What is the weak link?
My current truck has a tow rating of 10,000 pounds. I ordered it equipped with all the towing gizmos. In considering buying a bigger TT, the limiting factor seems to be the carrying capacity, which ...
Forum Discussion
What is the weak link in the carrying capacity? Suspension? Tire capacity? Rear axle capacity? Frame? Something else, a combination, all the above?
Depends on the vehicle but for a ?? model 1500 GM truck the P tires and probably stock wheels need a upgrade. Next would be rear suspension help for more load carrying ability. I've seen specs on a 1500 semi float GM rear axle in the 4800-4900 lb range. Brakes are a function of the trucks axle ratings.
I’m wondering if there is any way to upgrade the weakest component to safely coax a couple of hundred more pounds of carrying capacity.
Sure but again it not generic to all trucks but in a the case of a 1500 truck with a semi float rear axle its pretty limited to my above points.
I would use your trucks RAWR for figuring how much hitch weight the rear axle can carry. Trucks GVWR or the mfg payload or a tire placard number isn't used in any legal aspect to determine any trucks payload. Truck makers aren't about to build a truck frame that can't handle the GAWRs.
Example; Your rear axle may have a 3950 RAWR. Many 1500 truck owners report a rear unladin weight in the 2300-2500 lb range which leaves your truck with around 1450-1650 lb for a max load before going over the trucks RAWR. IMO every truck owner that is concerned with weight should know the truck separate front and rear axle weight numbers.
