Forum Discussion

Npdchief07's avatar
Npdchief07
Explorer
Mar 04, 2017

payload capacity

I have read that most auto manufacturers underestimate their towing and payload capacity to be on the safe side. Is this true? I just bought a 2013 Ford F-150 with towing package and 7100GVWR but it only has a payload capacity of 1720. We may exceed that buy about 100 pounds on some trips when older son is with us. Cause for concern?

17 Replies

  • Seeing as GVWR is a number that can be fudged...registered with DMV for XXXXXX or whatever, I pay attention to REAR Tire Max Load Ratings, then RAWR and then GCWR

    If I am within THOSE ratings------hook up and GO!
  • Your rig, your risk. Towing overloaded won't make your truck explode or the sky fall. Lots of vehicles out there towing well above their weight limit, of all sizes, and the world hasn't ended.

    More likely: Components will wear faster, even towing within specs does that. If damage occurs to a component and you try to get warranty on it, and they find out you tow overloaded, your warranty for that component is toast.

    Less likely: You get in an accident because of equipment failure and injure someone, and you try to blame Ford. The investigation will turn up you were overloaded and you're toast.
  • The answer is...it depends on you.

    1) do you agree with the OEM's ratings and design paremeters?
    2) do you personally have a problem with exceeding GVWR?
    3) some go by the axle ratings instead of the GVWR which typically have a disparity and so they fudge the numbers that way.
    4) some take the payload sticker as absolute

    That all being said...nobody that says 'no you can't' or ''you shouldn't have any problem' are responsible for the safe operation of your rig...that's up to you.

    IMHO...since you asked about 100 lbs that tells me you may be a bit iffy about this nearly or already overloaded rig. IMHO...the real question should be if it's time to upgrade the truck. The answer to that is again...up to you.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • And I have read that auto mfgs post weight ratings to satisfy insurance companies, the EPA, or government regulators. So what? You have to either put your faith in the mfg or a bunch of no names on the internet. Your choice.
  • But the dealer said a 1/2 ton will pull anything! Ha ha
  • Only you can decide that. But 100#'s isn't a huge deal. Biggest issue is make sure not to exceed tire and RAWR. If you have P rated tires I'd swap em out for LT.
  • 100#? No. In hindsight, I would have bought an F-250 and not worry about payload.