Its a outdated rating. I put 3000# in my 1/2 tons many times.
Chris
I have done the same. But 1/2 ton in a 1/2 ton pickup.....no problem. It will handle that all day long.
All good advise so far. There is no simple answer. Usually the only published data is GVWR. Which is usually the same for a given brand and year. IE: A Ford F250 Might have a GVWR of 9000lbs. It dont matter wether its ex-cab, 4x4, 4x2, gas or diesel, power everything or power nothing, etc.
So the MAX payload of any given truck is going to be with the smallest gas motor (lighter), standard cab, short bed, and 4x2. Because that is going to give the lightest truck. 4x4, diesel, power options, long bed, ex-cab all add curb weight, and take off of the payload capacity.
My 1-ton is the heaviest configuration for the year. Diesel, long bed, Quad cab, 4x4. I have a 12,200 GVW. Truck with me, fuel, and some junk in it weigh 8000#. So my 1-ton legally has a payload of a little over 2-ton (4200). But the same truck with a gas motor, 2wd, reg-cab, and short bed could likely be close to 3 ton payload if not more.
But to the point, for a 8500# travel trailer w/1000lb tongue weight, unless you only plan on towing it once or twice a year, I'd be looking at a 3/4 ton or 1-ton SRW. Especially if you are looking at getting 4wd, ex-cab, and hauling gear and people.