Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Payload capacity

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 29, 2021 | 09:41 AM
  #1  
headtube's Avatar
headtube
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
Payload capacity

My 83 F150 is considered a half ton, generally capable of carrying 1000 lbs. Question: is the classification “half ton” a generic designation for the ease of identification? Could I carry more payload, like 1500 lbs? Keep in mind that the truck is bone stock, with all its original suspension parts. However, mileage is only 50,000 kms.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2021 | 10:01 AM
  #2  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes the term 1/2 ton is a generic description, some models can carry more. You need to find the GVWR on the decal on the drivers door pillar and then subtract the unloaded curb weight which will depend on the vehicle config... reg cab 2wd weighs less than a ext cab 4x4 for example. Visit a scales to get the curb weight.
All that said, this vintage 1/2 ton had a pretty low cargo capacity overall so even 1000lbs may squat it pretty bad, you can get away with overloading the truck a bit for a 1-off event but if this is going to be a regular thing you might consider upgrading to an F250 or F350.
 
Reply
Old Jul 29, 2021 | 12:26 PM
  #3  
headtube's Avatar
headtube
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
Yes, you’re right about the squatting. I’ve carried stone and other loads, like a yard (tractor bucket full) of soil, and it’s noticeably lower. But it does handle the load for short trips. Thanks for the info.
 
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2021 | 11:09 AM
  #4  
diggerrigger's Avatar
diggerrigger
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 390
From: Evansville, Indiana
One of the heavier loads I have hauled in my F150. Rock yard is six miles away. There is a minimum fee for pick-up trucks and I like to get my money's worth. Kind of like an all you can eat buffet. Neither is a good idea.

 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GreatPumpkin
General Automotive Discussion
3
Jul 1, 2010 08:51 AM
97C5ENVY
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Apr 25, 2007 05:45 AM
NoSlak
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
14
Apr 7, 2005 05:41 AM
shawn001
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Mar 17, 2005 10:39 AM
NitrousAl
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Apr 20, 2003 08:31 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:24 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE