I like my Disc Trucker. At first I used 38mm/1.5" wide tires & it felt sketchy on bumpy descents. Switching to Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 50mm/2.0" improved the downhill handling a lot by eliminating some front bounce. However, with the long wheelbase it doesn't corner as fast as a road or randonneur bike. With loaded panniers I like to limit my downhill speed anyway, wind can buffet the bike. Marrakesh says max tire width with fenders is 40mm.

Previously many tourists favored 3X9 since 9-speed MTB & road were compatible but just now I find that Shimano has apparently discontinued Deore 3X9 cranksets though they still have Alivio & Sora etc. Not sure if that's a big deal or not.

Both bikes have brake-only levers so consider upgrading to TRP hydraulic brakes.