ORIGINAL: solocam79
pull a small trailer nothing to big....
You answered your question right there. If you're not towing big loads, and big loads daily, you don't NEED a diesel. Now that doesn't mean you can't drive one, and if you really like them, go for it. Your needs, however, based on what you mentioned does not warrant a diesel. Depending on the size of the trailer, even a midsize pickup will do the trick (my 05 Tacoma with the towing package will tow 6500lbs). Diesel (modern diesels) actually burn cleaner, and more effiecient than gas, but in a big diesel pickup, the gas savings between it and a gasser pickup will be negliable. Additionally, given the fact that diesle costs ~$.20-$.40 more a gallon than 87, you would need to drive a TON of miles to reach the break-even point in fuel savings.
Again, if you truly WANT a diesel, and can afford it, go for it. I love diesel's and the power they produce, but I certainly didn't need one. Good luck with your decision.