I'm not very well versed on this so if its a stupid question then I'd rather ask it than make a stupid assumption and reap the consequences of said assumption.

My truck's GVWR is 7050 lbs. Payload capacity is 1918 lbs.
Since buying it, I have put a BDS 6" lift on it with 18" wheels (stock were 20") and 35x12.50 tires. I have Fox 2.5 coilovers in the front and Fox 2.5 shocks in the rear. Upgraded the UCA's as well. This is about the extent of my "mods" weight wise to the truck.

From me watching youtube vids and reading, people say that adding additional leaves to the rear (I only have 1 leaf per side), or adding timbrens, sumo springs, etc would let me increase my payload. Then others are saying this isn't true exactly.
The way I am understanding, my vehicle can't weigh over 7050 lbs, is this correct? According to the GVWR of 7050 lbs. So, anything between the actual weight of the vehicle and the GVWR is my max payload?

If so, then what is the reason for adding additional leaves, sumo springs, or other components? And is there an actual way to increase the payload of my truck?

 

If you want a higher payload, buy a Super Duty.

Seriously. It’s the only safe way forward.

payload is a factor of many more components than just the springs. With higher payload 150’s come different axles, thicker metal in the chassis. In Super Duties you get bigger brakes heavy duty steering and suspension even thicker chassis, etc.

 

To legally add payload, you would need to make changes and then get the sticker updated with your new value somewhere. I'm sure it's possible, but I've not seen anywhere that does it. The cost to do it is likely going to be more than just going out to buy a truck with that from the factory.

 

To answer your specific questions:

- Yes, correct, the max weight of your vehicle, including payload, is 7,050. Since you have added things to it, your available payload will be less than your door tag, so you need to weight it with a full tank of gas at a CAT scale.

- HOWEVER, your modifications have changed the truck. Therefore, the max SAFE payload may be even less.

- The reason people add springs, leaves, etc. are to exceed the safe capabilities of their vehicles because they don't care about their safety, their family's safety, or the safety of others. They are not increasing payload, they are changing how the truck handles the excess weight they plan to put on it. This doesn't change the capacity of the truck's systems, axles, brakes, etc. And it doesn't move the legal payload a single pound.

 

If you ever get weighed on the road they will go by the door sticker numbers. They started a bunch of years ago up north weighing folk towing landscape trailers, race cars etc enclosed especially, even 3/4 ton looking for commercial safety check stickers , overweight etc. Some have portable scales. I had my entire rig weighed on CAT scales separate axles and all connected and kept the docs in the truck at all times.
Sure you can put more spring rates etc but like has been pointed out that rating will remain, and if loaded past that point well you get the picture. Maybe it never happens.

 

A trailer is the best way to increase payload, simple as that. For every pound you put in the trailer, you're typically only using up 1/8 to 1/10 of that weight in payload, assuming your hitch is capable.

 

I really appreciate everyone's responses. This helps clear things up. Its not that I'm planning on hauling dump loads or anything in my truck, but I may need to haul some stuff around 1k or maybe slightly heavier on an occasion and just wanted to double check. Would definitely like to weigh my truck somewhere, I'm sure there's a few places around here being one of the largest cities in the states. I do see an immense amount of people towing with 150's humongous landscape trailers to the point where their back end is dangerously sagging. Apparently nobody cares lol.

 

They are loading the trailer to heavy toward the front and putting to much weight on the hitch and not using equalizing bars.
They may also be putting weight in the box.
Of course they don't care, by intent.
Good luck.

 

With a 6 inch lift you killed your tow rating. The extra height of the truck moved the center of gravity, so all your braking will be changed. Look at the Raptors tow ratings. It is always lower because of the extra lift.

 

Try this: CAT Scale Locator | CAT Scale

CAT Scales can't be beat for truck / trailer weight data, IMO. You'll get weight on each axle and the total.