Payload to Vehicle Weight Ratio Comparision

[dustman_stx]

Not trying to start a war here, just found this interesting and thought others might want to ponder on this…..


After discussing payload numerous times here on the forums and researching payload capacities, it seemed as though the half ton truck segment really stood out as being under rated in my mind. Below are the vehicles with their payload to empty weight ratio. This is in no way scientific- there are myriad options and configurations. I simply plugged in the numbers for my current and previous trucks and known numbers for my in laws Honda Odyssey. The others are according to published materials via a site such as Edmunds or the manufacturers themselves.

The gist of it is here:

2013 F150, 4x4, SCrew, XLT, few other options (1352 payload)
23.1%

2011 F250 XL, 2x4, 6.7 diesel, some heavy options(tailgate step, 5W plate, bedliner) (2350 payload)
30.7%

2007 Honda Odyssey, mid level trim (1320 payload)
30.4%

2014 Chevy Cruze (1237 payload)
40.1%

2014 Honda Civic (850 payload)
32.7%

2014 F350 SRW (I approximated weight for a diesel truck similarly equipped to the 2011 F250 I owned, gas payload ratio would be considerable higher) (3150 payload)
40.1%

I personally find it odd that small cars and minivans are capable of carrying a significantly higher percentage of their own weight than an F150, or even 250 for that matter can. If you heavily equip an F250 with a diesel, I expect it's percentage would be lower than my 2013 F150.

[MtnGuy]

Very interesting, dustman.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

If you heavily equip an F250 with a diesel, I expect it's percentage would be lower than my 2013 F150.

You are certainly correct. Since the max gross weight does not change appreciably, options that add weight subtract from payload.

While the tow rating on my 2500HD truck is the same as the 3500HD truck, the increased (available) payload of the 3500 is required to actually CARRY the tongue or pin load required by that much camper weight.

Had I not gotten the diesel and Allison Transmission in my 2500HD, I could have bought a larger camper. I do have to admit I like the easier pull in the mountains and GREAT towing gas mileage, but the newest 2500 gassers now do just as well for far less money.

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Oh snap!
OP...you just pressed that red button that says..."engage only in an emergency"...LOL

Thanks for the matrix

[Herk7769]

FYI - My wife's Buick LeCrosse (with the Hybrid engine and battery) has a remaining available payload (per the door pillar) such that the almost non-existent trunk (due to the battery) is not a problem.

4 200 pound adults and NO luggage max it out.

[prof_fate]

Wonder if those numbers have changed over time...as 150 trucks are now used more as cars, if they've been downrated and given softer suspensions and less payload than say, 10, 20 year ago?

Have any of these figures been adjusted for the ever expanding size of the 'average' american?

[Twisty]

My opinion

Generally, cars and light duty trucks do not ride or handle well when fully loaded and constant use when fully loaded could cause excessive wear and tear and damage.

An HD or SD type of truck is designed to be used at full load all of the time.