I think Ford makes really good trucks, possibly the best in general, but I trust their diesels as far as I could throw one. If you're going to switch to gas I wouldn't be afraid of buying the 7.3, it looks good on paper. Just understand you will be dropping down in performance and fuel mileage, but I do think it would be sufficient for what you're trying to do. I think the Ram and GM gas trucks would be sufficient too. That said I'm a guy who doesn't necessarily "need" a diesel but I wanted one and don't regret the purchase at all. Even when I'm not towing I think all that torque makes for a nicer driving truck.
