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To determine actual weight on a loaded truck axle, measure from the fender lips to ground while compressed by an unknown load. Then go to Menards and start loading 100 pound bags of "something or other" until the same height is reached. Count the bags and multiply by 100.
A truck "can take" weight-wise, any suspension compression one is willing to apply, that allows some additional bump travel for movement on imperfect roads.
This method would be a good way to reality-check lighter Dodge trucks that have an unusually low listed sticker capacity. My guess is that Dodge, Chevy and Ford 1/2 tons will have an actual competitively-close real-weight capacity in spite of the very conservative stickers often found on Dodges. The static "Menards test load" should be safe on whimpy passenger tires while not moving, but in the name of safety, tires should be upgraded to LT C's, D's or E's to match "on-purpose over-loads" while underway.
Wes
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