After towing for 26 years with a 1965 Chevy Van (w/292-TH350), DW and I are getting too old to put up with 100 degree temps in it cause it has no air. So we bought a pristine '04 Envoy 4.2 to tow o...
Being that you are used to a van and your history empleys that you are frugal with vehicles, I think a 6.0 van would be a good fit. That seem to be significantly cheaper than trucks and offer storage that you are currently lacking.
Also, don't judge modern engines by the CI. My 3.5 liter will out tow all options mentioned.