What determines payloads?
I been wondering how do manufacturers determine pay loads? Are they determined by 1) the suspension 2) the frame 3) axle limits 4) tire weight load limitations 5) all of the above 6) or ot...
Forum Discussion
ShinerBock wrote:
Payload is determined by subtracting the trucks weight from it's GVWR.
What you really should be asking is what determines a truck's GVWR. For that, there are different answers for different truck classes.
^This.
For all the other factors going into the gvw, it's not only different for different truck classes, but the limiting factors change by make/model/year.
IMO, in general, class 1 trucks are often limited by suspension, considering you can upgrade tires easily. Knowing that a lot of axles are rated for more weight by the mfg if they're not in house axles.
Class 2, more of a gvw limit for licensing usually as they are typically the same chassis as a class 3 maybe with less springs.
Class 3, tire capacity for srw followed by axle capacity for drw is more prevalent.
Bottom line, if you don't understand the mechanics and limitations of the vehicle components, then use the mfg payload cap as it typically has a healthy margin of safety in place thanks to the lawyers!
