Thanks for the feedback, both ways.
A couple of things I can point out. In 2006 I started off with a GMC 1500 Sierra ext cab, 5.3L 315hp and 4.10 axles. Bought it specifically to tow with, but within the first 2 weeks it had to have a new alternator, and that was the beginning of the end. In the next 3 months I had it back in the shop 10 times. Yes 10 times. EIght of them were for a vibration no one could figure out, and they really tried everything in the book. Long story short, CA lemon law. By the time this all transpired the '06s were gone and it was only '07s. Well I tried and tried, and with only one GM dealer within 50 miles, I ended up being stuck with an Ahole of a sales manager. After a few not so nice words I told him I should just get my money back and buy a Toyota, he said that was what I ought to do.
I had beed working with the Better Business Bureau (thats who you first contact for a lemon law claim) and a rep from GM in Mich. When I called the BBB rep and told her what happened and that I wanted my money back instead of a new truck, she got the GM rep on a 3 way call. He was SHOCKED they said that. These two reps were fantastic to deal with through the whole process, and didn't miss a beat. I got my money back (had paid cash for the truck) and bought the Tundra.
I did drive the '07 Ford, and to me, the 5.4 seemed weak, and the brakes were iffy. I drove and liked a 3/4 ton Ford, but their prices were through the roof, and wern't budging one bit. Sticker price! I paid about 28K for my Sierra and the 3/4 was closer to 36K. I didn't have the extra $$$. In retrospect, I wish I had just financed the difference. I also drove the '07 Dodge with the Hemi, and although power was good, it seemed to come on higher than I liked, and just didn't like the feel of the whole truck.
I did drive the '07 Tundra, but it had a very similar vibration that the GMC had, and I was leary of a repeat. They only had one 4x4 on their whole lot so it was a one shot deal. Not happy with that. Plus the fact that it was a first year model change and I walked away from it.
So here I am.
Now, on the gasser idea, when Iwas camping in Columbia, CA last summer, one of the guys in the group had bought a new Ford 3/4T but ordered the 6.2L gas engine and 6spd auto, instead of diesel. Not sure the axle ration, but most likely 3.73. Anyway he was towing about an 8-9K 5th wheel and said the truck would pull it on grades faster than he wanted to drive. He averaged about 12-13 towing, he said, and usually 18-19 when empty. He claimed he had gotten 21 before cause the engine is loafing along at 65.
SO I have considered that route as well.
I cannot argue with the fact that newer 1/2T are bigger and stronger than mine, even the newer Tundras are also. The jusry is still out for me on the Ford Ecoboost. I am leary of how hard the little engine has to work to tow. Does the ecoboost use reg gas or premium? Every turbo model I know of uses premium.