Payload Concern or Overthinking it?

[ahparker]

New to the forum and to truck stuff in general so please forgive me if these questions are far too basic. I've spent a good amount of time looking through the forums and couldn't quiet get the answer I was looking for. Almost all the payload threads seem to involve towing and tongue weights.

Basically we just upgraded from a Tacoma for space purposes for a growing family. Had been planning on ordering an XLT, decently loaded with some tech on it, but found a lightly used Lariat that had everything we wanted plus more for less than the ordered XLT would have run. Couple that with an awesome trade in for the Tacoma and we pulled the trigger.

As I started to realize how much extra was on the truck that I wouldn't have ordered, like the moonroof, 2k generator, power tailgate, etc I started to think of the weight of it all. Checked the sticker and payload is 1280# (it's a 2.7 which we wanted). We don't tow anything, but will be adding a camper shell on the back, so couple hundred pounds there. Probably load it up with family/camping stuff every other weekend and see roughly 500# remaining for cargo after people/pets which can go quick.

All that to ask: Is it poor idea for the long term health of the truck to regularly approach payload capacity for weekend trips? Kids are young want the truck to be able to grow with the family, but not sure if that payload will become a concern down the road, especially considering I don't tow at all. I'm sure I'm likely over thinking it but figured it doesn't hurt to ask. Thanks for any thoughts and advice in advance!

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[Buyer2021]

All that to ask: Is it poor idea for the long term health of the truck to regularly approach payload capacity for weekend trips?

IMO the answer to that question "no". I highlighted the word that strikes me as key - "approach" as opposed to "exceed". IMO there's plenty of 'safety factor' built-into the Ford payload rating in consideration of vehicle longevity; there's no reason to not use your truck within it's design limits for its intended use and there's no basis for blaming any failure that might occur on doing that.

The unspoken 'key' is the assumption that you will also rigorously adhere to the maintenance obligations suggested by Ford to realize the longevity your truck promises. Do that and enjoy your truck for many, many miles!

 

[Zengineer]

Not an issue...but for the love of all that is holy, don't "level" it.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Not an issue...but for the love of all that is holy, don't "level" it.

Agreed.

 

[780]

IMO the answer to that question "no". I highlighted the word that strikes me as key - "approach" as opposed to "exceed". IMO there's plenty of 'safety factor' built-into the Ford payload rating in consideration of vehicle longevity; there's no reason to not use your truck within it's design limits for its intended use and there's no basis for blaming any failure that might occur on doing that.

The unspoken 'key' is the assumption that you will also rigorously adhere to the maintenance obligations suggested by Ford to realize the longevity your truck promises. Do that and enjoy your truck for many, many miles!

Agree with this.

I bet your Tacomas payload was about the same!

I understand wanting more cab space though. We have two kids as well.

What type of camping do you do?

Would towing a small trailer instead of putting everything in the bed be a possibility?

 

[ahparker]

Appreciate the thoughts! Just kinda assumed we'd be able to chuck whatever we'd want in there and be no issue, shows my ignorance. Also then safe to assume the 2.7 wouldn't be put under too much stress with that type of loading? Everything I've read people seem to love the engine if you aren't towing and that is has more than enough power.

Not an issue...but for the love of all that is holy, don't "level" it.

Wasn't planning on it. But has me wondering, we do go on a lot of climbing trips that have required a bit higher clearance. In this scenario we likely wouldn't be close to capacity load wise since its just light tent camping gear, climbing gear and a person or 2. But thoughts on what would be the best option to add a little more clearance for peace of mind and avoid butt sag when we are getting heavy?

Agree with this.

I bet your Tacomas payload was about the same!

I understand wanting more cab space though. We have two kids as well.

What type of camping do you do?

Would towing a small trailer instead of putting everything in the bed be a possibility?

No idea what the Tacoma was! But I did have a shell on and a sleeping platform inside and did the same stuff and only sometimes seemed underpowered when we were getting full, but never really paid it much attention until we got the F150 and I started looking into things.

We used to be more in the backpacking type of thing, but these days were much closer to to the car. But we're tent camping with standard coolers and firewood for a weekend these days. We have thought of a super light, like 2k# pop-up or something but haven't pushed the idea. Would towing gear in a small trailer make a difference? I assumed added resistance of towing plus the standard weight would just make it all worse?

Thanks!

 

[780]

Appreciate the thoughts! Just kinda assumed we'd be able to chuck whatever we'd want in there and be no issue, shows my ignorance. Also then safe to assume the 2.7 wouldn't be put under too much stress with that type of loading? Everything I've read people seem to love the engine if you aren't towing and that is has more than enough power.



