For those on the 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton bubble...
After upgrading from a half ton at the beginning of summer, we just got back from our first long trip involving steep hills with our new 3/4 ton. Just wanted to pass on our experiences. If you're trying to make a decision, go with the 3/4 ton. The experience is so much better. I know there will be those that say it can be done with a half ton and, yes, it can but the experience is much less stressful when you're not always concerned with the tow vehicle. Towing with the half ton was fine for short distances that didn't tax the vehicle but for trips of hundreds of miles up and down steep grades, a tow vehicle that is not maxed out, or close to it, is a wonderful feeling. Hill start assist? Wonderful thing. Saw other trucks stopping in traffic on steep hills try to get started and rolling backwards several feet or gassing it and spinning the tires on wet pavement. Grade braking? Awesome. Speed never increased more than 3 miles and hour regardless how steep the descent and I never touched the breaks. Always in control, never felt like the trailer was pushing the truck. I realize it is very dependent on circumstances but having a better tow vehicle makes traveling a much better experience.
