All vehicle manufacturers have sole access to data. There isn't a standard for logging data, nor a standard for retrieving it. Some components log data and it only the supplier has the means to read and interpret it.
If your car has an EDR, what data it collects is legislated. There is not a standard interface for retrieving it, but the manufacturer is required to ensure that there is a commercially available tool for data retrieval that any third party can use.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/p...
If not, I assume they'll keep losing all incriminating data.
Is this one of those "that's why big cars are cheaper to make" situations?
The EDR is optional. If the manufacturer chooses to install it, it must meet those standards.
I was just refuting the GPs assertion that they are all proprietary and that only the manufacturer can access the data.
From a quick search, it's technically possible to configure some model year F-150s to have a curb weight over 5,500 pounds with all the right options, but most are lower.
Also the rules I posted are only if the manufacturer chooses to equip a recorder. They can opt not to have one.
The point I was making is that the GP was just saying shit that had no basis in fact.