I think you already have your mind made up, and I have been boosting the reliability of the 7.3, but I will say this, The half ton Chevy has come a long as way. The computer controlled 4L60E or 4L80E is leaps and boundes better for towing than the 700R4's. Plus the 5.3L has good power. I think for towing one rig it is fine, as long as you do not lay into it too bad.