Once you and your wife discuss these things I'm sure she will want you to get a bigger truck
As most folks will attest; go big the first time on the truck because invariably you will want to do the same with the trailer and the truck will always be a hindrance. JMHO Good luck on your choice(s) - just think of all fishing and camping awaiting the family