Concerns about being overloaded

[Dietz5285]

I have spent the last month looking at ACTUAL PAYLOADS for a Ford F150 Lariat, the largest that I have found is around 1650 lbs. We pull a 25ft Travel trailer with front twins and our tongue weight is around 950 lbs which would leave us with only 700 lbs for 2 passengers and a dog (total weight ~ 550 lbs) and any cargo. Am I the only one who is concerned about being over loaded and either getting stopped and weighed or else being in an accident and sued for being to heavy?

I know that getting a 250 would solve my problem but we only tow 2 times a year and the truck is our daily driver.


Gary

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[Aron]

There’s a handful of threads on this forum that go into those details further. I have towed a 6500 lb trailer back and forth across the country—twice—in an overweight vehicle, and usually felt safe. I was never really worried about getting stopped and weighed, nor any concerns with possible legal liability. However, strong winds were an issue. I feel much more in control now that I’m towing within payload (it also might be a result of the heavier truck as well).

I have a Lariat Powerboost with an 1831 payload—by purchasing a 4x2. It’s possible to get a truck with adequate payload if you are careful. It’s all in what is important to you, and off-roading isn’t so much for me. Also, if you go with an Ecoboost or a 5.0 v8, you’ll have more room for payload.

 

[Dietz5285]

There’s a handful of threads on this forum that go into those details further. I have towed a 6500 lb trailer back and forth across the country—twice—in an overweight vehicle, and usually felt safe. I was never really worried about getting stopped and weighed, nor any concerns with possible legal liability. However, strong winds were an issue. I feel much more in control now that I’m towing within payload (it also might be a result of the heavier truck as well).

I have a Lariat Powerboost with an 1831 payload—by purchasing a 4x2. It’s possible to get a truck with adequate payload if you are careful. It’s all in what is important to you, and off-roading isn’t so much for me. Also, if you go with an Ecoboost or a 5.0 v8, you’ll have more room for payload.

What options do yo have to such a payload?

 

[notabot]

I have spent the last month looking at ACTUAL PAYLOADS for a Ford F150 Lariat, the largest that I have found is around 1650 lbs. We pull a 25ft Travel trailer with front twins and our tongue weight is around 950 lbs which would leave us with only 700 lbs for 2 passengers and a dog (total weight ~ 550 lbs) and any cargo. Am I the only one who is concerned about being over loaded and either getting stopped and weighed or else being in an accident and sued for being to heavy?

I know that getting a 250 would solve my problem but we only tow 2 times a year and the truck is our daily driver.


Gary

Who is getting stopped and weighed in the US? FWIW, if you don't drive like a maniac and look ship-shape, IMHO, no one is going to bother you.

 

[Aron]

What options do yo have to such a payload?

Here's my window sticker. Of note is which options I did *NOT* choose, due to weight concerns: moonroof, bed utility package, 4x4 (and associated FX4 packages), bedliner, bed cover, or power running boards. I went with the Sport package because it would allow 18" wheels rather than 20", which are heavier (plus, I'm not a huge fan of chrome). Most of the options that I chose were heavy on the sensors, and light on mechanicals, so they don't add much to the weight of the vehicle.

I used the 2021 F150 eSourcebook as a guide; the 2022 and 2023 versions don't include weight estimates for options, so those versions aren't as useful. Since there have been few meaningful changes between model years 2021 through 2023, this is still a safe estimate.

Edit: if you're really concerned with payload, and don't want/need the Powerboost Hybrid engine, choosing an Ecoboost or a 5.0 V8 could dramatically increase your base payload as well. Study the "max payload" tables carefully in that eSourcebook, and then subtract the weights of the options from there. It won't give you the exact payload you calculate, but it should be in the right ballpark.

Also, if exceeding payload is a real concern for you, I would highly suggest looking for the Onboard Scales option. It won't get you the exact vehicle weight down to the pound, but it seems to be fairly close, at least in my experience.

