Steve,
If I may jump in here about trucks............
I've had three Cummins Rams, and there is nothing that tows like them as far as I'm concerned. But if I was only getting a new truck to tow a lightweight trailer, I'd not get a diesel unless it was the Ram 1500 with the VM engine. The Hemi would probably be my choice.
I love diesel engines, but diesels have been spoiled by the complicated emissions equipment. They are tuned in such a way that takes away some of the diesel advantage. Consequently, the throttle response is very slow, lots of surging issues and a limp mode that will leave you stranded if anything goes wrong with the DEF system. Still, the Cummins pulls like a freight train and does it while running at just over an idling speed. Very relaxing and drama free on hills. Plus the engine brake is one of the most important safety and convenience items on the truck. It will put out a retarding force equal to about 130 HP!!
If you get one, consider the 2500 instead of the 3500 like I have. The 3500 rides like a buckboard and the 2500 has rear coil springs. You can also get a stick if you prefer one.
Then factor in the cost of the Cummins itself. I think they are about $9,000. now. On our last 6,000 mile trip pulling our Ollie, we averaged about 12.5 MPG. Less than I wanted, but OK for what it is. Not a huge improvement over less expensive gas. I often had the cruise set at between 65 and 70 MPH. Hour after hour. That may seem fast, but these days the speed limits on the Interstates range from 70-80 and even the trucks are going over the limit. It's try to keep up or be constantly passed, then pass the trucks on the upgrades. Even though diesel fuel has more energy and diesel engines are more efficient by design, at some point, the sheer size of that thing takes away efficiency because it weighs so much and has so much internal sliding friction. They are made to work hard all the time. Modern gas engine tech, such as direct injection, reducing the running cylinders under
light load (not really much help), variable valve timing on intake and exhaust and better piston design, all add up to good gas efficiency, while still keeping the emissions equipment simple. These days I'm leaning toward the most modern tech, as opposed to the tried and true.
I'm personally not convinced the Eco-Boost is worthy of long hard pulls, all for a small overall gain in mileage, and it's a more complicated system than the simple iron Hemi, which has an excellent reputation. There seems to be a lot of complaints that the
Eco mileage, when working, is disappointing. So, if you get it to tow, what is the advantage? I'll admit I'm biased toward RAM, but there are solid reasons to be so inclined.