Shopping for F-150 Payload

[Theo]

Thanks to all with these great suggestions. I’ve already been using the Towing Guides and VIN decoders.

The payload postings on the F-150 are actually a terrific research tool! Thanks, SailorSam. I’ve found several trucks that (generally) match posting configurations for payloads >1800lbs!

Theo

[Stovebolt]

Originally Posted by Theo

I'm looking online for a used 2015 F-150 4WD SuperCab/Crew, 3.5 Eco, 3.55, tow vehicle. Based on the TT GVWR, hitch weight, people, dogs and cargo, it looks like I need a payload rating of somewhere between 1,800 to 2,000lbs. I have spent a great deal of time crunching TV and TT numbers to arrive at these values! However, the problem in trying to find a suitable online F-150 is that each vehicle has its own payload number (of course) and it can't be cross-referenced by VIN number online.

I know I could to continue to call the dealers advertising the vehicles, but I have already gotten several crazy responses from them. I asked the last dealer to send me a photo of the yellow and white cargo limit sticker on the door jamb, and I got a photo of the window sticker.

Can anyone give me a general idea of the payload range of an F-150 like the one I am looking for? I would NOT be purchasing anything with a moonroof or the off road package. F-150s with the HDPP would be nice BUT are very rare in the used market so that is really not a common option to find.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Theo

I'm not sure how true this is, but I was told due to the late arrival date of the 2015 F150's, there was never a max LOAD package made in the 2015 model year. I know there was for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 model years.

[MikeT5200]

...I ordered a 2018 XLT... SuperCab...3.5 Ecoboost.... 6½' bed (145" wheel base)...4X4... Max Tow package (including extended side mirrors and 36 gal fuel tank)... 3:55 rear axle.

Here's the specs:

Curb Wt - 4,851
Towing Cap. - 11,800
GCWR - 17,100
GVWR - 7,050
Payload (sticker) - 1,837

Hope this helps.
Cheers!

[Palinduff]

Originally Posted by MikeT5200

...I ordered a 2018 XLT... SuperCab...3.5 Ecoboost.... 6½' bed (145" wheel base)...4X4... Max Tow package (including extended side mirrors and 36 gal fuel tank)... 3:55 rear axle.

Here's the specs:

Curb Wt - 4,851
Towing Cap. - 11,800
GCWR - 17,100
GVWR - 7,050
Payload (sticker) - 1,837

Hope this helps.
Cheers!

Shouldn't the max tow have a 3.73 ratio?

[Hoyt]

I'm not sure about this site. It's says my 2013 Platinum (with the bling) 3.5, 157"WB max payload of 2330lbs!.! On the door 7700lbs and window sticker it says "7700# GVWR PACKAGE". I think the truck is 5700# curb and 7700# Max cargo so ~2000# cargo room. Isn't that a 1 ton? Anyway, the TW of the TT is ~900# and bikes, generators in the box I might be pushing 1500# loaded. It pulls and handles fine but I wouldn't want too much more weight.

Originally Posted by SniperDroid

Try this link for more info on the payload of your specific vin...

https://www.decodethis.com/blog/4-whats_a_vin_anyway

[Hoyt]

Originally Posted by Palinduff

Shouldn't the max tow have a 3.73 ratio?

My 13 is 3:73 but later years you can get taller gears with the max tow pkg.

[Stovebolt]

Originally Posted by Palinduff

Shouldn't the max tow have a 3.73 ratio?

Nope. The Max Tow has 3:55 gears. The Max Payload has 3:73 gears and a much larger rear axle, more leafs in the rear spring pack and is limited to XL, XLT and Lariat with special wheels to carry more load.

[Hoyt]

This is a screen shot of the window sticker from my truck. There seems to be a wide range of information/opinion of what is available. I think really we all need to know the details of our truck or the one you plan to purchase or we might end up being surprised by something. And most of all be happy with the way it pulls and handles.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

My 13 is 3:73 but later years you can get taller gears with the max tow pkg.

Probably because of the 10 speed trans, versus the earlier 6 speed trans.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

max payload of 2330lbs!.!.

Hoyt, what's the yellow door sticker say?

[Hoyt]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Hoyt, what's the yellow door sticker say?

7700 As does the window sticker

[Palinduff]

Originally Posted by Stovebolt

Nope. The Max Tow has 3:55 gears. The Max Payload has 3:73 gears and a much larger rear axle, more leafs in the rear spring pack and is limited to XL, XLT and Lariat with special wheels to carry more load.

It used to come with the 3:73 gears, my 2011 had them. I am aware of the Max Payload package, I have it. I just thought it made sense that the max tow would have the better towing gears.

[Hoyt]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Probably because of the 10 speed trans, versus the earlier 6 speed trans.

And the engine has additional torque. Something like 20% more.

[Hoyt]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Probably because of the 10 speed trans, versus the earlier 6 speed trans.

And 20% more torque.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

7700 As does the window sticker

No, the line that says "Occupants and cargo should not exceed xxxxlbs".
That's the payload capacity as equipped from the factory.

[Hoyt]

Originally Posted by bikendan

No, the line that says "Occupants and cargo should not exceed xxxxlbs".
That's the payload capacity as equipped from the factory.

My mistake, it reads 1425lbs. What does the 7700lb on the window sticker refer to?

[Hoyt]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

My mistake, it reads 1425lbs. What does the 7700lb on the window sticker refer to?

7700# GVWR package means just that, all fuel,oil, people, generators, hitch, TW excluding TT shouldn’t exceed 7700lbs. Is that wrong?

[Velosprout]

Originally Posted by Palinduff

You won't find a 2015 with the Heavy Duty Payload Package as they weren't available, not sure about 2016 either. But I have seen some 15's up in the 2000lb range.

A VERY few were made. One 2015 HDPP F150 was featured in an article about Lance Campers, and a couple were on dealers lots in Canada (XLs). I had one ordered and Ford cancelled the order and gave my deposit back.

[Velosprout]

Originally Posted by Stovebolt

Nope. The Max Tow has 3:55 gears. The Max Payload has 3:73 gears and a much larger rear axle, more leafs in the rear spring pack and is limited to XL, XLT and Lariat with special wheels to carry more load.

For 2019 there is no longer a Lariat HDPP, it is XL & XLT only.

[Velosprout]

Originally Posted by Hoyt

7700# GVWR package means just that, all fuel,oil, people, generators, hitch, TW excluding TT shouldn’t exceed 7700lbs. Is that wrong?

GVWR is the max weight of the truck loaded

Payload is the maximum weight of all occupants, trailer tongue weight, aftermarket modifications & accessories, cargo in the bed, all combined. There is no allowance for a driver in the payload figure posted on your yellow sticker. For example if you have a driver and passengers who weigh a total of 800 pounds, 400 pounds of cargo in the truck bed, a 200 pound aftermarket bull guard and winch, a 100-pound weight distributing hitch, and you have a 1400 pound payload, you have already exceeded your payload and cannot tow ANY trailer.

There are also posted in the towing guide maximum frontal areas for trailers. A flatbed trailer loaded with steel plates has a lot less resistance in the wind than a fifth wheel camper.

GCWR is the max weight of trailer and truck together. You will usually max out payload before GCWR.

There are also front and rear axle weight maximums. If a load is not properly been distributed, you can be within all other limits but have an axle overloaded.

Each tire has a weight rating, as does each wheel. As long as you stay stock, you should not have to worry about these limits.