In this application of a hunting rig, I would still go with gas with a 3/4 ton over diesel....all my buddies with diesels...all they do is ***** and moan about their oil burners. Not to mention diesels are $8,000+ more right off the bat. Unless you're towing heavy, wouldn't even bother.
Well the OP was talking about potentially hauling around a camper, in addition to all the other camping/hunting gear he'll need, so its not like a diesel would have no practical application here. OP has said he's not interested in a diesel truck though, so my point is hypothetical only.
As for your friends complaining about oil burners, you've mentioned that before. And while it is a data point for your own personal reference, a subjective one at that, that doesn't equate to all diesels being inherently more unreliable or repair-intensive than comparable gasoline engines. A lot of people I've talked to who enjoy camping out of a vehicle, for hunting and exploring purposes, swear by diesels because of their reliability, longevity and better mpg. As with everything, there are different views on this topic...I'll just say that most of the exploratory and overlanding types outside the US do prefer diesels over gasoline engines for a reason, and leave it at that.
It is.
I've checked Chevy's website recently and wasn't able to find the duramax diesel as an option. Do you have a link or screenshot showing the diesel option?
That said, 1/2 Ton is probably the best buy out there right now...quite a bit of truck, that gets roughly the same mpg as a Tacoma, a bunch more power, and a bit more room, in the $30K range. Midsizes don't make much sense to me anymore.
On this, you and I are in agreement.