I was bored one night and did some research into what the curb and max towing weights were for the domestic trucks of similar configuration. Now the estimated dry curb weight is the hardest to nail down as it conflicts on the manufacturer's own website in some cases but you get the idea.
I thought I would post this as the F150 looks pretty damn good for being viewed as the underdog in some cases!

All these comparisons were based on 2007 highest optioned 1/2 ton crew cab 4x4 available.

Brand Engine Gears Curb Wght GVWR Payload GCWR Max Trailer Wght
Dodge 5.7 3.92 5385 6700 1590 14,000 8750
GMC 5.3 3.73 5370 7000 1630 13,000 7500
Ford 5.4 3.73 5434 7200 1450 15,000 9200

 

What I could never figure out was the Dodge. Here is a vehicle with a nice power train, nice lower gearing, don't know about the brakes...but not king of the hill? However, they are still selling, so the fake "Hemi" must do it for them.

 

Those numbers are simply marketing BS. Take 40% off all of them & that's a REALISTIC number of what all 3 trucks are capable of pulling comfortably. Can each truck pull more? Yes. Should it? No. This is simply my opinion but a 1/2 ton truck should be limited to 5K. If I were to push it, 7.5K since that's the max rating you can get in a readily available 2 axle light duty trailer. When I see idiots, that's right IDIOTS, towing 5th wheels & 3 axle 12k trailers with a 1/2 ton, I want to stop them & punch them in the throat. All these IDIOTS are doing is endangering the public around them.

Notice how Ford raised their tow rating the instant the new Tundra was released? Did they change ANYTHING on the truck? Nope. This, even to the most die hard Ford fan should be clear proof the tow rating is purely marketing hype.

Now the reason Dodge apparently doesn't care is simple. Dodge doesn't market itself to the rough & tough work truck crowd so they obviously don't see the need to tack a completely un-realistic number on their truck since it won't make a difference anyway. When you have what is probably the best engine in a truck these days, all you need to do it put those 4 letters on the fender & it will sell.

KC-10 FE out...

 

Yeah Ford does a great job in staying ontop of the market when it comes to towing and hauling. and trust me these trucks will pull everybit as good as ford claims. My dakota was rated for 5k, with that weight it was a dog and could hardly maintain speed on an incline in 3rd. Loaded up the Ford slightly past its tow rating and I was maintaining speed on inclines in OD. The Ford made the trip easily at max weight rating where as I just felt like I was killing the dodge

 

Marketing is great, just the name Hemi sells that truck.

 

Alot of people don't buy their trucks to tow anymore, and the other two feel alot faster. That 6.0 and Hemi would do bad things to a 5.4 as long as a trailer isn't involved.