[Philip Saran]

Rick,

You seem to have your mind made up, but figure out how much you
are talking about investing in this vehicle to end up with a marginal
tow rig vs upgrading to a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

I tow with a 2004 Ford F350 diesel, 4 dr, 4x4 long bed SRW with a
12000 lb tow rate (8000* loaded truck + loaded trailer = 20000 lbs)
and it gets about 10 mpg with a enclosed 28 foot trailer and about
15 with a open trailer & car.

If you have your mind made up, then I'll suggest getting air bags and
adjustable shocks for the tow rig, the best eqalizer hitch available and
a sway control.

You talked about size of trailer and wanting about 8 ft at the front for
living/sleeping space. Most cars are about 15 ft long so you might get
by with a 24 ft enclosed trailer.

Good luck with what you are trying to do.

* that 8000 lbs is the truck, full fuel tank, two people and a 80 lb dog.