One thing I never see people talk about when comparing the cost of the diesel over the gas in purchase price and return on investment is the "mental" side of the equation. Some will think I'm crazy or this doesn't make much sense but here is what I mean.
If you tow a fair amount (towing anything) there is a lot of mental things going on. "Can I merge onto the interstate safely and efficiently? Can I make a pass safely and quickly to not hold up traffic behind me? Am I going to have enough fuel to get me to the next station since I only get 175 miles/tank? What is the wear and tear on my gasser over the long haul? I would think these are common questions everyone who tows a trailer has in their heads. Some may battle over these questions ,more than others. For some, me included, these thoughts and the comfort I would get towing with a diesel is worth some of that additional cost, not just the hard numbers everyone talks about.
I could get a $50 Chinese axe and a $150 Gransfors Bruk felling axe. Both will do the job fine. While my initial cost is three time what I pay for the Chinese axe I am at peace with my $150 purchase knowing that the additional money spent will more than make up for the additional expense.
Just some ramblings while sitting ar the tire shop having a flat repair done on my work 1500.
I work on these things everyday and went with the 6.4 over the Cummins for the mental peace of mind. I would be thinking "is my DEF system going to take a **** and tell me I have 150 miles untill I am restricted to 5 mph when I am on vacation towing my camper somewhere?"With the gas it may take a little longer but at least I will get there and back. LOL