[RH77]

Repoint5 has the equation figured out:

Ford chassis, Cummins engine, Allison transmission -- but that doesn't exist, so you have to prioritize each item, figure the budget and go with what you know. Diesels will last, but remember the upfront cost is much higher.

We always had Chevy trucks and each lasted forever with no major problems / complaints. There's still a '93 K2500 Siverado 350-V8/TBI roaming around my Parent's farm, which was bought new and thoroughly abused in work duties, yet well-maintained.

For work (emergency medical and fire) we always had Ford Diesels in that vehicle category. With the routine abuse, the turbos would fail at 100K and the transmissions shifted with brunt force. Small stuff would break.

The "RAM" brand (as Dodge is known now) isn't without long-term quality issues for anything but the engine -- but each brand can say the same.

Latest experience: I rented a 2011 RAM 1500 Crew Cab SLT 4.7L-V8 and was amazed at how much it rode/drove like a comfy car. The rear seat easily sat 2-3 adults with plenty of room and it hauled stuff with ease. The FE was higher than expected.

Jump up to the base 2500 ST Crew with the Cummins, and you can select a 6-speed manual and have a well-optioned rig for around $35K, and not have to worry about automatic issues (depending on your co-workers' ability to drive stick). Tow package is standard. No cost options include a Vinyl split bench, 9000-lb GVWR and a 3.73 rear end.

If gas engines are the fare, then 1500 can be selected, but the 5.7L HEMI is standard, and probably not good on FE. Ford's "EcoBoost" turbo V-6 is reported to not offer anything better in FE, so the 5.0L V-8 is probably best to tow (3.7L non-turbo V-6 is available). Chevy has an "XFE" model with standard tow package and 5.3L V-8, but regular cab only (and probably not a lot of XFE-ing going on).

Nearly all interiors are really like cars anymore, and offer lots of goodies. It might take some test drives to really get a feel...

Best of luck in the search!

-RH77