Ah, life on the edge of my numbers....done it for 10 years now, and while it's been fine, I'm ready to move up to not worrying about what's on board. I have more payload than most regular 1/2 tons, but still up against the numbers Is up against the numbers. Really, if I had more power and more gears, the truck would handle it fine other than a little porpoising now and then. Handles great, brakes fine, but entrance ramps can be challenging. And yes, staying in it on hills and dreading mountains? I won't miss that part. I've grown to like the idea of more truck than you need.