 

[Aron]

Who is getting stopped and weighed in the US? FWIW, if you don't drive like a maniac and look ship-shape, IMHO, no one is going to bother you.

Though I agree with your basic point, I have heard of it happening, especially in some of the western states. The same way some jurisdictions set up "speed traps" to drive traffic enforcement actions, other jurisdictions focus on overweight vehicles and stop/test lots of vehicles.

 

[RickBullotta]

I have spent the last month looking at ACTUAL PAYLOADS for a Ford F150 Lariat, the largest that I have found is around 1650 lbs. We pull a 25ft Travel trailer with front twins and our tongue weight is around 950 lbs which would leave us with only 700 lbs for 2 passengers and a dog (total weight ~ 550 lbs) and any cargo. Am I the only one who is concerned about being over loaded and either getting stopped and weighed or else being in an accident and sued for being to heavy?

I know that getting a 250 would solve my problem but we only tow 2 times a year and the truck is our daily driver.


Gary

Are you running a WDH? I am very aware of payload, and I'm only pulling a 20 foot trailer - but I have a Powerboost with less payload than yours. That said, it's a perfect truck for hauling a travel trailer due to ProPower - game changing. And for me, 4x4 was a "must have".

 

[Zengineer]

I have no doubt exceeded the limit driving loads of mulch 15 miles home but was never worried about being stopped. I rarely tow but wouldn't push the limit if I did so more regularly. Even though I'm in a 502 Lariat 157 wb 4x4, I have a decent payload.

 

[GEN14OWNER]

I have no doubt exceeded the limit driving loads of mulch 15 miles home but was never worried about being stopped. I rarely tow but wouldn't push the limit if I did so more regularly. Even though I'm in a 502 Lariat 157 wb 4x4, I have a decent payload.

I have no doubt exceeded the limit driving loads of mulch 15 miles home but was never worried about being stopped. I rarely tow but wouldn't push the limit if I did so more regularly. Even though I'm in a 502 Lariat 157 wb 4x4, I have a decent payload.

I have a feeling that the "load limits" are more an issue of "legal liability" than actual "Engineering" limitations.

But... there ARE "limits"!

 

[HammaMan]

Every time we get behind the wheel, we throw the dice. No matter how careful you are, there's always some fool not paying attention, or can't drive, or just doesn't give a shit. It's not mass that gets you into trouble, it's speed. Personally I don't look a the GVWR, I default to the axle ratings.

When it comes to trailering, it's not so much about mass as it's the authority the tow vehicle has over the trailer. There's many variables that go into equation. Overloaded and overweight are not synonymous.

 

[bgalakazam]

500A, 5.0, 4X4, no concerns. I do have a limit of 7,000 lbs for towing, though. I took no tow packages. I plan to tow a 25-26' travel trailer 5000-7000 lbs.

 

[RickBullotta]

500A, 5.0, 4X4, no concerns. I do have a limit of 7,000 lbs for towing, though. I took no tow packages. I plan to tow a 25-26' travel trailer 5000-7000 lbs.

Well obviously you'll need trailer wiring and a trailer brake controller. Did you install a Class IV hitch?

 

[bgalakazam]

Well obviously you'll need trailer wiring and a trailer brake controller. Did you install a Class IV hitch?

I have 53B which comes with the class iv and 7/4 pin (Lariat came with it). I will install the tbc when I get back to the states.

 

[hotrodmex]

ACTUAL PAYLOADS for a Ford F150 Lariat, the largest that I have found is around 1650 lbs.

You already have examples here but adding to the mix another 500a 4x4 157" EB with 1948 lb payload. The 23 new minimum 501a would only have the HomeLink visor over my build.

 

[RickBullotta]

I have 53B which comes with the class iv and 7/4 pin (Lariat came with it). I will install the tbc when I get back to the states.

Sweet! So the tow package is mostly just gadgetry?

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