I've only owned open trailers and have towed all over the western states this way. The thing with an open trailer, besides the weather, is everyone wants to talk about the car on deck. Sometimes it's a lot of fun and leads to finding more projects.
With a 1/2ton I'd go as light as you can afford and something that is more than just a box like the V nose. I live up in the Seattle area and am surrounded by hills and mountains. My 1500 Silverado will do what ever I want it to but it's working pretty hard with an enclosed. You'll notice if the winds blowin! I had a warmed up Powerstroke that didn't care what it was pulling, up or down a hill, didn't matter. I miss that truck.
Anyone have a camera mounted to keep an eye on the inside of the trailer while underway?
Dan