OP, lots of good advice here.
Most half tons will easily pull a hybrid trailer and stuff for 2 people.
You said you guys will be pulling 12 months out of the year. A half ton is designed for occasional light towing. A 3/4 or 1 ton is designed to be worked to the max capabilities every day of the year. If I was planning on towing 12 months out of the year, I would get a bigger truck even though you don't necessarily "need" the payload or tow ratings of the bigger truck (at least not right now!) For the minimal price difference, you are getting substantially more truck. Heavier frame, brakes, wheels/tires, cooling system, etc. Your towing experience will be much more comfortable in a heavier truck as well. You'll get less push/pull in a heavier truck then a lighter truck.
Higher end trucks with the telescoping running boards are very nice. One of the guys in our camping group has a higher end F350 dually with the automatic running boards, they make it super easy to climb in. The ride comfort of these newer trucks is spectacular too. My coil suspension Ram is very smooth, especially towing. That F350 dually I mentioned earlier is almost unbelievable how smooth it rides.
A half ton might work, but a 3/4 or 1 ton will do it so much better in every facet you can imagine. Good luck, drive safe and enjoy camping!
