Upgrading Payload?

[The_Painting_Te]

1) What would be necessary to upgrade payload capacity (without buying a new truck)? How much upgrade is possible (in lbs)? Any idea what the cost would be? Thanks for responses to these questions ... not suggestions on bigger, more expensive TV's. Camp on!

[Allworth]

Good choice!

[The_Painting_Te]

The_Painting_Teacher wrote:
1) What would be necessary to upgrade payload capacity (without buying a new truck)? How much upgrade is possible (in lbs)? Any idea what the cost would be? Thanks for responses to these questions ... not suggestions on bigger, more expensive TV's. Camp on!

To those who offered suggestions and ideas, thank you. To those who decided to respond critically, you should know I was looking for answers to those questions I posted. I already understand buying another truck is an option (hence the part about not offering that), but I was curious if another option existed. Apparently, an attempt to upgrade would fail so my questions have been answered. I haven't run away or been hiding. I was waiting for several days to get enough input to make decisions. As for me, this issue is closed. Thanks again. Camp on!

[Slownsy]

I don't fully agree in other countries a engineer can specify sudden changes and increase GVM and payload, can't se why not hear if willing to pay for it.
Frank.

[rhagfo]

butchfuzion wrote:
A 3/4 truck doesn't really cost that much more now days than a 1/2. Should be able to upgrade to a similar make, year etc 3/4 for much less than trying to make a 1/2 into a 3/4 if that is even possible.

Good point, but if you follow many of the the threads on here of those that try to tow larger units with a 1/2 ton/150/1500 is "they don't like the ride of a 4/3 ton/250/2500. Well my way of thinking they will not like the ride of the lighter TV while pulling the larger trailer with that lighter truck.

The new F150 EB Max, Max has a GVWR that is about 95% of the total axle rating there isn't much room to spare. Keep in mind 5% of 8,200# is only 410#! Keep in mind the 4,800# rating on the F150 EB Max, Max rear axle is NOT related to the tires.

[JIMNLIN]

Hopefully if he is going to increase his particular trucks payload potential he does it using good common sense approach determined by the size of the truck. Our truck camper forum would be a good place to search for upgrading the trucks payload potential from a good safety perspective.

[avvidclif1]

lanerd wrote:
I think you guys have scared the painter off...

He got a bunch of common sense answers which he didn't want, my guess..

Or he was just stirring the pot.

[Allworth]

The design specifications for the truck, including payload, were set by the manufacturer's engineers. You cannot change them, including payload. You can cheat on the design. You can spend a ton of money. You can risk your life and the lives of others.

You cannot change the design specs.

[butchfuzion]

A 3/4 truck doesn't really cost that much more now days than a 1/2. Should be able to upgrade to a similar make, year etc 3/4 for much less than trying to make a 1/2 into a 3/4 if that is even possible.

[oilslick]

In all this no one addressed the fact that a 3/4 and one ton truck use a FULLY FLOATING rear axel, the load is not carried on the axle drive shaft, that's not the case with a 1/2 ton where the load is carried on that very small diameter axle shaft just waiting to shear off.

[Paul_Clancy]

He's out.

[lanerd]

I think you guys have scared the painter off...

[Cummins12V98]

Norskeman wrote:
Nothing can be done to increase the GVWR of a truck - you can add items that improve the towing - shocks, tires and air bags. But the frame, brakes, engine and transmission are only rated for the design GVWR of the truck.

Probably best to purchase the RV then the truck that is designed to pull it.

Now that just makes too much darn sense!

[goducks10]

ckwizard777 wrote:
Well it depends.
A 1500 will always be a 1500 so not much you can do with it. However a 2500 and a 3500 will use the same frame and powertrain at least GM does, with the only differance being in the spring pack.
So you could make a 3/4 ton a 1 ton just by upgrading the spring pack and thats alot cheaper than buyin a new truck.
Of course your door sticker will not be correct anymore so beware if ya live in one of those weight police states.
Cheers

x2

[Sinecure]

jerem0621 wrote:
Here is a video of a truck that was worked literally to death. Check out what happened to the frame.

87 1-ton chevy

Thanks!

Jeremiah

You can't really use this as a comparison to what the OP is trying to accomplish. The truck in this video was not "worked to death", it spent a lifetime as a plow truck with loads of salt in the bed. The weight of the salt didn't break it, but rather the corrosive effects of the salt.