I'm not sure how relevant this post will be for you but here goes: Downsizing from a 7000# 1999 Airstream Safari and a '99 3/4 ton Ram with Cummins diesel to a 21C Escape. Our new truck, for towing our Escape, is a 1/2 ton Ram.
Initially, I was looking at the Hemi V-8's but I ended up going with the Eco Diesel with 3.21 rear end. If I'd had my choice, I'd have opted for a 3.55 but couldn't find one. I'm not worried about acceleration, even with the 3.21, the truck has plenty of kick. The relatively small 3.0 diesel makes 480 ft/lb of torque and gets unbelievable fuel economy. Diesel maintenance costs are higher - oil and fuel filters alone will cost around $140 USD, plus oil (around $45 worth). I do the oil changes myself so at least I'm not paying for that part. But I think the dealer gets about $250 for an oil change. The interval is 10,000 miles or annually.
This is my first diesel to use Diesel Exhaust Fluid, that 'other' tank that you have to fill. However, it is really not a big deal, you have to fill it once in about 5000 to 8000 miles. The DEF tank capacity is 8 gallons and currently, DEF is about $3.00/gallon if you get it at a pump. Anyway, I've had quite a few diesel vehicles over the years and have learned to appreciate their qualities, especially the torque curves. Diesels are fantastic for towing. Another perk is that I have a commercial fuel card for diesel and can purchase fuel for a bit of a discount (from retail) at any commercial fuel station, adding to the attraction for diesel. I think with a trailer that weighs less than 6000#, this motor should be very good for towing from both power and economy standpoints. I also like that I can use a Biodiesel blend of fuel. This truck and the motor are really smooth and quiet, there is not much clatter from the motor. Definitely one of the more luxurious feeling vehicles I've been in, especially for a truck.
We went with the short bed, 5'7" and the four-door crew cab and love the space in the back seat area. Our dog has plenty of seating ;-) But there is also a lot of room to stow stuff under the rear seat and on the floor and it's the roomiest backseat for passengers I've ever had on any vehicle. I'm looking forward to less truck in tight campgrounds, our previous 3/4 ton had an 8 foot bed plus an extended cab. It was huge and added stress to maneuvering.
I did not want to order a truck and get beat up badly on pricing, so I shopped hard on the internet for a truck in dealer inventory that would have most of what I wanted. I was willing to travel to get something close to my 'dream' truck. With the Bighorn 2 group, we got heated seats and steering wheel and a luxurious (to me) interior. It's not leather but the cloth is actually pretty nice. It came with a class IV receiver and factory trailer brake. The mirrors are heated and electric folding but if I could have, I would have gotten the factory tow mirrors. My experience was that they are tough to find on trucks in dealer inventory. I got a set of Longview mirrors that slip over the factory ones and extend your field of view. I'd rather have factory towing mirrors but the slip on's should be ok.
As others have pointed out, these trucks don't come with a full size spare, although one fits with no mods. I picked up a wheel and tire on ebay. They also don't come with rear wheel well liners(!!) but they are available either mopar or aftermarket. I also added Timbergrove manual airbags, just for a little more bottom out assurance than for hauling too much. Not sure if it was really necessary but I like that if we're getting too much squat, and we're not overloaded, that I can add a little air to get a better stance for the truck. I'm a big fan of paying attention to weight limits and downsizing from the 3/4 ton means being more careful with that. The truck rides incredibly well with the factory coils. We won't get our Escape until March so jury still out on towing with this setup.
I ended up driving almost 200 miles each way to get the truck. The dealer I bought from was in a small city far from a big urban area and had pretty much a no haggle sales program, but the truck was hugely discounted from sticker. I've continued to look casually and haven't found anything even close since I bought. That makes the pain of purchase a little easier to take. I'm really looking forward to having this smaller, less truck-y truck for our new Escape. Anything that makes the towing a bit less stressful should encourage more trips. Good luck with your decision!
