Hi Ricatic. Nice to see you back.
For your needs I would certainly recommend the Aisin 4.10 combo. Saying that, from someone who actually has 3.73 gears I certainly wouldn't shy away from them if you found a truck with them. Although my truck has the G56 manual transmission, I find the 3.73's a good compromise for a good pulling truck in 6th gear (I pull 16k lbs) and yet still a decent solo truck on the highway.
My truck has the 5th wheel prep group and it works extremely well. I have a 20k Ram (Curt) hitch with the picture frame adapter and it fits into the pucks perfectly. If you happen to find a truck without the prep package, there are members here who have added it to their trucks without a great deal of difficulty.
The other thing for a 3500 is that the changeover year for the improved frame, interior, DEF, etc. was 2013 so don't overlook one if you happen to find the right one. Although my truck has had several recalls (as have later models) I am extremely happy with my truck. The Cummins is a nice low RPM workhorse that never strains no matter what the conditions are.
I won't argue the fact that the Longhorn leather is better in quality than the Laramie but I much prefer the black Laramie interior to the cowboy brown Longhorn. It just doesn't work for me or my wife. If I were to go to the better leather I would go to a Limited and change the ugly billet grille to a Longhorn or Laramie grille.
One thing to be aware of is that if the truck has the factory tires, they are terrible in both the Generals and Nexens in later models. My tires have been balanced 5 times and still aren't right. Had I known this I would have had the dealer include new Michelins as part of the deal.
Overall they are good, solid trucks. I came from 20 years of Ford ownership and do not at all regret my buying decision.
Good luck and please let us know how you make out!
