How much are you planning on hauling, how far, and how often?

If you're going to fill the bed up and drive 60 mph at freeway speeds, on busy roads, or up and down hills, then a 1/2 ton truck isn't going to cut it no matter what you do to it.

People think that the only difference between an F-150 and an F-250 is the springs and the axles and they forget about the frame and brakes. You need to be able to safely stop that load and F-150 brakes might not be up to the task. If you consistently overload your truck you can fatigue the steel in the frame which will lead to failure.

Be smart and be safe.