OMG!!! Thank you friends for my education.

Fourkidletts wrote:

Owner (O): so, here's the thing. Payload and towing capacity are 2 different things.
Me: Yes, I understand this.
O: What are you trying to tow?
Me: We are still trying to figure that out, that's why we are looking at F 150s and 250s and looking at payload numbers. We have 6 of us, and so payload is important.
O: Well, your passengers have nothing to do with payload. Only the weight of the cargo and tongue weight. But tongue weight counts, only if it's a fifth wheel, because that sits in the bed of the truck.

With mouth hanging open, I calmly took my papers from his hand and said "That is completely untrue, we are leaving." He continued to try to explain to me how passengers don't matter, and my husband gently and lovingly guided my pissed off self out to the car.

Most salespeople will not want to deal with you because you are obviously very well informed and have a clear understanding of the numbers and the definitions. Most salespeople would just prefer to deal with people who's only concern is the amount of their monthly payment (and not even the duration of that payment).

You are certainly well informed, and you will make the correct choices. Keep in mind that you will probably have similar encounters as you continue to shop.

I had a similar exchange (in less detail) with a Nissan representative at the Houston Auto Show when I commented about the Titan XD Cummins diesel that had a payload of 1377 lb. I am not in sales, but if I am some day, I will at least take the time to learn about the product I am selling.