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1/2 ton trucks these days tow as much as 3/4 ton trucks of the 70's and 80's.
I agree. Back in the stupid days of 15 or so years ago, I towed a 21' aquasort center console with a 200 johnson 200 miles on the bumper of a dodge dakota with a 3.9 v6 with no problem whatsoever. It was a bear behind me but with the o/d locked out, was still able to pull at highway speeds of @65.
Also when I bought my son cherokee 3 years ago(ok I'm still stupid) I towed the cherokee on a tandem axle car trailer with my 99 cherokee 4.0 150 miles with no problem.
However now I say,"If you're doing substantial towing, get a truck designed for it". But it can be done with less.
Bill