Reliable mid-priced toy hauler

Given the weights of the stuff you're towing, you might be able to make a Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe work. They're rated to tow 1,000 lbs, which means you could probably do 2,000 if you're careful; no crazy hills (that's all of FL, right?); have a transmission cooler put in if you get an automatic. They're pretty easy to get racks on for the toys. And it will burn half the gas of a truck/suv. This option would really maximize your reliablilty and minimize your costs.

If that's too small for you, the next step up would be a Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4; bigger, better towing capacity (1500 for the CRV), but they'll still be significantly cheaper than a truck for operating costs because of better mpg and lower maintenance costs.

The other option with just towing a few times a year is that if you get a cheap car, you could just rent/borrow a truck for the days you need it. If you get your MPG from 17 (as for lots of trucks) to 35 (as for a Matrix/vibe) that is going to save you about $100 per 1,000 miles just in gas, not even calculating repair and insurance savings, so just that would pay for a lot of rental days.

Also, if you end up going the truck/SUV route, beware of getting any of them without Electronic Stability Control (all new will have it; used may or may not) because they're far more likely to roll without it. I'll admit I'm biased in this regard, having a business acquaintance just almost die in a truck hydroplane and rollover accident, but the fatality data really do bear it out. The trucks are susceptible to this because they're so high and light in the back end.

I haven't driven the Frontier or the Taco. But those who have reported that the Nissan felt much more comfortable and up-to-date. The main advantage of the Taco is that it will likely be more reliable.

Chevrolet, Ford, and Dodge have all greatly improved the comfort of their trucks in recent years. Reliability tends to be good for all three, with the possible exception of the first couple of years of the EcoBoost engine optional in the Ford. The Dodge might have the most comfortable ride due to its rear coil springs (since 2009, I think). The main question with these is whether you want such a big truck.

You can't go wrong with an F-150. I have had one for 10 years without ANY repairs other than tires. But wait a bit for the new 2015 re-design. If nothing else it will improve your bargaining for a 2014.