HRTKD, maybe I’m naive, but the engineers must have taken into account the difference in the static loading of the vehicle and the dynamic forces applied when that static load is suddenly stopped or even accelerated. All we as owners can do is manage the static part.

Safe Travels,
Mike

 

When I was younger in the 60s and 70s (and don't anyone go there) they sold Add On Overload Springs, Coil Over Shock Overloads, and Air Bags to "Increase Your Payload". We even put a set on my dad's old 56 Coronet because it had a real squatting problem when us kids all got in it.

I've seen my share of cracked frames from this happening over the years. Even when i drove service truck back in early 2000s I found my truck had cracked the frame right under the driver's seat. The company had already had all the truck frames boxed and resprung to increase the capacities but it still didn't help because we were overweight on the original ratings. All the work that was done and no change on the actual structure of the trucks so there it went.

 

^^^ +1 to that. I broke the leaf spring bracket and shackle on my half ton truck towing a trailer in town that was over the truck's stated tongue capacity. I got lucky and the repair wasn't that expensive.

 

I saw a really good video on youtube about an actual owner with is truck and trailer and what the actual numbers come in as with regards to payload. First of all, payload cannot be changed from the listed number on the truck door jam. The manufacturers tables are for base models which are without many options that take up weight of your payload amount. Then you must reduce the number of the full gas tank, the actual numbers of the persons in the truck and their gear. That will give you the amount of payload available to use for the trailer. Now pin weight of the trailer is usually as an estimate of between 15 and 25 % of the loaded trailer. He found his to be about 23%. He was a full timer and had a large amount of gear in the front of his rig which put more on the pin weight. He went over the CAT scale to show his actual numbers. He said when estimating his numbers, he was too close to the max payload and opted for a dually which gave him another 1000lbs payload. And most people underestimate the numbers and if their estimate was close, then they are over the legal amounts. This is about being safe, legal, and to be able to drive properly, not about getting away with it. I hope you make good decisions for you, your family, and the others on the road around you. Good luck.

 

Be careful about rear loading a TH as you could wind up with a sway problem.

 

Guess that's when take off too much load from the pin (below 20% of GVWR). The opposite side of the pin weight issue.

 

On a SRW 250 vs 350, my understanding is, the only difference is an extra leaf spring, in the rear. This gives the truck an extra 1000 lbs capacity.

For other replies lies in this thread; I don’t plan to buy something that puts me over my listed numbers. The simple question was; Could you increase payload? People have said yes, reduce weight of your truck, I get that. I guess I should’ve asked could you legally increase GVWR?

In any case, I appreciate all the comments and the discussions this has created, great info from everyone. Every time I go camping I see a majority of people overloaded it’s actually shocking and scary. Dually for me would have been nice, but I’m not a full timer and I had to compromise somewhat with size of truck.

 

I don't think you understand. It is NOT possible to change the legal payload capacity of your truck from the stated numbers on the manufacturers label on the driver's door jam. That is the actual payload of your truck as certified by the manufacturer and cannot change. The numbers listed on the manufacturers web site in a table is an estimate and based on a base model with few options. It is possible to manage your payload numbers. Some of the managing is by shifting the weight of the trailer to change the tongue weight which sits on the bed. You can manage the amount of weight you put in your truck...number of people, tools etc. Or you can do what some say here and go overweight and say you know more and will tow overweight. Others will add air bags etc which allow for smoother rides but does not change the LEGAL payload. The best solution is to research your numbers carefully and buy the right combo of truck and trailer that works legally. And if you are unsure about how to calculate all the payload and towing capacity of them, there are many videos and threads here that will help you. Good luck.

 

At least on the 2017+ Super duty trucks it's a little more complicated than that. For example, a plain F-250 does not have the same axle as an F-350. The difference between the 250/350 comes down to axle and springs. Everything else is the same.

As stated above, GVWR is set in stone. You can get it adjusted _down_, but not up.

 

Thanks for the reply, but I do understand the answers people are giving regarding that. I get it, certified by manufacturer. However, one person claimed above you could and they would issue another certified sticker, I’m not claiming to know either way, hence my question. Yes, most here say you can’t but one said you could but costly, however, no link or source was referenced, on either side of this discussion for that matter.

On on a personal note, I would tend to believe it’s not possible, that doesn’t mean I was or am 100% positive. Wish I could find some concrete evidence. If you guys are 100% I would like to see some literature, I can’t find anything from Ford. I’m not trying to argue either side just asking for input and info.

 

I have a 2019 350, I’m not a mechanic but I was told differently unless you have a dually. You can spec out a 250 to match GVWR of 350, and it adds a leaf spring, nothing is said about a different axle. I custom ordered my truck. The dollar difference between that specd out 250 and 350 was nominal, so I opted for the 350. Of course this is all regarding SRW.

 

I know. One guy said it was possible and because of that you believe that you might be able to do this. Many here say you can add things after manufacturing and sometimes it is possible but not cost effective. If you could recertify the payload capacity, how would this be possible...After FORD has certified it after testing and calculations, someone else is going to do the research, testing, and guarantee that your single truck can take more? I am a retired professional truck driver and while it might be possible technically, I doubt there is any real practical way to change you payload. It would be up to the state you are in to accept any recertification not FORD. The key for all to know is to do your research before purchasing your truck and your trailer and then but the right combo for you. Good luck.

 

Dear DingDingLai. You did your research and looked at the specs and FORD built you a truck with guaranteed numbers. While you may not understand that a F250 and F350 usually have different rear axles, I am not an expert on details of what they built on your truck. The question that was asked, after being built, can a truck's numbers be changed upward (I assume) so that someone legally tow more than what a manufacturer's numbers on the door jam?

 

I can't speak to earlier years. 2017-2019 SRW numbers are:
Max GVWR F-250 = 10,000 lbs
Max GVWR F-350 = 11,500 lbs

You cannot match an F-250 to an F-350, no matter the options added, based on the max GVWR. Ford will not produce a sticker that goes over those maximums. What the DMV will issue could be different. There are guys that have reported registering their vehicle with a higher GVWR but that doesn't change the sticker that Ford puts on the truck.

2020 GVWR numbers throw this whole discussion sideways.

 

Won't changes to the main built of the car void the warranty?

It all comes down to liability. It you change things around after the truck left the building, who is going to vouch for that? Ford? Be assured, they will not unless they are the ones which rebuilt your truck. And they won't because if you need more GVWR, buy the bigger truck. That's why they offer it.

I also cannot see why a state's DOT should reissue a title with a new GVWR for you. On what basis? That you're telling them that you added a leaf spring to your F250?

In the tuning business, the tuner usually has a connection to the car manufacturer. That's how they can switch things around to boost your car's horsepower and capabilities. They vouch for the changes. If you use backyard tuner, you're on your own. You'll lose your warranties and your legal protection.