I towed with my 1/2 ton based vehicle loaded up to max for many thousands of miles. It worked fine. I have towed the same load with my 3/4 ton based vehicle many thousands of miles. Does it tow better, absolutely. Is there anything wrong with towing with the 1/2 ton, absolutely not. As a matter of fact, If my wife would let me I would go back to the loaded to the max 1/2 ton for many reasons. The most important reason being that a 1/2 ton would be better "for me" for my reasons, not yours. The point being, nothing wrong with towing at or near your limits (but not over). Nothing wrong with towing with lots of cushion either. Choose what works best for you.