I would also go with the 1/2 ton truck, the engines in the Sport utes will do just fine, but the wheel base is short. I replaced my Grand Cherokee with a 2000 Silverado with the small V8. Besides my Jeep, I pull a 23' boat and it does a great job. Mileage is about the same as my Grand was(16-17), cost was actually less, I bought the 4-door,4x4 extended cab, tons of room and a great ride! Besides... the box is great for hualing Jeep parts!

"It's not ugly! It just has a lot of "Character"!