[Seahawk]

All the major truck brands are good.

I own a 1/2 ton tuck with a V8 that tows 6000lbs effortlessly but struggles up the pound curve to it's max towing weight. I tow about 10 to 15% of the trucks mileage.

That works for me, if that seems reasonable to you a 1/2 ton will be fine. Get a tow package and trailer brake controller.

4x4 for me, never a maintenance issue.

I have a crew cab (smaller rear doors) that works for me. My kids are grown and we are rarely all in the truck together.

I opted for a solid, hinged bed cover, which I love. It really expands dry storage and cargo simplicity. Since I have an 18ft utility trailer so I never take the cover off when I need bigger items moved...you may need an open bed more than I do.

Seat heat is essential.

Make sure the little things are there: back-up camera, bed lights, adjustable headlights with a bumper load, etc.

Hard to go wrong with any modern truck.

Enjoy!