Any short wheelbase single axle semi tractor is going to be more nimble than a 1/2 ton extended cab pickup just because of wheelbase length.    Its also going to ride like crap (especially empty) because of the short wheelbase.

Our 8100 International single axle will literally turn circles inside of the turn radius of my 1/2 ton Chevy.     As for older help, I'd look for something that sits lower, easier to get in/out and has an automatic transmission.


Not promoting this particular truck but something like that would handle the loads you're talking about really well.   Much better than any 3/4 or 1 ton pickup could ever dream of.    And do it cheaper also.

https://www.truckpaper.com/listing/for-sale/243592409/2016-freightliner-business-class-m2-106-day-cab-trucks#mce_temp_url#



Your $10,000 price range might be hard to accommodate though, this is the only one I found on Truckpaper with an Allison under $12k and it burns CNG, not diesel.

https://www.truckpaper.com/listing/for-sale/242622401/2014-freightliner-cascadia-113-day-cab-trucks#mce_temp_url#