The ED has been and still is very significant in acquisition sales. People who owned a Ford GM or Toyota gasser before buying the ED. Many even finally transitioned from a car because they could finally justify & afford the fuel. The way the Mfgs see it the significant sales will be not bleeding off 5 percent to the competition. There is a also a determined market niche of people who will buy these trucks for their attributes.
The semi floater is a moot point. Don’t put dually payloads on your half ton. Mine like millions of other 1/2 tons no issues or significant risk. Mine literally has 1/2 million miles towing and a 1,000 pounds of tongue weight is not uncommon. (But still within receiver & GVWR rating).
And in fact sticking to 65 my 8 speed 3.0 liter diesel does average 15.0 mpg towing double axle Airstreams. And 30 HWY unloaded again sticking to 65.
Come on GM bring on the lil I-6 diesel.
