I am sorry, but I do have to laugh, you ford guys always give me a chuckle. Yes your truck drives like it is not loaded with the plow and some weight in the back, because it is not loaded. Dad's dirtymax is rated for over 7000lbs in just payload! So of course your not loaded at 4K on the whole truck. I am sorry but I do have to smile and chuckle yet again at your over 22k with trailer and dozer combined, like you have just climbed Mt Everest. I personally would not consider that a heavy load, rather the national average. As I stated our trucks don't move unless loaded. Here is my last scale ticket from dad's duramax and tandem axle dually trailer with a load of cement railroad ties. Oh and on mileage loaded like this I get 12-13mpg, unloaded 17-19 depending on wind ect.
So take your 22k add the weight of your truck with the plow and weights in back on that trailer and pull it around. Now you are only up to my load weight so add the 8k trailer to that equation. I had no problem getting to highway speeds as normal and no problem stopping. Actually with the Allison auto tranny I didn't even have to use the brakes on 6% grades. I just let off the pedal and let the engine braking do the work, kept it right at 65. Keep in mind this truck is just getting broke in though, just over 200K miles. Each person has their own idea of what truck is best, however I just use my trucks harder and longer than your average Joe. I am also willing to show why I choose GM over Ford, head to head, and have taken more than one persons lunch money.
Here is a pic of what I routinely haul with my bow-tie half ton's. I see guys on here with one ton Fords hauling less weight and wood and still squating more than I would care for. By the way this is over a full cord of wood just on the trailer, close to a cord and a half. I don't have any pics of just the truck with the stock rack loaded as of yet. I will try to remember to take one next time.
I have been around a while scooter, I have a class A CDL with hazmat,doubles and tanker endorsements. I have built quite a few oilfield trucks so I know a little bit about hauling. You keep bringing up your Dad? Are these his trucks or yours. I just finished up installing a pto and hydraulic system on a 12 D-MAX 1 ton. I see alot of all kinds of trucks and know what works and what does not. My customers rely on me giving the accurate info so they can make money. In the oilfield there is no brand loyalty, if it does not work it goes back to the scrap yard. Fords out number GM 2 to 1 here in Michigan. Heck Dodge is actually making a comeback and I would rather outfit a new Dodge than a GM anyday. CJ