Wasn't planning on it. But has me wondering, we do go on a lot of climbing trips that have required a bit higher clearance. In this scenario we likely wouldn't be close to capacity load wise since its just light tent camping gear, climbing gear and a person or 2. But thoughts on what would be the best option to add a little more clearance for peace of mind and avoid butt sag when we are getting heavy?



No idea what the Tacoma was! But I did have a shell on and a sleeping platform inside and did the same stuff and only sometimes seemed underpowered when we were getting full, but never really paid it much attention until we got the F150 and I started looking into things.

We used to be more in the backpacking type of thing, but these days were much closer to to the car. But we're tent camping with standard coolers and firewood for a weekend these days. We have thought of a super light, like 2k# pop-up or something but haven't pushed the idea. Would towing gear in a small trailer make a difference? I assumed added resistance of towing plus the standard weight would just make it all worse?

Thanks!

it would probably be easier to tow the weight. Depending on where you are going and if towing a trailer would make getting into those areas more difficult.
Hitch weight on the trailer is usually 10-15% of the weight of the loaded trailer.
So, it would leave you a lot more payload.
And your truck wouldn't even feel a pop up behind it. I towed one with my previous truck which was a 5.0L w/ a 6 speed. Your truck would handle it even better.

 

[ahparker]

Awesome, great information to have. Thanks for the response!

 

[Snakebitten]

That 2.7 is NOT going to be the weak link. So that's not a concern.

Hitting your rated Payload capacity as a result of the weight being on the hitch way behind the axle is different than hitting the same Payload with weight distributed throughout the cabin and bed of the truck.

You might want to upgrade some things like shocks and tires, just to give the chassis a boost in carrying the Payload though. And I personally would throw a rear sway bar on it simply because the F150 responds to one way more than you might expect. It's amazing how much "stability" the truck gains from that little bar exerting its force.

Have fun!

 

[ahparker]

That 2.7 is NOT going to be the weak link. So that's not a concern.

Hitting your rated Payload capacity as a result of the weight being on the hitch way behind the axle is different than hitting the same Payload with weight distributed throughout the cabin and bed of the truck.

You might want to upgrade some things like shocks and tires, just to give the chassis a boost in carrying the Payload though. And I personally would throw a rear sway bar on it simply because the F150 responds to one way more than you might expect. It's amazing how much "stability" the truck gains from that little bar exerting its force.

Have fun!

Ok interesting. Glad to hear about the faith in the 2.7, figured cruising around at near payload would stress the engine a ton, was worried it would start to feel super underpowered, maybe it still will but get the job done.

So weight on the hitch is "worse" than the weight distributed throughout the truck? I assume that's due to so much weight specifically on the rear axle?

Given your suggestion, is it not generally a good idea to cruise around with stock suspension at near max payload capacity?

Side question, how is it you see so many Tacomas cruising around with slide-in campers, must be crazy over limit?

 

[Snakebitten]

I was comparing a truck at max Payload because of an RV being the Payload burden, VS a truck at Max Payload because of passengers and cargo in the bed.

The physics involved are very different in respect to the forces exerted on the chassis and 4 contact patches.

I personally feel that Ford equips the F150 with very underdamped oem shocks. Has for many years. Was told by someone in the business for 30 years that its strategic in giving a good test drive for folks trying out a truck for the first time. He described the very common comment by the shopper of "wow, this doesn't ride like I thought a truck would ride"
So empty, yea it's OK on smooth roads. But again, just my opinion, totally inadequate for the other end of the Payload scale. Loaded, that is.

I don't think you are going to think that the 2.7 is feeling strained. In fact, it's hp/torque are amazingly comparable to the 5.0 V8, yet it makes 90% of its torque before 2000 rpms, where the V8 is a revver. It's strong, but it's singing when it's in its working.

 

[780]

And I personally would throw a rear sway bar on it simply because the F150 responds to one way more than you might expect. It's amazing how much "stability" the truck gains from that little bar exerting its force.

Any you'd recommend?

 

[780]

Side question, how is it you see so many Tacomas cruising around with slide-in campers, must be crazy over limit?

 

[Snakebitten]

Any you'd recommend?

Helwig is the most often mentioned.
But it's not the only manufacturer.

I've used them on a couple of trucks but supply demand issues have made it harder to find in inventory, as well as more costly.

Recently saw that they were back in stock at Stage3, and am fixing to pull the trigger on front & rear on my new Powerboost.

 

[bulger81]

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.

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