Payload Fudge Factor

[tanddc]

I am always amazed at those who throw in the "family safety" argument. I am very curious if they even believe it. If you do believe it, you will never take your family with you at all. The incremental increase in risk of going one pound over your tow rating when compared to the risk of being in a moving motor vehicle is incredibly small. If you really want your family to be safe, leave them at home.

The only reason to use an emotion based argument is because you have not facts.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by tanddc

I am always amazed at those who throw in the "family safety" argument. I am very curious if they even believe it. If you do believe it, you will never take your family with you at all. The incremental increase in risk of going one pound over your tow rating when compared to the risk of being in a moving motor vehicle is incredibly small. If you really want your family to be safe, leave them at home.

The only reason to use an emotion based argument is because you have not facts.

Very well said. No facts? Throw in the fear factor.

[dbarr]

Let's consider how little 200-300lbs really is. One ex-girlfriend sitting on the tailgate! Is it purdy? Depends on what you like. Is it not safe? Only if she falls off!


Sent from space

[dbarr]

Don't forget to throw the fear of not stopping because the TV brakes are inadequate...as if the trailer doesn't have brakes.


Sent from space

[f5moab]

Anyone have any definite proof of a "fudge factor," from the manufacturer?
Is it a factor determined by the manufacturer?
Is it a factor required by Federal regulations?
Does the fudge factor change over time as the engine/trans break in, thus causing the fudge factor to possibly go up?
Does the fudge factor change over time as the suspension wear out, the brakes wear down, etc.?

Just wondering since I have never heard of an official fudge factor. But I agree with most, a few hundred pounds probably does not mean much on a new vehicle, but how about a vehicle with 50K miles and still the original brakes?

[Jimandchris]

That couple hundred pounds still doesn't mean much. Corporations typically conduct their full size truck real time testing in their laboratories at or above GVW, especially 3/4 ton trucks and up. These tests duplicate up to 400000 miles of very severe customer usage, and includes vertical pothole strikes, severe braking events, wide open throttles, severe lateral turns, all at full payload or above for much of the entire test duration. Sorry I can't be more specific, but much of this type of information quickly becomes confidential. No, it's not a fudge factor, but more of a designed in safety factor by over testing the product. JMO