2018 F-150 3.0L Diesel GCWR

Used to be even back in 01 that a gas engine would get 13-15 mpg and towing 10 or perhaps less. The diesel would get 18-20(certain routes empty I could always count on 21-22mpg) and towing 12-16 (on my pup I could get 16 towing it on the hwy no problem sometimes as high as 17.5). Diesel used to be 15-20 cents less per gallon at that time as well. When I calculated it out at the time based on fuel costs it was going to be 105k miles for payback on the up charge for the diesel engine. I sold the truck with 350k on it so I got my payback for sure on it. My new truck I get 16-18 (high so far 19.8) so I lost 2-4mpg compared to the old one, towing I get about 12.5 which is about the same as the old one with our fiver. However these days and for quite a few years now diesel is more expensive than gas at least here and the mileage difference is not there as much either except generally for when towing. If it wasn't for the towing ease and my general getting used to all the torque on my old truck at 1300 rpms I probably wouldn't have bought a new diesel. I do use it for more than just towing the fiver and commuting though. If that was my only purpose I might have gone gas and tried to get used to the performance towing.
The payback timing has certainly changed over the years and doesnt make near as much sense as it used to.