A 3/4 ton truck is superior in every way for towing: stronger frame, stronger axles, better brakes, heavier springs, usually a more powerful engine, larger drive shafts and U-joints, etc. Even with a small trailer such as the one you have traveling for 12 months will mean lots of gear and "stuff". The towing experience will be far better with a 3/4 ton truck.
As for getting in and out, GM trucks used to sit lower to the ground than Ford or Dodge because of their independent front suspension. They have succumbed lately to the "bigger is better fad" of making trucks taller for no good reason. If you look at GM trucks from about 2016 and earlier and particularly 2007 and earlier you will probably find them just as easy to get into as any 1500 series truck.
