"A brand new 1/2 ton pickup starts well into the 30's. Even a work truck trim is higher than you might think. I've been pricing out various options for a tow rig and I'm surprised at how fast you top $50K for a new truck. The 1/2 tons are the worst. I priced out an F150 that came in just about $1,100 less than an F250 with their new 7.3 gas big block. Both similarly equipped (as close as I can get anyway).
Edit: A base 2WD F150 with no options at all is over $28K so still under $30K but not by much."
agreed....I keep thinking of replacing my tacoma with a 1/2 ton 4wd truck that will tow better...and even in work truck trim, short cab, longer bed, minimal options for towing and its $40k....