I think that it is a great idea and have been hoping that they would make one for years. I'm just surprised that GM is bashing them being they have to know that this is probably a better product to be using especially because they've been using it in select body parts for years. I just hope it doesn't hurt the steel industry any we don't need any more job problems there.
That is a bit ironic since GM uses an aluminum hood on their trucks, and has done it for years. I remember seeing a press release when the 2014 trucks came out, where they were touting their new high strength steel on the one hand, and touting the aluminum hood on the other. They even have a third steel formulation for the bed if I remember right. There was a quote that suggested they picked the best materials for each component, which is a fair way to look at it, and how I see things as an engineer. The commercial loses that even handed approach, but I really don't think it will be taken seriously enough to matter. I think it's amusing enough to be a good commercial and draw attention to the product without necessarily being credible. Since when has advertising been credible anyhow? They are probably playing on a perceived weakness of the competition (which I don't agree with, but many people do based on discussions here on TBN).
I do think it's interesting to follow the link Garandman posted, where the weights of crew cab 4x4 trucks are as follows: 5605 pounds (Chevy), 5828 pounds (Ford), 5999 pounds Ram. No telling what options are in each that could potentially affect weights, but it does suggest to me that materials/structures is still an evolving science for 1/2 ton trucks, and that nobody has demonstrated a clear advantage yet.
Also I think s219 got unjustly ridiculed for pointing out something interesting that many don't understand. Modern treated lumber corrodes aluminum quickly. So if you're hauling a load in your bed to build a new deck you don't want to have to worry.
I wasn't necessarily thinking along those lines, just was pointing out an example where galvanized steel would be more corrosion resistant than aluminum. My boat lift frame is aluminum, and I had to take special precautions to isolate it from pressure treated framing on my pier and boat house. Where rain hit the PT lumber and dripped on the aluminum, it pitted up within hours/days. Galvanized steel is far superior against corrosion in that scenario. Aluminum was chosen for the lift frame for other reasons (weight, fabrication) that make sense on a system level.
