Can I tow 4500# and carry 500# with a half-ton?

[Poppa Wheelie]

I just got done looking at this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433426

...of everyone showing their trucks really hauling loads, and I am just stunned at how much some of you tow and haul. Seriously.

I need to tow a 2500#* car on a 2000#* open car trailer with 500#* of tools in the bed (*all weights are estimates). So, tow 4500 and carry 500.

Right now I use a '97 C3500 and of course it works great. In the past I have used an '87 K20 suburban, also worked great. Before that I used an S10 (the loads were lighter) but I really didnt know how stupid I was and there were plenty of white-knuckle rides in that.

I have convinced myself that I would never tow with less than a 3/4-ton again (but I have never used a full-size 1/2-ton).

Heres my question: can you convince me that a 1/2-tonner would be adequate? Or not just adequate but safe? I love looks of a swb 1/2-ton step-side; would this be enough truck?

Thanks in advance!