How much trailer can the new 1/2 ton trucks tow?

Personally I say that as long as you are within ALL of the factory ratings, have a good brake controller, a good properly rigged hitch and maybe some LT tires you can safely drive the rig. That is not saying that if you plan to do a lot of long trips that you wouldn't be more comfortable with a bigger truck. I pull rated capacity, maybe even a little over, on my half ton Ford regularly with no issues. The guys that build the trucks are not idiots.