Just had to add that the OP's description of towing a trailer that size with a 1/2 ton is exactly why we upgraded to a bigger truck. Doable? Sure. But comfortable? No, even after upgrading tires and adding airbags, and having all the other proper equipment.
Other factors for us that led to a larger truck was our height, 12'3", and the amount of wind we get here in CO and WY (the two states we're in most often), and that we are often going up and down steeper grades (I-70 through the mountains for example). It was OK towing on a flat road with no wind. The last issue is experience. The hubs is not an experienced trailer hauler, so we just felt more comfortable moving up to a bigger truck (first to an 250, which was good for our current trailer, and now to a 350 DRW, in preparation for a future 5th wheel of almost any size). His dad pulled our trailer home once, just slapped it on the ball on one of his hauling trucks (I believe it was his Dodge MegaCab 3500) and pulled it back for us with no issues. But he hauls for a living.
I just think it's irresponsible to tell someone who is new to hauling, and new to RVing in general, that they should have no issues pulling their 8,000lb trailer no problem with their 1/2 ton truck, and if they are, then CLEARLY something is wrong. That's great if you're OK doing it, but not everyone is.
