[jeff hanson]

For everything you mentioned that you want it to do, like room for the family, room for your job, occasional pulling, nice for your wife, and these days most of all, mileage, you can't beat a Chevy/GMC 1/2 ton crew or Avalanche. They have excellent ride and handling, good towing capability, and aren't sitting up to high for the wife. The Tahoe/Suburban route would also work well, you just would have to be alot more careful with your job. The truck beds are nice for anything and everything. I am currently driving a 07 new body style crew cab GMC sierra 1/2 ton crew and love it. I had the old body style before this one and they are both great trucks. I pull a 22' enclosed trailer with no problems. I personally feel that they are a little under rated as far as towing capabilities. If you're going used, I'd look for a 03 to 06, they made some nice minor changes in 03 on the trucks. I should probably mention that I sell these things for a living so I'm probably a little bias.lol. However, I have driven all of the competition and they don't even come close to these trucks ride quality. I should also mention that a 2500 will indeed pull better, but you completely lose any hopes of decent fuel mileage(except diesel) even when not towing, and they do drive a little more "trucky", something your wife will not be thrilled with. Good luck and hold out for the cream puff!