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Upping GVWR
I have a 99 F-150 SC 4.2l that's used to haul
frozen fish all around in my family's import
business. The problem is that the payload capacity
is lacking. It is equipped with a Glasstite
campershell so volume capacity is respectable at 48
boxes worth inside the bed plus about 8 more in
the cab if needed. But the weight is the actual
limiting factor. With the shell, full tank of gas
and me inside, I get about only 1200 lbs of fish to
work with which equates to 30 to 40 boxes only.
Sometimes, my mom would insist on joining me so
that takes out 5 boxes. We made a mistake of not
getting the F-250LD so we have to live with the
F-150 for now. I am seriously looking at the
Hellwig helper springs but I hear sayings that it
won't up my GVWR, if that is so, why would I
consider buying it? Anyways, I saw that the 4x4 and
ORP's have 500 lbs more on GVWR and I am imaging
this is due mainly on the extra leaf springs. I
would really like to be able to handle 500+ lbs
more so any suggestions short of trading it for a
heavier duty truck is very much appreciated.
99 F-150 SuperCab, 4.2L Triton 4x2, 6K GVWR,
Glasstite Camper Shell, all stock except for K&N
frozen fish all around in my family's import
business. The problem is that the payload capacity
is lacking. It is equipped with a Glasstite
campershell so volume capacity is respectable at 48
boxes worth inside the bed plus about 8 more in
the cab if needed. But the weight is the actual
limiting factor. With the shell, full tank of gas
and me inside, I get about only 1200 lbs of fish to
work with which equates to 30 to 40 boxes only.
Sometimes, my mom would insist on joining me so
that takes out 5 boxes. We made a mistake of not
getting the F-250LD so we have to live with the
F-150 for now. I am seriously looking at the
Hellwig helper springs but I hear sayings that it
won't up my GVWR, if that is so, why would I
consider buying it? Anyways, I saw that the 4x4 and
ORP's have 500 lbs more on GVWR and I am imaging
this is due mainly on the extra leaf springs. I
would really like to be able to handle 500+ lbs
more so any suggestions short of trading it for a
heavier duty truck is very much appreciated.
99 F-150 SuperCab, 4.2L Triton 4x2, 6K GVWR,
Glasstite Camper Shell, all stock except for K&N
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Comments
good luck
- Tim
LdC
I don't see why 500 extra would hurt. I loaded 2800 lbs in my half ton lots of times before...it sagged something terrible...but that was about 700 over the Official load rating.
if you are going to be doing this all the time...Get a 250 or add a leaf or two in the rear.
- Tim
Be careful,
Rich
You want LT series 6 ply tires
Good input!
LdC
Tires? No. You will have no worrys for the stock tires due to the extra 500 lbs. They are the same Firestones on the F-250ld. When driving under load over limit will tax your vehicles bearings and brakes prematurely. It will cost less now to do away with the F-150 for heavier duty.
Keep in mind that the major difference between the F-150 and the F-250 Light Duty is simply: heavier leaf springs, heavier bearings, stronger axel(by 5mm), six instead of five wheel lugs, and a stonger stock motor(4.6v8).
So, to carry more weight the 3/4ton truck has beefier frame, bigger axles, bigger wheels, heavier tires (same size, different load range), bigger brakes, bigger motor, and stronger bearings. Nothing a set of overload springs won't compensate for!
If you check Hellwig or AirLift sites, you will see the reccomend you use their products to level your truck, never to exceed the GVWR.
You can cause a lot of problems that will show up later. Later maybe next week. Don't do it. The manufacturers design limits are there for a reason.
Mike
It would still be prudent to trade in that F-150 because otherwise, the truck will be beaten and worn compared to it's counterparts and won't be worth much later in sale or trade. Get rid of it now while you can.
Additionally what would be some reasonable upgrades to help it handle the overload ??? I'm not planning on trading it in for a 2500 or equivalent, to large for my needs most of the time.
Also, I belive my GCVW limit is in the 11000 # range, regarding the braking aspects of being over my payload capacity, does the GCVW rating consider braking for this much weight or is it assumed that whatever your towing will assist in the braking ??
You kill me!! LOL
Rick63,
If you were to push the envelope 5-8 times a year then I wouldn't sweat it. However, with that said, you might want to trade in your Dakota for a heavy half-ton instead and with all of those goodies on your truck--you should make out alright. The first problem will be the wear and tear on the axel bearings and then you'll notice that notoriously bad Dodge tranny giving out and then you'll have problems.
If I were you, I would consider any Dodge, Chevy or Ford half-ton. Hell, it would probably end up costing less than that Dakota!
Two concerns here.
1 - I can't imagine a fully self contained at 1400 lbs. Are you sure?
2 - There is a misconception about the load carrying ability of a truck. Weighing your truck and subtracting that weight from the GVWR does not always calculate your payload. You have to consider where the center of gravity of your load will be placed. This is almost as important as the total camper weight itself. Both your camper and Dodge dealer should have the documents that explain how loading of the vehicle should be done. You will have to follow both manufacturers guidelines.
In my mind a Durango seems a bit on the light side for carrying a camper. If I were you I would be looking at the larger RAM, Chevy or Ford vehicles. I think that if you choose a larger, more capable vehicle, your overall costs will be less. And as a bonus, you'll not be trying to solve a problem with after market accessories that should have been solved in the selection of the correct vehicle.
Let us know what you decide,
Rich
this topic is being "frozen." It will be archived or deleted in the next 10 days or so.
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