[Dirtrich]

My vote would also be for a truck with a cap or lid. The crew-cabs
are quickly growing in popularity and are comfortable and convenient for passengers. Ford offers a V-10 which is the best choice for towing with gas, but if you plan to tow much you definately should go diesel. Also, another reason to get the diesel is if you will keep it a long time. I forget exactly what they say, but over the life of the engine(+-300k mi) you will have easily gotten back the initial higher costs of the diesel.

A dually is even a better choice to tow with but more of a handful for city and regular driving and remember all trucks obviously have stiff suspensions to carry loads so they will not ride as nice as SUV's.

If you do consider a P/U, check out the Ford Superduty with the King Ranch package. I have the little F-150 Supercrew King Ranch and OMG, it is nice.