Tow Vehicle rating and comfort

Payload is king, since it takes the whole vehicle into consideration, not just individual components. One could put a huge rear axle under a Ranger and still be limited in towing capacity to the whole vehicle. My buddy put a F-350 rear axle under his F-150. It lived about six months after he loaded it to rear axle capacity.

Everyone has their personal preferences. When I tow 7,000 pound trailers, I want a 2500 series pickup. I like staying under 6,000 pounds with a half ton. I am more comfortable at fifty percent of capacity rather than ninety percent. That's what works for "me".