Diesel Bombers - Looking to trade/upgrade in the next year...

Well, I've owned this Dodge 2004.5 2500 since new, put 255k on it, and did a lot of work to it in order to make it last and reliable. Current family situation makes owning a manual and standard cab impractical. I discussed it with the wife, and in the next year (or less) we will probably trade this truck (or sell outright) and buy a couple year old truck (probably one of the pre-EGR/DEF/DPF trucks).

I am a long-time Dodge guy...my family has owned nothing but Dodge trucks since the 60s. I have owned them personally since I was able to legally drive, and have owned eleven dodge trucks, three of them being CTD-powered. I've owned this 3rd gen from new. Basically, what I'm saying is: I pretty much know Dodge, and only Dodge...that is my comfort zone. This 3rd gen hasn't been fun. My 99 2500 CTD was absolutely reliable, short the auto trans...my dad sits with a 99 2500 and has put less than $2k in parts in it in the past 290k miles (with less than routine maintenance). This 3rd gen has cost me $$...mainly in injectors and fuel systems, and that's with a lot of PM and little abuse. So I have lost most of my loyalty to the Dodge brand at this point. Couple that to being on the Dodge-specific forums daily, and you see only Dodge-related issues...I have almost zero knowledge of the other options out there.

So we are looking at upgrading to a newer (but not new) 3500DRW 4wd Auto. I'm heavily leaning towards the GM/DuraMax/Allison variant, but haven't completely ruled out the Dodge. I can't say a Ford is real high on my list (maybe for the wrong reasons?)...but I would entertain looking at one. Basically, any of the Big 3 are on the radar.

This truck will be used primarily for vacationing (with/without camper) and some towing under 10k...not a daily commuter. My only requirements is that its diesel, 6-spd auto, 3500DRW, 4wd, and decent fuel mileage (for a 3500DRW). Basically, I'm looking for peoples' experiences who have owned multiple brands, what did you like/dislike about each one, what issues did you have? I know they all have their quirks, just looking for others' thoughts on the subject, and if they had it to do over again.

And what years would be more desirable than others?? For example, this 2004.5 was thought to be more desirable because of the 600 CTD and NV5600 combination (higher HP than previous years, better transmission than later years).