But I would venture a guess that 99% of truck owners will NEVER tow heavy over that road. So many posters here on RV.net make reference to that roadway and justify why someone else NEEDS a certain engine.
My family went cross country camping in the early 90's when I was a kid. We drove east through the south and back west through the north. Never hit that stretch of roadway. When I eventually take my family across the country I MIGHT take that road one time. I doubt I will regularly haul across the road.
By then I will likely have a diesel, as I hope to be pulling more often and have less need for a daily driver. But again, I won't be buying a truck on the off chance I drive that roadway while hauling a trailer once or twice.
This route is Interstate 70 one of the major east west routes across America. I think many do drive and tow on this route even if you don't. I have been across the Rockies on this route many many times (including Loveland and Berthoud passes) and venture a guess that many RV'ers have also. Some folks live in Colorado and cross this road often. But, I guess you said it all when you said you will
eventually take your family across the country. If you don't get out to Colorado often, you won't cross through the Eisenhower tunnel. Your response is not really about diesels, more it is about where you go or don't go or will eventually go. Colorado has a lot to offer, why would you even think you might
not visit that state on a cross country trip? After all there
is a world outside the beltway!