Owned both and currently truck in sig. Pulled loads with my 1/2 ton for a few years and never had an issue. I then bought the 1500HD, Loved that truck and it handled the load even better. Upgraded campers and still the 1500HD (2500) standard GM pulled well. Eventually got the truck in my sig and it's even more stable. Each has done the job without any issues pulling within the rated wieght. My only gripe about the new 1/2 tons is that they publish the ability to pull 10k or more. The power is there, but not the payload. Unfortunately the public has no idea and when I have explained it to some they just don't understand. Regardless there are some really nice 1/2 ton trucks hitting the market, just keep within ur true ratings and all should be good. Has there been a difference in handling the wieght going to a 3/4 ton...? Yep in my case definitely. The same can be said when I pull my fifth wheel with my parents dually.