I tow a 5th wheel with a 1/2 ton 2016 F150 XLT Supercab. No problems, no push from big trucks, I could steer with two fingers, even while being passed by a big truck.
Careful on which 1/2 ton you buy. Don't assume a bigger truck has more capacity.
I was at the dealer getting my oil changed and the integrated brake controller activated the other day and had time to wander the lot. I looked at a lot of 1/2ton. Most had more features and higher towing capacity, however they had less payload capacity than my truck.
I have a 2016 F150 Supercab XLT, 3.5L EcoBoost, 2wdr 3.55 with electronic locking rear axle, towing package (not max tow), factory spray in bed liner, nerf bars, bed side steps, and I added towing mirrors, the integrated brake controller, and a roll up tonnue cover. My max towing is 11,000 pounds and max payload is 2,100 pounds per the yellow sticker. I weighed the truck with the wife, me, the dogs, full tank of gas, and all the options listed above. Plus about 200 pounds for a Reese 15k sliding hitch and mounting hardware. Truck weighed 5,400 pounds fully loaded and ready for hauling a 5th wheel. My max GWR for the truck is 6,900. Minus the 5,400 truck weight and I have room for 1,500 pin weight.
4wdr reduces payload capacity, crew cab reduces payload capacity, optional 36 gallon gas tank reduces payload capacity (but it sure would be nice to have the extra fuel). XL doesn't offer the right equipment to properly rig the truck for towing a 5th wheel, and the other trim packages reduce payload capacity. Regular cab has a short wheel base, which would give you the white knuckle experience. My wheelbase is 145" and I have no issues with steering at highway speeds in town or on the open road.
The integrated brake controller is awesome and it works with the anti-sway feature on the truck. The truck will activate the trailer brakes to reduce sway, without you doing anything. My 5th wheel has dual axles and both axles have electric brakes. Fords integrated brake controller powers both of them. Plus once you configure the 5th wheel and name it, the system remembers your settings and activates the power feed to your trailer to recharge the battery while traveling. My 5th wheel unit has a 12v fridge and runs while I'm traveling, no problem keeping the battery charged while traveling, even with the fridge on.
I also tow a fishing boat and have the system configured for it. When I hook up I select either the 5th wheel or the boat and it remembers my activates my settings respectively. I can configure up to 10 trailers.
Another feature I like the the USB port to charge my phone and link my phones apps to the truck. I currently use google maps to navigate, although I am looking to upgrade to an RV app in the future.
This F150 has the aluminum bed, however it also has a fully boxed frame, which adds a ton of strength for towing and hauling. Huge difference compared to the old c-channel frames.
There are several 1/2 ton towable 5th wheels out there, you just have to do your homework on the truck and matching camper. I went with the K-Z Sportsmen 231RK because its short, 25'. Short enough and light enough that my truck can pull it, and my boat behind it and still be under Illinois 60' length limit on the county roads and in cities. There is no length limit on Class 1 and Class roads in Illinois, just the county roads and cities. however there is a 5 mile grace distance to your destination, fuel, or storage facility.