I'm J and I haven't owned a truck before but I do have some at home mechanical experience under my belt. I'm looking for a truck that can pull a car trailer with a smallish to medium sized car on it.

I've heard that a 1/2 ton truck would be just about at its limits with a full car trailer and car, as well as loaded down with tools in the bed. So as a result I'm looking for a 3/4 ton truck or larger for under 5k. Is that possible?

I've seen some excursions on craigslist here for about 4-5k in decent shape, all of them gassers. Would that be a suggested route? I love the sound and smell of diesels, although the cost of ownership may be a little much for me.