RE: Truck suggestions?
I tow a 6000 lbs trailer behind my Avalanche - loaded to the gills with racecar stuff and I rarely get more than 12 miles to the gallon when I am towing.
Empty, I can expect 14 MPG - maybe if I baby it some.
I have never gotten over 18 MPG on a trip with the little 5.3
The 99 Chevy Silverado Z 71 ex cab I had got around 16 MPG empty and would eat my brothers 2000 3/4 ton 4x4 with the 6.0 any day of the week.
I noticed a performance loss with the 2000 Z 71 that I had - also had the 5.3
The smaller V - 8 is a real turd 4.3 - 4.6
The Ford Truck - 4x4 with the 6.4 that I drove was also a real turd.
Most guys won't buy an extended cab full sized / crew cab pick up - because their wives refuse to drive them because they feel that they are too long.
That was why my brother bought a Trail Blazer instead of an Avalanche
Funny thing is, when he comes up to hunt, his wife has the Trail Blazer and he has his Pontiac Gran Prix. You can tell who wears the pants in that family.