RVFixer
Thank you for a well written, well researched "rant" on ? ton trucks. Yes, SOME ? ton trucks are very capable tow vehicles. Most are not. As you so well documented, many folks have no idea what their REAL tow capacity is or how much their camper weighs. EXCELLENT POINTS!
Back when I was a boy in the Eisenhower administration, a ? ton truck had a 1,000# payload. A 1 ton truck had a 2,000# payload. Over time, pickup trucks got bigger motors, better suspensions - and increased payload ratings to meet or beat the competition. Over time ... you get to where we are today. There is one specific F150 configuration with a 3,000# (1 ? TON!) payload.
Here is where the ad gurus get their data. F150, for example, comes in 3 cab styles, 3 bed lengths, 2 drive systems (2WD / 4WD), 3 motors and 2 or 3 rear end choices. 3 cab X 3 bed X 2 drive X3 motors X2 rear = OVER 100 UNIQUE CONFIGURATIONS. Note not all configurations are available, but you get the point.
Engineers set specific GVWR and GCWR for each configuration. From this, ASSUMING BASE MODEL, NO OPTIONS, base weights are determined, then Payload and Max tow capacity calculated. These charts are prepared, and marketing picks THE BIGGEST PAYLOAD for any configuration and THE BIGGEST MAX TOW for any configuration, then go to press!!
The ad may read, "The new F150 has a payload of 3,000#" Not ALL F150, but since there is one, we can claim it! As RVFixer noted, you will rarely find one like that on the lot, but it is made.
Same for Max Tow. The ad may read, "The F150 can tow up to 17,500#" with video of a 4WD CC Platinum towing a trailer. Now, THAT truck can not haul that load, but they do make one that can!
Buyer Beware! Salesmen may not lie on purpose, but they are often far from the truth.
Felt good to get that off my chest!