While we are talking about towing, I know it was mentioned that many half ton chassis vehicle have the power to tow anything you throw at them. This is likely the case, as many engine/transmission combo's in the half ton are also used as the smaller engine option for the larger 3/4 ton or 1 ton counterpart, so it should have the power to tow large loads. The weakness comes in braking power, suspension and rear axle ratings. Therefore it is important to pay attention to tow ratings, not just what the engine can pull. For a load leveling hitch the trailer can way twice GVWR, but if you read the fine print in the manual, the rear end is not always rated for that kind of load. Just to add from experience I have towed the same trailer with similar loads with a 1/2 ton and a 1 ton, and the handling and braking was way better with the 1 ton, even with the trailer being within the allowed weight for the 1/2 ton and properly set electric trailer brakes.
As much as I am a fan of Ford, and diesels; stand clear of the 6.0L. Too unreliable and expensive to repair. The 7.3 was a good engine, but your looking 2003 or older for that option.
Just get the F650, they have the Cummins diesel, and the Allison automatic transmission. If they had that setup on the smaller chassis it would be a no brainer
. Why don't they make the ideal truck on the smaller chassis
? And a third row crew would be nice too...