A 1/2 ton would be a HUGE mistake for 2 reasons;

1 - Capacity. I had a 1/2 ton towing my 28' Nordic Heat (5500 lbs tops). Went over a highway bridge and the pavement was heaved. This jack-knifed the truck sideways about a foot at 70 mph with my 1 yr old in the truck. Sold it the following week and got a 3/4 ton Chevy which is a great ride and would be my choice given your options. 10,500 is a stretch and it would not cost you that much more $$ to future proof yourself. If you decided to sell this boat and move up, now you need to make 2 purchases.

2 - Liability. You will be so close to the weight limit with full gas, fresh water, coolers, etc that you run a huge risk if by chance you had an accident. 1 lb over the max and people were hurt, you will lose everything you have. This point doesn't even consider your safety and those with you.

Do yourself a favor and pull that 1/2 ton from consideration...

thanks guys...

my new choices are:

1. Cevey 3/4 ton
2. Ford 3/4 ton

I wouldn't rule out the new Dodge, especially the Mega Cab. I have a friend who lives in Butler who has a 2500 and he's extremely happy with it (but he wishes he would have gotten the diesel instead of the gas engine to tow his 26' cruiser).

I was impressed when I saw the truck, and I'm a Ford guy...

Chris: The Dodges do not ride well. Known fact for many years. The Chev. 6.0 has better torque than the Ford 5.4 and with 6 speeds will actually help you stay in the proper torque range better.

Wannabe

does anyone know the fuel economy of the NEW 6.0 and 6 speed trans?

I have a 2001 2500HD Crew cab with the 8100 and have put over 100 k miles with little to no problems. We tow the 29 outlaw everywhere. The gas milage is 10 mpg non towing. I also just bought a 3500 15 passenger van for business with the 6.0 in it and only get 12 mpg. So all I can say is BIG block if you tow.
Quinlan

I was wondering why a Ford 250 with the V10 is not on your list. I know you are looking for a daily driver, but the V10 is a great motor. I am getting 13.7 mpg (hand calculated) with the 3.73 gears on the open road. 12.7 all around driving (empty). Alot of torque and horsepower. Smooth and yet will pull your boat with out any hassels. Add the breaking control and some of the new options and you have a well equiped, comfy, pulling truck. Just an idea. Thought you may want to atleast look into it before making a purchase.

eveil twin,
I am shocked more people have not talked up ford. I would consider the v-10 but I have hear horror stories about fuel consumption.

Got one of those also in a 15 pass. van. 12 mpg. Does seem to have more torq than the 6.0. Quinlan

Opinion yes, fact no. I consider the Chevy ride worse than the Dodge. I have a buddy with a Ford that swears his rides better than any of them but even he admits my 3500 Dodge has a nice ride.

I have owned all three brands in the last few years. I have had one 2500 Chevy, one F-250, three Dodge 2500's and now a Dodge 3500. Truth is they all have a harsh ride, just the nature of the beast.

Drive them all, buy what you like. We can't all like the same thing, if we did, that would be kind of boring.