Wife says I can get new(er) Tow Vehicle !

It's been a while, but, I went from a 1/2 ton, to a 3/4 ton HD with not enough engine (5.7 cu ") and regretted it. I then traded for a 2500 HD with the biggest gas motor they made, the 8.1 with an Allison Transmission. It's been 13 years and 100k miles and I haven't regretted it yet. If you're not going to be pulling a large 5th wheel, a 3/4 ton should do fine. As for motors, I'd go with the biggest you can get, if your primary use for the truck is towing. Personally, I'd stick with a gasser, if I could. IMHO, if you can't swing a newer truck, I'd look for one of the later 8.1 GMC or Chevy's, or even a v-10 Ford. If your considering diesels, I'd go with a later DEF diesel or stay with a pre-emission 2007 or earlier. People with 7.3 Fords seem to love them.

I love my old 2002 8.1 Allison, and hate to think about replacing it. I'm sure not thrilled about having to pay $65,000 for a new truck, which is what it would take to get the towing capacity of my old 8.1.