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crcr,
Most people that post here are enthusiastic tow people (nothing wrong with that) and therefore almost always think that you can't have too big a truck. This is true, if towing is what the truck will be primarily doing. But I'll bet that most campers are sold to folks that plan to tow only on occasion and plan most of the truck miles will be non-towing. Ownership cost is an object to many.
In that case a full-size half-ton truck is usually adequate, either a pick-up or full-size SUV. The frames, and driveline, are essentially the same on these two brethren. You will get better empty fuel economy with such a lighter truck and they can easily be adapted to haul greater weights than flimsy factory passenger-type tires allow by simply upgrading tires. The main reasons the empty fuel economy is down on the larger light duty trucks (3/4, 1 ton) is that they have huge, less efficient (but more durable) axle gears, are heavy in stop-and-go city driving, and they are less aerodynamic (taller) on the highway.
It is important that you know that the size of the engine does not matter much for empty fuel economy, the truck chassis causes all engines to work harder and burn more fuel than smaller trucks. Furthermore, while towing, all (gas) trucks burn similar amounts of fuel, 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton, being limited in the wind by the boxy TT(travel-trailer). If you are going to get the same lousy fuel economy anyway, you may as well have more power on tap. Finally, the average 1/2 ton rides better empty, the average 3/4 ton better, and more stable, loaded.
Another little known fact is that the smaller 1/2 ton trucks (especially in the past) often have better brakes than 3/4 ton, although it is frequently assumed otherwise. But in your favor either way, the campers always have their own brakes, so every truck must essentially only stop itself and passengers. In reality, the total loaded, ready-to-camp rig weight usually means stopping distances are increased all around, so equal care in allowing for longer stopping distances is required no matter which size light duty truck is used.
I noted this comment of yours:
"We prefer half ton if we can find one that has adequate specs for our needs, though we would consider a ¾ ton if it is deemed necessary. I have owned a Ford van with a V10, and know the quality of that engine, but would rather get by with a V8 if possible, due to the difference in gas mileage"
To be honest, I don't think you will find a V-10 in a half-ton truck. And there is very little difference in empty fuel economy between the V-10 or a V-8 if they are in the 3/4 ton trucks. About the best any do is 14 mpg. It is the heavy duty chassis that kills empty fuel economy, not so much the engine size as in smaller vehicles. Towing economy will be almost exactly the same between all gas motors. Keeping this in mind is why the 3/4 ton truck of choice may just as well have a larger motor, the extra power reserve being desirable in some instances of towing.
IDEAS:
I had a buddy that pulled his 5vr with a low mileage 3/4 ton 1995 Dodge 2wd truck with the Cummins diesel, 5 speed manual transmission and standard cab. He bought it new. It was not unusual for this model to get 13-14 mpg while towing. Sure, I knew he was tiring of the big 5vr, and he mentioned that he was thinking of getting a truck mounted camper, so I assumed he was keeping the truck. While I wasn't looking, a blizzard hit, he traded the traction-challenged Dodge in for a 1/2 ton 4x4, and he got $8k for it. Aagggh!
The trade-in he got is not an unusual selling point for these 2wd trucks. I had already noticed that I could dump my little 17/20 mpg gas mini-truck, buy a diesel truck like his, and get the same daily-driver city/highway mileage as the miniature truck. But I could also pull my camper with it at 13-14 mpg rather than use the thirsty 7-8 mpg V-10 4x4 gas 3/4 ton Excursion. And the Dodge would hold it's value.
I ended up buying a 2000 4x4 Ford CC(crew cab) diesel for a lot more money and I have some buyers remorse. I'm thinking I should have bought a similar CC Ford in 2wd, instead, that also sold for $8k like the Dodge.
You might consider a similar purchase. Two wheel drive sells cheaper than 4x4 and yields slightly better mpg to boot. One may purchase the larger 3/4 ton truck, yet get the same empty fuel economy as a thrifty 1/2 ton pick-up.
Another alternative is to buy a small cheap work car as a second driver and dedicate a 3/4 ton gas hog to towing only. Even if the little car goes down for service, the hog can be driven temporarily.
Good luck in your quest.
Wes
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