truck payload rating system in america ?

[Diamondpilot]

* Why ?
Are you saying a 1/2 ton is just as heavy duty as a 3/4 ton?
I must admit I'm a bit by your statement .

Hey don't get mad at me. I have one now and had one I traded and kick myself every day for buying them. I built the same truck as the one I have now but as a 1 ton and there was less than $600 difference. Same body, same frame, same engine, same tranny, weaker suspension. I could have spent the $600 on a $45,000 truck and had a heck of a lot more truck.

I also did clearly state it was my opinion.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

I must confess trying to grasp the meaning of the following has me quite befuddled.

Does it mean if I buy a higher priced 3/4 ton all I'm getting is over charged for a 1/2 ton truck?
Or does it mean I get the 3/4 ton for a 1/2 ton price if I go with a 1/2 ton.?

L . B .

The rating system is outdated. They need a new way.
No, I am saying after owning 2 3/4 ton trucks and 3 1 ton trucks I should have never bought the 3/4 tons and just spent the $600 more and got the 1 ton. A small price to pay when you are dealing with a $40K truck.

Chris

 

[JB4310]

I really don't hear those terms anymore (1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton) except by old timers, any serious buyer, especially commercial work truck buyers look only at manufactures specs.
JB.

 

[ScottAR]

You can tow 10K behind an F-550 with a typical driver's license

Sorry I wasn't clear. I can't tow my load without a CDL. My 580 weighs 15,000 lbs + trailer.

I could tow the little Deere 1050 but not with the same trailer as for the 580 without CDL. At least that is my understanding.

 

[ultrarunner]

Actually, the trucks are called things like 150, 250, 350, 1500, 2500, 3500. We call them the names that used to be back in the 40's, 50's, 60's. But they are not load ratings of 1/2 ton etc.

History based classes is really a good way of putting it!

jb

At one time Fords were F100 and Chevy was C10... I don't think they ever actually applied to weight unless you go pre WW. Today the designation is only where the vehicle fit in the manufacturer's line-up.

I've owned 1/4 ton, 1 ton and 1 1/2 ton Model A Fords and in 1930 there was a correlation

 

[LBrown59]

Sorry I wasn't clear. I can't tow my load without a CDL. My 580 weighs 15,000 lbs + trailer.

I could tow the little Deere 1050 but not with the same trailer as for the 580 without CDL. At least that is my understanding.

I don't get why a private individual would need a commercial license to drive a noncommercial truck.
L . B .

 

[LBrown59]

I've owned 1/4 ton, 1 ton and 1 1/2 ton Model A Fords and in 1930 there was a correlation

What no 1/2 or 3/4 tons????????????

 

[Lunk]

I don't know if they still do it this way, but keep in mind that most truck payload capacities are typically "dry-weight."

If your 1/2 ton Supercrew has a payload capacity of 1700#, don't forget to factor in :

*35 gal of fuel - 280#
*25qt cooling system - 40#
*6qt oil - 10#
*4 burly friends or relatives (American-sized), plus you - 1000#

Actual available rated capacity - 370# (1700-330=370)

I'm always amused by the TV commercials where the 6 beefy dudes climb into a 1/2 ton crew cab, piled high with oak rounds and pulling a skidloader, and just beat the snot out of it getting it out of the woods.

Basically voiding the warranty if the MFG finds out, when you file the claim after it breaks...

 

[Diamondpilot]

No, I actually weigh my trucks with all my stuff in the cab like chains, draw bar, tow strap, ect. I do it with 3/4 tank of fuel and me only. I then take the trucks GVWR of the sticker in the door and subtract the weight. Thats where I get my data, I do not trust the manufacture. I want a real world figure.

Example:
2007 F-150 4x4 SuperCrew GVWR= 7200#
2007 F-150 4x4 SuperCrew with me in it and my junk plus 3/4 tank=5560#

Available payload= 1640#

Ford list the payload for my truck as 1660# so its a fair figure and only off by 20#. Its the 139" WB 5.4 with 3.73's. Its on the link below. Just hit the "Payload Package Selector" tab. Ford Trucks: F-150 Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew & Cargo Box Dimensions | Ford Vehicles

Ford list my truck as a GCVWR at 15,000 with the 5.4 3.73's and 139WB and has a max tow rating of 9,300# but with my trucks weight of 5560# its a little better. 15,000#-5,560#=9,440# But in reality you should never exceed a printed limitation so that 9,300# is my true limit. Hit the "Towing" tab on the link below.
Ford Trucks: F-150 Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew & Cargo Box Dimensions | Ford Vehicles

So all in all I think Ford is fair with the numbers. I have seen other manufactures pad them. The only way is to have the truck weighed. I like to do it with 3/4 tank because that seems to be my middle weight. I fill it up when it hits a 1/4 tank so I am always between Full and 1/4 tank.

Chris

 

[excelagator]

The biggest problem with any 1/2 ton SUV or truck is the rear springs IMHO! They build 1/2 tons to drive like a car and not like a truck. Once you haul or tow that goes to all to h&^%. They S-U-C-K! BTW, Coil springs have no place being put on the rear of any truck (period) Leafs are made for loads and coils for cars.

I towed a light tongued pop-up with my Xterra. The backed dropped 3 inches with 80 lbs. Mind your this is rated to haul 5,000 lbs. Our 08 Silverado dropped 4 inches with a light load on the trailer. If you want to improve any 1/2 ton truck or SUV get some helper springs, but don't exceed the tongue or tow weight. My Xterra has 1-1/2" add a leafs and the (1500) Silverado is getting helpers. If you going to haul/tow anything do yourself a favor add a tranny cooler also.

Just my opinion,
Dan