pulling a fith wheel camper with a 1/2 ton

[dgdrls]

That is to bring up fuel economy ratings, definitely not for serious towing.

I wouldn't place a 1500 1/2 ton P.U. in the "serious" towing category,
FWIW, its reported the 3 liter diesel matches the 5.7 gasser in torque and gets better mileage.

[DelawhereJoe]

I've talked to a few people that have that 3.0L diesel, it under preforms but they didn't purchase it for power just fuel economy.

[DR Buck]

I went the other extreme a few years ago.   I had the single axle F350 when I bought the toyhauler.  The toyhauler is the small one at 36' but gross weight is 16k.  I didn't feel comfortable at interstate speeds or going down large hills and mountains so I bought the F450.   I get 11mpg with the 6.7 diesel and 411 axle.  And, now I'm comfortable.    ;D

[sawguy21]

Atta boy!! :D Seriously, you are doing it right. That makes the journey so much safer and enjoyable.

[gspren]

  The F450 with it's tighter turning radius is about as good as it gets for towing. Now get a Titan Tank replacement fuel tank with over 60 gallons capacity and go.

[red]

next jump up is an RV TOTER usually an International sometimes a crew cab . Regestered as an RV gives a break on insurance and DOT regulations. But that's a far jump from a half ton pickup. My friends International Flatbed gets much better MPG than his F550.

[roger 4400]

Since 2015 Ford do not have a 7 lugs .
I have a f150 supercab 8 ft box with  HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE. My 2016 F150 XLT has a 2603 pounds of Payload, 4800 pound on the rear axle. It can tow 10,700 pounds ( V8 5.0L 385 hp, 387 pounds of torq) the 3.5 ecoboost in 2017 is 375 hp but 470 pounds of torq a 10 speed transmission......but I still prefer my V8, a personal choice. I often pull a trailer weighting 6500 pounds and +- 1300 pounds in the truck, it pulls more than my previous 2000 F250, better handling and a lot softer ride.
On the Heavy Duty Payload F150, everything is special under the cab......thicker frame ( Ford did not any HDPP in 2015, they did not had the special frames) they do not use the 7 lugs because the truck is lighter. Torsion bars in the front is solid not hollow, bigger shocks, 9"75 in. HD differential, 3.73 gear. with electronic lock,thicker axle, special rims ( they call them HD)  LT tires that are 4 seasons (2535 pounds rated ),   with the V8, a transmission heater, To my knowledge Rams and Chevy do not do any Heavy Duty Payload.  When you pull you also need a good payload  ( I would not suggest pulling near the truck limits (10700 pounds ) . Most of the half ton will have a payload of 1500 to 1800 pounds.  With Ford you can have lot more payload.  Good luck with your decision. Roger