Tow Opinion
I have an opportunity on a great deal on a 2014 Streamlite Ultra Lite 30KBS. However, my main concern is that it is too much trailer for my 1500 Ram. I have my Ram setup for towing, 3.92 gears, ...
Forum Discussion
camp-n-family wrote:drsteve wrote:camp-n-family wrote:
...frames, suspension, and brakes play a part too but aren't usually rated with an individual limiting number and are capable of supporting much higher weights than the artificially low Payload ratings...
And how do you know this? Do you have a link to information showing that half ton trucks are far more capable than the manufacturer claims?
Many 3/4 tons are essentially derated one ton trucks, for registration purposes in states that charge by GVWR.
Some half tons, like the truck in my sig, or an F-150 with the max payload package, have close to the capability of a 3/4 ton. A lot of half tons, OTOH, are little more than grocery getters, suitable for pulling a boat to the lake or a trip to the lumber yard, and not much more.
You just answered your own question. Your truck with the heavy payload option is the perfect example. The heavy payload option mostly just adds heavier shocks and leaf springs, upgraded wheels and tires and a larger rear gear set. The rest of the truck is still a light duty f150. A lot of the same components of a base truck with sub 2k payload and a 7k tow rating are rated for use in the heavier 3k+ payload and 11k+ tow rates trucks.
My 1500HD is actually the same truck Chevy used to sell as the 2500. Different in nearly all respects from a 1500. Frame, axles, drivetrain, brakes, are all different. It shares almost nothing with a half ton.
The stuff you list--heavier suspension, brakes, etc. are exactly why the manufacturers rate these trucks differently.
As I said, it's not all axles and tires.
