Man, this is worse than the Glock vs. 1911 debates!
I've had 2 GM crew cab trucks. Liked them both. Looked at the Dodge and Ford before I bought the current GMC. Both were more expensive for the options I wanted. The Dodge interior felt smaller (unless you got the Mega Cab). The Ford just seemed... cheap.
So, yeah, I like my truck: 2009 GMC Sierra 2500 Crewcab/shortbed/Duramax/Allison. It does everything I've asked of it.
Do you own one of the Ecoboost V6's? From the few people I've talkedto they are gas hogs when you work them (tow a small trailer or load the bed). Not sure if you had experienced that yet or not. One of the guys we know gets 13 towing an open trailer ~4k lbs. I get 15-17 towing same weight on an open with out 4.8L V8 GMC.
all depends on what you want to work on
fords have coil pack probelms some timng chain problems
chevy fuel pumps go out regular
dodge coil packs and front ends
the perfect truck chevy body ford frame/drive line with cummins engine !
I have always owned Fords; they get road hard and put up wet with very little maintenance. Great works trucks just a little weak in the power field. I like the looks love the interiors.
Chevy's seem to ride better but I don't feel they are rugged like a Ford. They feel like they have alot more power. I haven't been in a Ford with a 302 yet so they may have caught up
I wouldn't own a Dodge unless it had a Cummins and a manual tranny and somebody would probably have to give it to me.
I bought my 2008 F-250 6.4 longbed brand new, this truck is strong & fast, I know the OP wants a half-ton truck, but you can't get a diesel until you 3/4 ton. re-think it & drive a 3/4 ton FORD, you'll love the great looks of the interior