Truck's Payload Limit For Flood Relief... Need Some Advice

I’m taking my truck down for flood relief efforts. Trying to make sure I’m not overloaded, but I’m not sure about the exact payload I can handle. Any tips on how to calculate or where to find accurate info?


What does the door jamb sticker say your payload is? That’s the most accurate number. No way your truck has a 3300lb payload, right?

Finley said:
What does the door jamb sticker say your payload is? That’s the most accurate number. No way your truck has a 3300lb payload, right?

Exactly, 3300lbs is a theoretical max on a regular cab with an 8’ bed and 2WD HDPP. A crew cab short bed won’t have that. My Ram 2500 gasser has a 3300lb payload with a 10k GVWR.

Finley said:
What does the door jamb sticker say your payload is? That’s the most accurate number. No way your truck has a 3300lb payload, right?

Good point. Just checked, and the actual payload is 1701.

@Sky
That’s crazy, it’s less than the 2024 Tacoma by 8 lbs.

Toryn said:
@Sky
That’s crazy, it’s less than the 2024 Tacoma by 8 lbs.

Yeah, but a Tacoma with a 1700lb payload is the same idea as saying an F150 has a 3300lb payload… both are rare situations.

Finley said:
What does the door jamb sticker say your payload is? That’s the most accurate number. No way your truck has a 3300lb payload, right?

Also, remember a class 4 hitch without weight distribution maxes out at 1000 lbs.

@Will
Actually, it’s 5000 lbs without WD according to Ford.

Quincy said:
@Will
Actually, it’s 5000 lbs without WD according to Ford.

Right, but that’s 1000lb tongue weight and 5000lb total weight. With WD, you can handle 1200lb tongue weight and around 10k total.

@Will
Exactly, tongue weight is capped at 1000 lbs without WD, but gross trailer weight can hit 5000 lbs.

You’re getting close to your limit. That off-road suspension isn’t ideal for towing, and with a Uhaul trailer, you can’t use a weight distribution hitch. When I haul heavy stuff like water, I put it in the trailer and lighter items in the truck bed. Even with max payload, I get some sag. You’re probably okay as is, but don’t pack much more than an overnight bag for yourself.

And thank you for going down to help!

@Devon
I moved some of the water to the trailer, thanks for the advice!

@Devon
Actually, it depends on the suspension type. If you lift it with blocks, yeah, it’s bad for towing. But with added leaf springs, it can help a lot with towing.

Keagan said:
@Devon
Actually, it depends on the suspension type. If you lift it with blocks, yeah, it’s bad for towing. But with added leaf springs, it can help a lot with towing.

Most people with off-road trucks like the Badlands don’t go for a spring lift, though, because it messes with articulation.

Your limiting factor is likely going to be your payload, which is probably around 1700lbs (check the sticker in the door jamb). Add up the trailer hitch weight, cargo in the bed, and any people in the truck, then subtract that from your available payload to see if you’re over the limit.

@Roan
You’re spot on. It’s 1701 lbs. I’ve got about 400 lbs in the cab (me, the dog, tools, etc.), and 908 lbs in the bed (moved some water to the trailer). That leaves around 400 lbs for the hitch. I heard the trailer tongue weight should be 10-15% of the total trailer weight. I think I’m in the clear now.

@Sky
Sounds about right. If you want a precise measurement, take it to a CAT scale for an accurate read, but you seem to have a solid idea already.

Good luck!

https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator

Reeve said:
https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator

That’s great, but it doesn’t work for anything older than 2020.

Benn said:

Reeve said:
https://www.ford.com/support/towing-calculator

That’s great, but it doesn’t work for anything older than 2020.

Here’s something for you.