Need a big truck to tow? Nope!

[Arragonis]

Drop a 2 litre Turbo Diesel into it and see it go 30+ and crack 55 uphill

[texanidiot25]

The S10 is certainly a capable truck, able to confidently tow 6,000 lbs in it's higher trim levels. Often times, however, pulling is not the problem. The problem of stopping is the bigger issue, as well as a vehicle's ability to control the weight. A heavier truck can control a heavier load, period. For bigger loads, say if you were pulling a full size car, or another truck on a larger trailer, a half-ton would be the safer move. But, a Geo Metro (sans engine) and a small trailer is just fine for the S10, though the V6 would be my move over the little 2.2.

You've got a truck that's just right for your load. There's reasons to justify bigger vehicles in towing, but that's for larger loads.

Sometimes though, you need a truck to carry a truck... Or.. Part of one at least :P

[bennelson]

I completely agree with comments about braking distance.

I did check my brakes. (Specifically checked my brake fluid and adjusted my parking brake before leaving on the trip.) And they were acceptable. Of course, I also made to sure to always have plenty of "comfort zone" around me while driving.

It would be foolish to OVERload any vehicle in the name of fuel-economy, to the point of not being safe.

HOWEVER, many people "over-buy" and get a "worst-case scenario" vehicle, rather than one that is appropriate for how the really will use it most of the time.

[spacer]

Or, some of us just prefer a half ton truck.