Can I Beef Up My Truck for Heavier Payload?

[mjncad]

Personal experience - I have a 1999 F-250. The rear springs are rated at 4600 pounds combined and the axle and tires are rated at 6800 pounds. Breaks are the same as on the F-350. So you can see that the spring were far and away the weak link. I added air bags and eventually the springs broke, possibly due to how the air bags attach. I swaped in heavier springs, rated for 7,200 pounds combined. To my surprise, the truck rides softer with the heavier springs than it did with the originals + air bags. This is possible because the new springs give 6 inches of travel to the bump stops compared to 3 inches with the old worn out springs.

May I ask what the heavier springs cost you parts and labor? My '99 F-250 SD came from the factory with up sized tires from a stock F-250 SD; so I consider it a F-250-1/2.

 

[dodge man]

I hauled 250 gallons in the back of my 2007 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton. Yes it was overloaded, but I drove slower, and took it easy on the bumps. It didn't feel unsafe, but from me looking at the truck, it looked hard on the rear axle. I was doing this to fill our swimming pool. I had E rated tires. A lot of times, I just wouldn't fill it up all the way and only haul 200 gallons.

Just don't fill the tank all the way up. If its only 4 miles, make a second trip.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I hauled 250 gallons in the back of my 2007 Dodge Ram 1/2 ton. Yes it was overloaded, but I drove slower, and took it easy on the bumps. It didn't feel unsafe, but from me looking at the truck, it looked hard on the rear axle. I was doing this to fill our swimming pool. I had E rated tires. A lot of times, I just wouldn't fill it up all the way and only haul 200 gallons.

Just don't fill the tank all the way up. If its only 4 miles, make a second trip.

I would think it would be less safe to haul the tank partially full vs full. Get liquid sloshing around and it can be a hand full.

Chris

 

[RobertN]

Agree. Unless you have a baffled tank, sloshing water will move all over.

Just started working on my firefighter license endorsement; that is one of the topics for safe driving, especially on water-tenders.

I would think it would be less safe to haul the tank partially full vs full. Get liquid sloshing around and it can be a hand full.

Chris

 

[bironacad]

This is a common thread in RV forums. People buy there truck then get a trailer with a hitch weight over the trucks capacity, ask me how I know, lol. The RV dealer will say sure a half ton will haul it then...You will hear everything from not enough brakes to axle strength you might want to check it out. One thing though, a lot of people will load up there trucks and will not have tires rated for the load not all tires are created equal.

My two cents

 

[mlauk]

I can not believe some of these GVWR packages you guys have. I guess I always order my trucks the way I want them but I have not had a 1/2 ton with less than 7,000# GVWR and a curb weight over 5,600# with me in it ever. This leaves a honest 1,600# or more payload.

I have not had a 3/4 ton in the last 10 years with a GVWR less than 9,900# and the curb weight of them were in the 7,500# range leaving a honest 2,500# payload.

My current 1 ton SRW has 11,500# GVWR and it weight 7,600# again with me in it leaving nearly 4,000# for payload.

Do your research when buying. Just because it says 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or 1 ton that does not mean squat.

Chris

Chris, what were the factory tires rated for and what is the unloaded rear axle weight of your 1 ton SRW truck? I would think the tires are right at their limits with a 4000# payload.

 

[MD09]

Thanks for answers thus far. My truck is a 1998 F150 4WD regular cab long bed. The GVWR is listed at 6050 max and this model F150 with auto comes in at 4400 lbs empty curb weight. That gives me a current 1600 lbs to play with. I would like to haul ~330 gals of water 4 miles....flat no hills. I've been keeping the 1ton decision at bay but expect to take the plunge in a couple of years.

Put you rload on a trailer... simple 1 axle trailer will net you 3500# load rating and it will be alot cheaper and nicer riding than moding you truck.

 

[dodge man]

Yeah the water sloshing around was a pain, but not that bad. Just leaving 50 gallons out wasn't to bad, and took some weight out of the truck. More often than not, I just filled it to the top, you would be suprised how many trips it takes to fill a 27' round pool. Its a lot.

 

[JIGBUILDER]

Your '98 F150 most likely has a 3900 RAWR (?). Many 1/2 ton trucks that size may have a rear unladin axle weight in the 2300-2400 lb range. That leaves around 1500-1600 lbs for a payload.
Of biggest concern is those small semi float rear axle and P tires. You can always upgrade tires/wheel and some type of aftermarket springs or bags for more payload potential. However your still left with that small semi float axles.

Generally being over weight on the axle just wears the bearings out quicker. (example)The axle bearings may last 75000 instead of 100000 miles. Keep your speeds down and go with a synthetic rear axle lub or just change it out annually with regular lube oil.

 

[Speedfreak]

Wow it's only 4 miles just make 2 trips. Or break it down to 4 trips. Heck if your in shape you can walk it with 5 gallon buckets and be done by the time this thread gets lost.