I have a 2017 F150 (6.5' bed) and was moving around 80 - 100 sandbags that weigh about 30 pounds each. Conservatively estimating i had 2,400 pounds of payload in the bed. When i googled the specs of 2017 F150s I was surprised to find that its only rated for 1,653 pounds. That brings me to my question, why are factory specs on a truck's payload so low? Doesn't 1653 sound like its not that much?

 

Google can't tell you your payload. Check the yellow sticker in the door frame. What does it say?

 

Why do people buy 1/2 ton pickups and then be surprised when they're "ONLY" rated to carry 3/4 of a ton and are overloaded with 1 1/4 tons of material?

 

^ This

 

Why would someone buy a pickup and not be cognizant of the yellow sticker on the door jam which spells it out perfectly?

 

As a guess I would say 80% of persons buying a pick up aren't aware of the payload. Most don't know the tire pressure is there either. Look how many of these posts come up asking about how much they could carry or tow. It's only after the fact they seem to find out. Another thing is the people that buy a truck as a car with no intention of using it to do work.

 

This. There are many people out there who have been towing for decades and don't even give payload a thought. It's a truck, so just load up and go.

 

Doesn't sound too low for a HALF TON truck. Especially since yours is most likely heavily optioned, by that payload.

 

Right. Not only do they not know payload, they have no idea how it applies to towing and hauling. This is why you see folks with half ton longbed trucks with a golf cart in the back and a 35' bumper pull, totally oblivious to the fact that they've probably blown through every weight rating on the truck. "I do what I want"

 

^^ This.
Since you were not aware of your payload sticker, there is something else I would like to add to the conversation.
When carrying heavy loads....you should have your tires inflated to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall of your tire.
2400-3000 lbs of sand (or anything) can make really bad things happen when your tires are not properly inflated. Be safe.