Well, I've gone from this Super-Dooper tow rig......
To this:
1999 Chevy Suburban K1500 ... yes, I said 1500 (looks like a 2500)
4x4
8-lug
14-bolt 9.5" semi-floater rear (not the 10.5" full-floater of the 2500)
3.42 gears
Much-hated and misunderstood 6.5L Turbo Diesel (just my style..... for example: My favorite step-child engines.... Vega 2300, Buick 215, Pontiac 301)
4L80e
Seems the 1500 that got a torque-laden 6.5L TD, got some of the required 2500 goodies... but still kept the softer 1500 springs.
200+ mile trip home towing the Miata on a rented u-haul trailer (total about 4400 lbs) got 15.6 mpg at about 70-80 mph through the Kentucky mountains.
As you old regulars may recall..... I'm 51 years old and have never owned a truck. Many Jeeps, but never a real truck with a bed. Never felt the need. My trailers handled everything.... decently.
But let me tell you, EVERYONE needs a Suburban!!!!! Wow! What a difference!