It's time for a replacement truck

You really owe it to yourself to test drive a new Ford with their new gasoline engine and 10 speed transmission. Plenty of power and with that transmission, hills will not be an issue.

I appreciate the replies. Yes, we are retired. I’m aware that from an investment standpoint the diesel is much more long term and probably a poor decision. We’re past the point of getting somewhere in a hurry so we can check that off. Though I still do enjoy the “grin factor “ of taking on inclines without effort. We’re planning on continuing to spend our winters in Texas for the next 5-10 years, God willing, and I don’t want to have to consider trading trucks in that time. I have no opposition to gas motors if they’ll continue to perform according to my needs. The truck probably gets driven 15k miles a year, 3k of which are towing. From an economy standpoint it’s obvious that the gas motor is the way to go. But I also want to consider the maintenance and whether the gas motor will endure the next 10 years.

And thanks for the well wishes. Fortunately everyone involved in the collision literally walked away from it without so much as a bruise or bump. The other driver had stopped at a stop sign and then continued into the intersection. At 55 mph there just isn’t much you can do. He stated later that he must have been driving with his head up his a**. I simply said that I was hard pressed to disagree with him. All this stuff can be replaced at a cost...lives can’t. Thanks again for the replies and information.

Bummer dude. Hope y’all weren’t injured.
It’s even harder to swallow if someone totals an older vehicle of yours compared to newer, as it’s hard to recoup all the “value” of your vehicle if it’s in great shape and/or low miles.
For your described use, a diesel makes zero sense, and an older gasser like your considering, will do the job, “just ok.”
If you think you’ll have it for a long time and pulling that kind of weight, I’d personally rule out a 5.7 Hemi if going Mopar and I’d take a 6.2 Ford over a 6.0 GM.
Between the 6.4 Hemi and 6.2 Ford, it’s a coin flip, IMO.
If you were considering the cost of an equal year and miles diesel though, with that budget you might be able to squeak into a 6.4/8 speed Ram. But don’t test drive one back to back with the others unless you plan on coming home with it!!

Having been looking at a replacement myself, IF you can swing it.....the gas versions from 2014 on seem to have better HP/torque specs in general. ALong with better mpg's. For 25/35 series trucks, not as much mpg....but 15 series a 20-30% improvement in most brands and models. They still got the power boost of upwards of 30% depending upon brand etc.
Example, I've been looking for and at GM 1500 dual cabs with the 4.3 V6. 2013 and before, 4 sp trans, and 220'ish hp/torque motor. 14+ is a 6 sp trans, 285/305 hp torque spec abd about a +4 mpg gain across the spectrum.
With that said, the years you are looking at, the diesels will have better performance overall. For the miles you are driving.....I have to be honest, not sure you will EVER get the initial cost back of the upfront costs. Yes you do get some back at the end. But depending upon how long of time frame, how many miles you drive......How many factors in the which fuel to use vs the other you want to throw into the equation.....
WIth the above said. Find the best priced, nicest, your spouse likes, fits your buts seats you can find, buy it! and enjoy the drive to and from. Yes a lower powered rig might take you a few hours more. I will assume you are retired, most do not seem to mind the extra time here and there.
as others have mentioned, glad neither of you are hurt!
Marty

Your description of what happened made me chuckle a little. :) Sorry to hear about your truck and trailer, and hope you and yours were ok. The years you are looking at make it kind of a tough choice. The diesels will perform much better but in those years the emission systems could be problematic. Many have been trouble free, though. The gas engines should be very reliable but will rev high and burn lots of gas while towing.

Would you also consider the 6.4 hemi instead of the 5.7 hemi? I think the gas motor choices you listed will be a little lacking on power. The 6.4 may also be lacking with those weights.