max weight
Government Teat-sucker
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach
I haven't had a problem hauling several hundred pounds. Probably less than 1,000, though. I'm sure I wouldn't have a problem hauling half a ton, though I wouldn't do it on a daily basis.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
My Ranger is a lot older (84) than yours, I have put 1,500lbs of dirt in the bed with no problems.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
as far as "safely" subtract your G.V.W.R. (posted on drivers side door jamb) from your truck's weight (go to a grain elevator, even during the off-season or after hours, most leave the scale on and the readout is visable from outside) my '93 has a G.V.W.R of 5040 and weighs in at 4,300. "technically" 740 pounds is what i could safely haul in the box, (minus any passengers or driver) ive had close to 1,000 in the bed before, but it does increase the ability to safely stop. i do have 1,200 pound-rated helper coils on my truck, they dont contact the frame until i have about 300# in the bed.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 9
From: So. Cal.
I've hauled 1700 lbs. of paving stones in my Ranger (see sig.) several times. That's probably over it's rating. It would start to wallow if I pushed it, but the bump stops weren't hitting and it handled OK at moderate freeway speeds. Seemed to brake OK, too.
