I currently own a 2019 Silverado 1500 RST with ~82,000 miles. I like the truck but just (spontaneously) bought a 2008 Jayco LGT 30 camper from a coworker... too good of a deal to pass up. Total length is 33' with dry weight of 6100 lbs. My truck can haul the camper fine with a weight distribution hitch. I hauled a similar length and weight camper through the mountains last year. It took all the muscle the she had, but the truck did well performance wise. Transmission did get a little warm (205F) at times, but other than that, I did not see any issues. Though the truck pulled well, I see us taking 2-3 camping trips a year (usually through the mountains) and predict this will wear on the truck quite a bit.

Considering my truck has good trade in value at $25k (as told by dealer), I feel it would be a good time to trade up for a 3/4 ton. Thoughts on this?

Second, if I buy a 3/4 ton, I need to decide gas or diesel. I am leaning towards gas as I do not tow heavy loads frequently - this camper will be the heaviest regular tow and the new 3/4 ton will be my daily driver. I only have a 6 mile daily commute to work in rural Texas so I fear a diesel will not have time to heat up and this will wear on the EGR very quickly. Though I am leaning towards gas, every diesel owner I talk with tells me I should buy a diesel and delete the emissions systems once my warranty expires or when the first repair is required. They all cite fuel mileage while towing as the primary reason for a diesel.

I am not in a huge rush to upgrade, but need to do so before my truck approaches 100k miles. I need to decide gas or diesel, and from there I will look for the right deal either used or new.

Thoughts on gas or diesel for my situation?

 

Your 1500 can do the job, but it is near its limit. Heat in the transmission shows that. A 3/4 ton will handle the camper with less strain. If the trade value is strong, moving up now makes sense.

For your use, gas fits better. You tow a few times a year. Your daily drive is short. Modern diesels do not like short trips. That can cause EGR and DPF issues. Gas trucks cost less to buy and less to maintain. They are also fine for a 6,100 lb camper.

Diesel makes sense if you tow often or tow heavier. Fuel use while towing is better. Torque is higher. Repair costs are higher. Emissions problems are common on short drives. Deleting emissions can cause legal and inspection issues.

A 3/4 ton gas truck will tow your camper with ease and work well as a daily driver. Look for one with a tow package and an integrated brake controller.

If you buy used, review the vehicle inspection report before you decide. Check the drivetrain, cooling system, and service history. That matters more than gas or diesel.