in 03 dodge came out with the common rail diesel engine. which i believe is every bit as quiet as the duramax. the high output model originally came with a 6spd. trans. @305 hp. the autos were rated @ 250. later in the year they came out with high output autos with beefier trannys. and to top that, the last time i was at tech training i was told that the hp ratings were going to be bumped up to the 340-350 range. the exact number was classified due to the one-upmanship battle between the big three.

as far as a 1\2 ton truck with a roomy back seat and a full bed. check out a dodge. with the hemi i dont thik there would be any problem towing anything. i think there are some huge rebates on them right now too. and what ever you do. make sure you deal with a fleet salesperson or fleet dept. alot of dealers have them. you will avoid the dealer markup.