You should be fine with most 1/2 ton trucks. I forget the exact years...I think mid-2000’s, but be careful of some Ford 5.4L engines. They had issues with the cam phasers going bad and it’s an expensive fix if you have a shop do it. I helped a friend replace his cam phasers on a 145K motor and it ran smooth as can be after the fix.
The GM 5.3 in the 1500 and 6.0 in the 2500 are really reliable, but if they’ve towed much you are certain to break exhaust manifold bolts and will require replacement.
I’m not sure of the common issues with Ram 1500. Most of my 1/2 ton experience is with Ford and GM.
If you’re going with a truck be sure to get a full Crew cab. Can seats take a ton of space and extended cabs don’t really give enough room for the kids feet to have space. I raised my 2 younger boys in car seats in my old 2004 Chevy 2500HD crew cab and it was just enough room when they were in forward and rear facing car seats.
KJ
