I think DP's are a great idea if you use it a lot and drive a lot and want to tow more than 5k#. The ride is superior and quieter for sure. But, given what you want to use it for and budget being a concern I would think a 34-36 gasser will do just fine. The V-10 is powerful and reliable and it's cheaper. Not only to buy, but to own. I see plenty of 34-36' gassers on the road so that must tell you something. Most of the entry level DP's are not much more than gas units on a freightliner chassis(Palazzo, Excursion, Legacy etc). So you don't get a ton of upgrades in the house. If mpg is a concern, the new DP's are much better. But you'd never see any return based on the trips you are talking about. I think most folks buy a DP for the ride and the upgrades, Little to do with practicality. You'd be fine in a gasser.
