It's all opinion...
RGAWR is the main spec I look for in my decision for a truck and that is one of the Laws of Physics
Haven't looked it up in a couple of years or so, but half tons top out at around 4,800 lb RGAWR, that hasn't changed much for decades. Not enough truck for my main TV...edit2...4.8K is the top end rating...most half ton RGAWR's are in the 3,xxx lb range...bell curve has low 3K's to 4.8K as top dog. My preference is for 6K or more RGAWR
Yes, newer half ton's are rated to tow much more than before, but, IMHO there is more to it than MTWR...RGAWR is more important
The OEM'S designed everything around the RGAWR and rude quality is high on these buyers "have to have" list
Why more half ton owners discuss or have after market rear axle helper springs and higher class tires
Nothing wring with that. It's a personal choice thing...just understand that adding higher spring & tire capacity does NOT increase RGAWR...that is a Law of Physics
Sure, the OEM'S have design margins and note that by increasing spring rates e as t into those margins...
Edit1...seat belts
There was a time that they were not mandatory. Ditto other things like TPMS, safety glass, ABS, etc, etc, etc...
Until too many were maimed or killed. So they became OPTIONAL
Till folks continued to be maimed or killed...so DOT made them mandatory...to then make them either employed without human interaction...or madding buzzers that went off after you used them
