Truck cargo/towing capacities - now I get why many are confused

[Back2PA]

I'm concentrating my early truck research on Ford partly because I sorta like Ford better (no good reason and I'm not a "car guy"), but largly because Ford is much more forcoming with towing data. The trailer gross weight data is easy to decifer, but I'm missing something on cargo weight capability.

I've attached a screenshot from the 2008 Ford Towing Guide where they show slide-in camper and cargo data, the only apparent place dealing with cargo weights that I see.

I've circled the numbers I'm not understanding. Questions:

• It appears the V10 has a 200# lower gross than the diesel, correct?
• If correct, why then does the V10 have a much higher cargo weight rating?
• Finally, I'm going to guess this truck weighs about 6500 pounds, am I close? If the diesel GVWR is 10,000, wouldn't that give you a cargo capacity closer to 3500#, not the anemic 1465# shown in the chart? Exactly what is the 1465 referring to? Seems like the average 1/2 ton could carry that all day  ???

For heaven's sake, 40+ years I've had RVs off and on, and I feel like an absolute newbie! :-[

 

[steveblonde]

Sorry im trying to do this off my phone not computer as im traveling - but the short answer in this the weight of the  motor the deisel weights a lot more. Both truck start out with tbe same rating, but everytime you add something to thectruck it takes away from the payload. Hope this helps
The 1465 is tha payload ie people canopy wood etc the diesel weights 600 lbs more with the stronger shocks motor mounts trans etc than the gas thus the lower cargo cap

 

[Back2PA]

Sorry im trying to do this off my phone not computer as im traveling - but the short answer in this the weight of the  motor the deisel weights a lot more. Both truck start out with tbe same rating, but everytime you add something to thectruck it takes away from the payload. Hope this helps

I wondered if that might be the reason thx

 

[triplethreat]

Scott, when you see an advertisement on TV... or a manufacturer's brochure for their truck and they are talking about their maximum payload capacity, those high numbers are a result of them telling you about their base model truck.  The truck they are referring to is a regular cab, no 4 wheel drive, gas motor, and the most basic trim level......in the Ford lineup, that would be an XL trim.....vs. The XLT, the Lariat, the Platinum, the King Ranch, etc.  That base model has more payload because you haven't added a heavier diesel engine and transmission, you haven't added all the goodies in the higher trim level packages, you haven't added all the extra weight of the 4 wheel drive and transfer case.....all of that stuff adds up, and is deducted from the available payload numbers.  If you buy a stripped down truck like the one that they base their maximum payload numbers on, you too can get that higher payload.  Most people don't want a stripped down truck though.....and that's why you see so many CrewCab, 4x4, diesel, Lariat/King Ranch/Platinum truck's on the road that have all the bells and whistles on them.  Hope this helps you understand it a little better......nothing is for free, and that includes payload capacity.

 

[Jackiemac]

It took us a while to find what we wanted with payload 

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The engine weight difference definitely affects CCC but should not alter the GVWR.  I'm pretty sure the diesel weighs more than an extra 200 lb as well.  Clearly the chart shows some relationship, though, so I'm guessing there are additional slight differences in the standard chassis configuration for each, e.g. the rear axle, front suspension, standard tires, etc. and those lead to small differences in GVWR.

I'm not sure if any conclusion can be drawn from the slide-in camper cargo weight table.  It may be driven by rear axle capacity os some other factor that pertains to slide-ins.  It does nt seem to be the anticipated CCC.

 

[Grandpa Ron]

When looking at towing guide they have to be taken at face value. Why this or that option changes the rating is a function of many design features; some are not quite so obvious, such as brake size, frame construction, cooling ability and a host of other things the design engineers take into account.

As best I can figure Ford allows 10% tongue weight, so yes I can tow that 10,000 lb. boat, trailer unless like my TT it was 13% on the tongue. In that case I have to leave the wife, dog and camp gear at home.

Also many of the "advanced features" available to some truck models cut into the vehicles cargo capacity.

I tell folks, if you think 1/2 ton, than you think 5000 lbs. dry weight TT. You will not be too far off when you cross the CAT scales.   

Safe travels   

 

[sadixon49]

Clearly the diesel is heavier, not just the engine, but the tranny, the differentials, brakes, batteries, everything that goes into the diesel option. So the gasser has a lower gvwr, 9800# vs 10000#, but the gasser weighs less and thus can carry more.

 

[Back2PA]

thx

 

[triplethreat]

The engine weight difference definitely affects CCC but should not alter the GVWR.  I'm pretty sure the diesel weighs more than an extra 200 lb as well.  Clearly the chart shows some relationship, though, so I'm guessing there are additional slight differences in the standard chassis configuration for each, e.g. the rear axle, front suspension, standard tires, etc. and those lead to small differences in GVWR.

I'm not sure if any conclusion can be drawn from the slide-in camper cargo weight table.  It may be driven by rear axle capacity os some other factor that pertains to slide-ins.  It does nt seem to be the anticipated CCC.

I'm wanting to say that on the Ford trucks, the difference between a gasser and the Diesel engine package is about 600 lbs.  And as stated, it's not just the engine.  There's a different heavier transmission put behind the diesel, there are three different cooling systems on the diesel, there are two 750 CC amp batteries, a turbocharger, the extra weight of the exhaust system that is on the diesel, the DEF tanks and almost 6 gallons of DEF.  Everything adds up quickly.

 

[grashley]

By definition, CCC = GVWR minus actual curb wt.  For a given GVWR, more weight means lower CCC, as stated by many above in different ways.  For any truck, get it weighed and subtract that from the GVWR (and subtract your weight) it determine CCC.

As I said on another thread, I believe you will find a footnote below your screen shot that includes passengers in all seats in their camper weight calculations.

 

[Back2PA]

Thx again to all for the info