Payload Concern or Overthinking it?

[KBKEITH]

I concur with the sentiment of others regarding the 2.7. It’s a remarkable little engine.

I’ve owned two and they never failed to impress me. Gobs of torque down low and excellent overall throttle response due to the turbos being mounted to the exhaust manifolds. The potential for excellent MPG is there, too. Just a super, all-around engine.

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[ahparker]

i got a 21 xlt fx4 302a 3.5 eco with some tech but not fully loaded. i dont have the max tow or hybrid engine. i got a payload of 1937lbs. its nice to have wiggle room on payload. i did add Decked drawer system (320lbs) with gear, so having close to 2000lbs does allow you to add accessories to truck without worrying about the payload. so i lose at least 500lbs of payload with me in the truck, so i got about 1400lbs of play...i do wish i had the scale, just to prevent overloading , but i didnt have the option at the time.
i see to many trucks that i know have low payloads loaded to the gill with overland and accessories that bring down the payloads to dangerous levels especially if they have a full load of passengers.

My original plan was something more similar to yours but with a 2.7. Really wish I had thought about the whole payload thing, but figured without towing or doing "truck things" it wouldn't make a difference. After I throw the shell on I'm looking at like 1000lbs which I think generally speaking we'll be well under, but I also don't love the idea of the truck being so heavy to begin with. Although I'm sure the payload in my tacoma was like 950 and that had a shell as well and didn't seem to notice much of a difference. I'm guessing it's mostly in my head about driving around a heavier truck than I realized with a smaller engine.

I concur with the sentiment of others regarding the 2.7. It’s a remarkable little engine.

I’ve owned two and they never failed to impress me. Gobs of torque down low and excellent overall throttle response due to the turbos being mounted to the exhaust manifolds. The potential for excellent MPG is there, too. Just a super, all-around engine.

I have been overly impressed so far. We just took a short 500mi trip, felt no shortage of power or trying hard to keep up to speed at 80mph speed limit (granted we were just passengers and some bags). Was able to get 24 and 25mpg each way according to the computer, which I know is generous, but I'll take any day!

 

[Calson]

Payload is calculated based on how a truck is configured when it leaves the factory. Included in that calculation is 150 lbs for each seat in the truck which is why a regular cab truck will always have a higher factory payload rating than a crew cab truck.

The weakest links on trucks is the rear springs and the tires and these can be upgraded. SuperSprings sells overload springs for the F-150 for those who did not get the max payload package which includes a third leaf spring at the rear axle. The tires on my 4WD off road max tow truck are basically passenger car tires with a rating of 2679 lbs at 35 PSI. My rear tires can support up to 5358 lbs which includes the weight of the truck itself.

With my 2500 truck I increased the payload capacity by replacing the factory tires with ones having a greater payload rating and by adding SuperSprings at the rear axle.

 

[780]

Payload is calculated based on how a truck is configured when it leaves the factory. Included in that calculation is 150 lbs for each seat in the truck which is why a regular cab truck will always have a higher factory payload rating than a crew cab truck.

The weakest links on trucks is the rear springs and the tires and these can be upgraded. SuperSprings sells overload springs for the F-150 for those who did not get the max payload package which includes a third leaf spring at the rear axle. The tires on my 4WD off road max tow truck are basically passenger car tires with a rating of 2679 lbs at 35 PSI. My rear tires can support up to 5358 lbs which includes the weight of the truck itself.

With my 2500 truck I increased the payload capacity by replacing the factory tires with ones having a greater payload rating and by adding SuperSprings at the rear axle.

That is false. It does not include 150 lbs for each seat. If I am incorrect please let me know where you read that information.

Reg cab truck have a higher payload because they are lighter.

Options, cab size add weight which reduces payload.

This is why a 6 seat XLT can have a higher payload than a 5 seat limited.

You did not increase the payload of your 2500 by replacing spring and tires. Your door sticker still says the same thing. You may have helped your truck handle weight better. But you did not increase payload.

 

[hotrodmex]

Payload is calculated based on how a truck is configured when it leaves the factory. Included in that calculation is 150 lbs for each seat in the truck which is why a regular cab truck will always have a higher factory payload rating than a crew cab truck.

That is false. It does not include 150 lbs for each seat. If I am incorrect please let me know where you read that information.

I'm with 780. You are conflating different ratings, because Ford has different ways of measuring.

For instance, The Trailer Towing Selector says

Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver and passenger

But the payload sticker says

I had to weight my truck bringing it in from out of state, so I can verify that the payload is not with any persons in the car, but it is with a full tank of gas and all fluids (which is also stated, but buried in the spec documents)

Tare weight (7 gal gas [42 lbs], running board brackets only, no spare/jack)	4940
29 gal gas	174
Running boards (no brackets)	23.5
Jack + kit	10.5
Spare tire	61
Base Curb Weight	5209

GVWR 7150 lbs - 5209 lbs base weight = 1941 lbs payload.

Sticker says 1948.

 

[Snakebitten]

I believe Ford does publish somewhere that the yellow Payload sticker is after the standard size fuel tank is full. So you don't have to deduct for that.
But if you read the sheet that shows the weight of each option, you'll see that the 36 gallon tank does reduce the Payload for the amount it weighs (filled) more than the standard tank filled. I think somewhere around 80lbs?

