bmanning wrote:
The opinions I've formed, right or wrong:
GVW is a great "guideline" to stay within, but I personally am comfortable loading above it. Way above it? No, but a small to reasonable amount, yes.
I view GCWR as more steadfast and would not really ever be comfortable being over axle & tire ratings unless it was to move a trailer from one end of the parking lot to another.
Example: my 2002 F250 crew cab 4x4 7.3L had a GVW of 8800lb & a curb weight of just over 7400lb so "payload" was ~1400lb. It had the "camper pkg" which for that model year meant F350 springs. A 2002 F350 had a 9900lb GVW so in my mind, my truck's true GVW was 9900lb with a payload of ~2500lb and I never hesitated to load it as such. It had a GCWR of 20,000lb so based upon that my tow capacity was ~12,750, give or take.
It's just a one truck, one model year example but if someone had told me I was unsafe with 1500lb in the bed I'd have laughed heartily & told them to have a great day.
Having said that, I think those who believe in staying within GVW as a rule have their heart in the right place and it's commendable, even if the safety factor occasionally gets overplayed a bit.
I agree with this post. My thoughts, and understanding, would be similar.
Happy Holidays,
Jerry
