New at this

You are going to get a lot of mixed answers to your questions. Some people like 4x4 but is it needed, no. I think the average tow rating on the newer trucks are around 10,000 lbs give or take a little. But the chevy and dodge fans will say no to ford. Personnaly, its what you like in a truck and what your willing to pay. Make sure you get the tow package. Some trucks (although they look like a truck) are mama grocery getters. Smaller moter, lower tow rating smaller gears, so on and so on. Im sure others will confirm and add to what i mentioned. There are some super smart yoda style individuals on here who know all the numbers and will do the difficult math to be able to tell you the mpg you will get by changing one pound of air in your tires.
good luck.