 

[Snakebitten]

While it's true that you can't do anything about increasing the official Payload that the truck comes with, you CAN improve immensely the ability of the truck to carry that Payload with immensely.

Ford leaves a lot of low hanging fruit for upgrades on the F150. Or put another way, it sure seems obvious that the suspension and tires are biased for an unloaded truck.

 

[ahparker]

Thanks for all the info! So generally I gather that consensus seems that the 2.7 will pull the weight of a fully laden truck no problem, but if I’m close to max payload I’d benefit from upgraded suspension to handle the weight?

 

[Snakebitten]

Exactly!
But that'd apply to any drivetrain available in the oem F150.

I currently have a 2022 KingRanch Powerboost 4WD Max Tow 6.5bed CCD. It's an amazing drivetrain and laden with technology and comfort. However, no differently than your truck, it's not exactly equipped to carry its Max Payload with grace and prowess.

I replaced a 2018 F150 Ecoboost that I had dialed in its towing/Payload carrying prowess to what I would describe as incredible confidence inspiring.

I'm just getting to know this truck well enough to formulate my strategy to match it. The easy stuff is sway bar in the rear, with the RAS (I've already done) and hopefully I can crack the code in the VDM module to get these CCD dampers working "good enough". If not, I will have to abandon the cool technology and replace it with analog adjustable shocks. (I have some Fox 2.5 DSC dampers for all 4 corners from the previous truck)

And finally tires, if these oem Scorpions don't carry the weight well.

So yes, that's a long winded way of agreeing with your assessment. You will figure this out when you put your truck to work in the manner you described. And each component in the suspension that you upgrade will verify its own merit. None of the suggestions are even close to being a placebo. Lol

You'll know!

 

[Calson]

The 150 lbs is standard for all vehicles sold in the United States regardless of the manufacturer. Go to any Ford lot and look at the payload stickers and note the variation depending on the springs and wheels and tires and number of seats and it becomes quite obvious. Of course that means getting out of your chair and going to a car lot.

With the Max Payload package the payload increases and the only change made to the truck is to add a third leafspring at the rear wheels. This is something that can be done after taking ownership of the truck if it did not come from the factory with this package.

I have always taken my trucks to the CAT scales to verify the weight of the truck when empty at both axles and the weight when a slide-in camper was in the bed or when I had a heavy trailer attached. The cost is minimal and then you are not guessing but have actual numbers.

Adding a Hellwig or other sway bar accomplishes nothing in terms of payload capacity. It will help reduce wheel hop when the bed is empty but to increase payload you need to add support at the axles for the weight of the truck.

 

[hotrodmex]

The 150 lbs is standard for all vehicles sold in the United States regardless of the manufacturer. Go to any Ford lot and look at the payload stickers and note the variation depending on the springs and wheels and tires and number of seats and it becomes quite obvious. Of course that means getting out of your chair and going to a car lot.

I just gave the example above using the numbers from my truck ( that was weight on a CAT scale) that shows this isn't the case for the sticker shown on the door. Do you see a problem with my example? The payload on the door does not include "150 lbs for each seat in the truck." That would mean 750lbs of passenger before the stickered payload.

GVWR 7150 - 5 x 150lb pass - 5204 truck = 1196 lbs payload.

My sticker says 1948 lbs.

What am I missing?

 

[780]

The 150 lbs is standard for all vehicles sold in the United States regardless of the manufacturer.

Link?

I just gave the example above using the numbers from my truck ( that was weight on a CAT scale) that shows this isn't the case for the sticker shown on the door. Do you see a problem with my example? The payload on the door does not include "150 lbs for each seat in the truck." That would mean 750lbs of passenger before the stickered payload.

GVWR 7150 - 5 x 150lb pass - 5204 truck = 1196 lbs payload.

My sticker says 1948 lbs.

What am I missing?

Nothing. You are correct.
The 150lb driver is included in the camper certification capacity numbers, it's actually a 150lb occupant in each available seating position. That does not change the payload capacity shown on the sticker. The sticker is not calculated with any occupants, but does include a full tank of fuel (gas or diesel).

And 150lbs for a driver is nuts. Last time I weighed that, I was too young to drive...

 

[Snakebitten]

Adding a Hellwig or other sway bar accomplishes nothing in terms of payload capacity. It will help reduce wheel hop when the bed is empty but to increase payload you need to add support at the axles for the weight of the truck.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that adding something like a Helwig Antisway bar increases Payload capacity.

But it is just one of the upgrades available that enhances the trucks ability to carry its Payload with better manners.
Similar to things like heavier duty dampers, stiffer sidewalls, RAS,... etc

 

[780]

For those interested, right from the 2022 F150 manual:

 

[EricR]

He guys, this thread has been interesting and I have learned some new things!

HOWEVER, it seems @KBKEITH's concerns and needs may be getting lost in in the weeds of payload technical discussion.

Keep in mind:

1. The is not towing
2. He was satisfied with his stock (I assume) Tacoma

Why would he not be happy now, with a 2.7 F150 carrying the same load as the Tacoma?

In my humble and non-expert opinion, we should be telling him to go out and enjoy his new truck! Rather then worrying him about needing to jump down an expensive aftermarket parts rabbit-hole.

I suspect he is going to LOVE his new truck on his next camping trip.

If something isn't to his liking he came come back here and get good input from you all!

-Eric

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