Weight in Bed
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 672
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From: NJ
Weight in Bed
Today I hauled one cubic yard of slightly moist topsoil. What I have read says this should weigh 2000-2500 lbs. The overload springs were touching the front bumpstops, but not rear. I hauled 2 yards of mulch before, that should have been around 1500, and didn't make the truck squat much at all. This load made the truck squat noticeably, but in the short 3 mile trip to the site, it seemed to handle fine. Is this near the limit for safely hauling in these trucks (see sig).
Thanks
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 261
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From: Erie,Pa
Being that it was wet it could add a considerable amount of weight. Maybe time for some new rear springs. I noticed mine last touching the stops last time I hauled a yard of 3/4 stone. Original springs are getting tired after almost 11 years of service. I do haul a lot of material in the bed though.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
It really depends on your definition of "safely".
Will it handle, stop, or acclerate as well as when empty? No.
So it is not as safe as empty.
Is it going to explode in a great ball of fire? No.
So it is not guaranteed dangerous.
Risk is a sliding scale - the greater the load, the more the risk.
The bed and frame (assuming not rusted out) will handle a huge amount. The real functional limits are the wheels and tires. If you were still under the limits of the tires and they were properly inflated, the odds of a serious failure are pretty slim. Never zero, but pretty slim.
And for only a 3 mile trip, you could go quite a bit over the ratings. The GVWR and GAWR (and tire limits) are for sustained operation. For lower speeds and/or short periods, the limit goes up.
Will it handle, stop, or acclerate as well as when empty? No.
So it is not as safe as empty.
Is it going to explode in a great ball of fire? No.
So it is not guaranteed dangerous.
Risk is a sliding scale - the greater the load, the more the risk.
The bed and frame (assuming not rusted out) will handle a huge amount. The real functional limits are the wheels and tires. If you were still under the limits of the tires and they were properly inflated, the odds of a serious failure are pretty slim. Never zero, but pretty slim.
And for only a 3 mile trip, you could go quite a bit over the ratings. The GVWR and GAWR (and tire limits) are for sustained operation. For lower speeds and/or short periods, the limit goes up.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 15
From: Central Ohio
Were they just estimating 1 yard (like using a 2 yard bucket or bigger)? If so they could have gave you a little extra, thats happened to me often. I'd be surprised 1 yard of topsoil would make a 350 hit the stops... I've hauled many 1 yard loads in my '99 F150 (yeah the aero-looking one that everyone says is wimpy) including some that were wet and I dont believe any of them touched the bumpstops at least sitting level. But then again maybe your springs were just getting worn out like SBastow says, especially if you've used the truck alot for hauling.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: NJ
It was one heaping scoop. THe guy before me had used it to tow a gooseneck (I don't know any details, just that it has a GN hitch), so the springs might be a little tired. I don't think I have to loose sleep over it though- I don't haul super heavy very often.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 31
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From: MILL HALL
A yard of 2RC limesone sold in a half yard skid steer bucket didn't set my 250 down more than 2 or 3 inches. Estimated weight : 3500-3800 lbs.
But on the same job, I had to haul quite a bit of dirt offsite. Dirt, espically clay, is a funny thing, it doesn't look like much when it is in your shovel, but it adds up fast. Wound up filling the 8 ft bed up above the wheel wells and over the bedrails in the middle, and thats with a tool box in the front. Truck was sitting funny (not level) and I couldn't tell it was LOADED. Definately to the bumpstops. Wish I had pic but it was raining and I wanted to unload ASAP. Don't want to overload like that too often. Drove slow and keep your distance and everything was OK.
Must be aware of what you are hauling. I roll my eyes when "the guys" say "I pulled a skid steer with my Duramax and I didn't even know it was back there". Really? Were you paying attention? I can tell a slight difference if my air conditioner is on.
Be safe and use your head.
But on the same job, I had to haul quite a bit of dirt offsite. Dirt, espically clay, is a funny thing, it doesn't look like much when it is in your shovel, but it adds up fast. Wound up filling the 8 ft bed up above the wheel wells and over the bedrails in the middle, and thats with a tool box in the front. Truck was sitting funny (not level) and I couldn't tell it was LOADED. Definately to the bumpstops. Wish I had pic but it was raining and I wanted to unload ASAP. Don't want to overload like that too often. Drove slow and keep your distance and everything was OK.
Must be aware of what you are hauling. I roll my eyes when "the guys" say "I pulled a skid steer with my Duramax and I didn't even know it was back there". Really? Were you paying attention? I can tell a slight difference if my air conditioner is on.
Be safe and use your head.
Last edited by fsbronco1989; Jul 2, 2009 at 11:13 AM. Reason: addition
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 120
From: Carstairs Alberta
on my f350 loading approx 2500 lb of camper the overload barely touches on one end, sounds pretty normal to me. just make sure your tires have full pressure, it will feel looser at speed if tires are only 3/4 full with a full load
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