Reading through this thread, and other similar ones, it becomes really clear that there is no one "best" answer for everyone. I just recently got back into a GM HD truck, and did a lot of reading of just these type threads before I made my choice. My experience began with a 2003 Chevy 2500 with the big block, pulling a 21' toyhauler with a couple quads, weighing about 8.5K. It pulled it fine anywhere I wanted to go..up, down, around. Then I upgraded to a 34' toyhauler with a 2500lb car in the tail end, weighing over 12K IIRC. That became a white knuckle ride, especially downhill or in any sort of crosswind. So, I traded into a 2004 Dmax, and it was night and day better..more in control, and instantly I became an oil burner convert. After dealing with 8 years of the Chevy falling apart every couple months (but towing awesome when it worked), in 2012 I went with a RAM cummins, and my love affair continued until late 2020 when I had no need for such a big truck, and I (foolishly) sold it, thinking we were done with the RV thing.
Fast forward 3 years and the wife wants a small camper trailer (about 5.5K loaded), and I went with a 1/2 ton. I was right back to constantly worrying about weight, wind, etc. So, I started looking into the current HD's, and ended up landing on the new GMC. After reading about the hassles of the smog crud on the modern diesels, and planning to keep this camper, I think the gasser fits my use case. If I were going to be towing a 37+', 14K+ rv across country every year, I wouldn't hesitate, and would just have to deal with the potential issues of the diesel. It's heavier, and the engine braking would be a significant concern, especially going down the steep hills. Just get as long of an extended warranty as you can, and chalk up the expenses as the "cost of doing business". And I close by clearly realizing my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it..Good luck with your tough decision!
