I've read the many post about cargo capacity for hauling and towing on a PB, but as I search for a used one all I keep finding are ones with pretty low loading capacity. Since I'm going to be hauling a gooseneck horse trailer occasionally that will push the cargo capacity right to the edge regardless, my thought now is that I just remove the tailgate on those rare times when I'm fully loaded for horse camping. So, anyone know how much the tailgate with step weighs and how hard it is to remove? Also, how hard is it to take out the back seats which could be another way to increase my cargo capacity for those occasional trips where I'll be pushing it.

For the weight police out there, PB, 4x4, and 6.5' bed are non-negotiable features for reasons beyond horse camping, and I have to factor in about 80 lbs for the B&W hitch. Definitely don't want a moonroof for weight savings and potential issues, but so many on the market have it.

Thanks,
bill

 

I don't know exactly, but the Ford upfitter website has the exact weight of all options.

 

Probably easier to drop and remove the spare tire if you are that close. Put the spare tire in the trailer so you have it handy should it be needed. I think that would free up 75-80lbs.

 

Definitely will be doing that. Thanks for the idea!

 

I'm curious what problem is solved by removing the spare?

 

It reduces the weight of the truck which can be then used for payload.

 

75lbs is not going to make a difference one way or the other.

 

Yep - none whatsoever.

 

If you're that tight on payload.. you have the wrong truck, or the wrong trailer. You'd be insane to approach the maximums in any truck.

 

I'd say it makes, ohh ... about 75 pounds difference. You probably can't feel it, but if that was enough to make the setup legal and it was actually scaled, then I suppose it makes a difference.