F150 payload

[Bigfoot88]

Is there any simple thing I can do to increase my F150's payload

 

[Derby6]

Replace with heavier springs or add a spring. But that ma not be too simple? I don’t think airbags add to capacity but if your just maxing load or barely overloading there likely do the trick.

 

[tlmgcamp1]

A noticeable payload increase would start with a review of all the systems (engine, transmission, transfer case, differentials, cooling, suspension, tires, braking, frame, etc) to see if there are any parts that are overdesigned. Ford may do that because they would rather make one part that works in the both F250 and F150. Once you eliminate those, replace everything else.

 

[SpencerPJ]

Nope, because the payload feeds into what other components are rated for, including axle strength, frame strength, brakes, and just everything suspension related. You can be like some of the lesser intelligent ones on the truck forums, throw some airbags on it to level er up. Get sum good ins

 

[Chef Duane]

You can change springs, shocks, add air shocks, air bags, change wheels, tires, etc., but you cannot increase the payload capacity rating of the vehicle. The only way I know of gaining payload capacity is to get a different truck.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

You can increase your payload by adding more rocks in the bed...to increase your payload CAPACITY see the comments others have made...

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

All the above are technically accurate but maybe not very helpful. As a practical matter, you can probably gain a few hundred lbs of payload capacity with an additional or beefier rear spring or maybe a air-assist. Might need new tires to compliment that too. Just what you can get depends on what you already have in place (see tlmgcamp1 reply), so there is no ready-made kit that works on all F150's.

 

[Chef Duane]

All the above are technically accurate but maybe not very helpful. As a practical matter, you can probably gain a few hundred lbs of payload capacity with an additional or beefier rear spring or maybe a air-assist. Might need new tires to compliment that too. Just what you can get depends on what you already have in place (see tlmgcamp1 reply), so there is no ready-made kit that works on all F150's.

There's no way you can 'gain a few hundred pounds of payload capacity'. You can beef up your suspension and tires so your vehicle can better cope with it when you overload the payload capacity, but the rated payload capacity of the vehicle always remains the same.

 

[RayIN]

The answer is NO.
Look at the rated stopping capacity of your brakes too. Maximum payload is determined by many things, as Chef Duane stated.
There are companies that have the knowledge and authority to increase GVWR. When they are finished, they remove the OEM sticker and put on a new VWR sticker.
By the time they are finished I suspect the total cost to you will be close to the price of a new F250.
FWIW, there are Canadian provinces that have and enforce the truck makers GVWR; without the above legal changes and door sticker, those provinces can and will make you park your truck until it is in compliance.

Where you are is quite common. Salespeople are paid to sell their product; the easiest way is it to take advantage of shoppers ignorance.
Driving an overloaded vehicle is legal in some instances, but it greatly shortens the usable life of the vehicle and is a danger on the road.
For the RV community, this is a reliable and accurate online towing calculator.
Towing Capacity Calculator

 

[UTTransplant]

A few years back when we still had our Outdoors RV trailer and a 3/4 ton diesel pickup, I had a surgical follow up appointment with a PA. We got to talking about Tundras (our previous tow vehicle) and 3/4 ton trucks as tow vehicles. The trailer was rated well below the Tundra’s payload and tow limits, but it could only go about 150 miles before a fill up, plus it was just “squirrelly” IYKYK. Her family had been talked into a small toy hauler trailer, 30’, for use with a Tundra. They only kept a Smart Car and bicycles in the back (urban area). As she noted, by the second time they had to replace the transmission they sold the Tundra and bought a 3/4 ton diesel.

You can’t upgrade the payload of a truck. The label on the door is the legal limit. And you probably won’t like the performance of the tow vehicle if you even get pretty close. If all you do is drive to the lake every few weekends, less than 100 miles, you might be able to ignore the overloading. If you take vacations in the western mountains where the PA and I were at the time, you will have issues. Your choice.

 

[Chef Duane]

The other thing to remember is your legal liability if you get into an accident with over loaded payload capacity. Even if it's not your fault, if the insurance carrier determines you exceeded rated payload capacity they probably won't payoff a claim. And if YOU were the cause of the accident and you were towing over rated capacity you could be liable for some major damages and potential legal problems.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

There's no way you can 'gain a few hundred pounds of payload capacity'. You can beef up your suspension and tires so your vehicle can better cope with it when you overload the payload capacity, but the rated payload capacity of the vehicle always remains the same.

He didn't ask about changing a federal rating plate, and it's not germane in most private use scenarios anyway. Actual "capacity" is a physical capability, not a number of the door post.

 

[Chef Duane]

He didn't ask about changing a federal rating plate, and it's not germane in most private use scenarios anyway. Actual "capacity" is a physical capability, not a number of the door post.

OP asked "Is there any simple thing I can do to increase my F150's payload?" No, there's not. That's why I said you can beef up the suspension for when you overload your truck. Not to mention the legal ramifications (see post #11) which IMHO is quite germane.

 

[Joezeppy]

...if the insurance carrier determines you exceeded rated payload capacity they probably won't payoff a claim.

They'll pay. After 34 years in the insurance industry, I can tell you there are no "stupidity exclusions" in Auto policies.

 

[Chef Duane]

They'll pay. After 34 years in the insurance industry, I can tell you there are no "stupidity exclusions" in Auto policies.

LOL! True 'dat! But if the lawyers get involved all bets are off.

 

[bikemutt]

Years ago I bought a new 1500 Chevy truck that was sold as a "1/2 Heavy", from what I could tell it had stiffer springs to accommodate more weight in the bed. It rode like crap unloaded.

I'd replace the truck with one that meets your payload requirements.