For hauling 7 people and towing a trailer it's really hard to beat a 4x4 diesel (7.3 especially) Excursion.
The 00/01 all had middle benches so the seating is for 8 people but I'm not 100% sure but some of the stripped down models could have had a front middle jump seat which would have provided seating for 9.
The 02+ had the option for middle row buckets so seating for 7.
Our 02 has the middle buckets and we've found it's works better than the middle bench with the 3 car seats (3 under 3).
Vans are nice don't get me wrong used to work out of them. If your towing there are times you may need 4wd and unless you plan to drop $12-15K aftermarket on a 4wd system.
I don't think your going to find a pick up that has 7 seat belts, 6 tops.
