Hi, been reading a number of threads on the subject and was wondering if anyone has found the secret handshake to maximize payloads, short of choosing the stripped XL?

I've been exclusively driving F150s for more than 4 decades but on this one, knowing payload capabilities in advance of ordering, is more important than before.

Most salesmen want to quote the 1830 number shown in the esource book (Crew cab, short bed, 4x4) but we know that only applies to the XL. Some don't like it very much when you show them the yellow door tag.

I've talked to around a dozen salesmen, from different dealerships, one guy who specializes in heavy trucks and a guy from Ford itself. No consistent answers and most of them wrong. This shouldn't be this hard.

I know to stay away from heavy options, like moon roof, skid plates etc. I know 4x4 weighs a lot but I need it.

I know the powerboost already has the upgraded axle and from what I understand, max tow only adds a heavier bumper, that would cost payload, rather than adding to it vs. the regular tow package. I also know the heavy duty payload package exists but according to the build it site, only comes in the XL and is not available with the powerboost at all.

What have I missed, or am I wrong about something?

Here is the build I'd like and it sure would be handy to confidently have a decent idea of the payload, before I order it.

https://shop.ford.com/configure/f150...63.779.U52.%5D

The yellow tags I've seen people post, seem to be all over the map, ranging from the 1600s, which I could live with, to sub 1400, which wouldn't do at all.

The whole reason for getting this truck, will be as a tow vehicle for a travel trailer. GVW of 7590. 12.5% tongue weigh = 950. hitch = 116 and the wife and I with a day bag ~ 375 so, 1441, at the bare bones. You can see my problem. I'd like to add a tonneau and bet mat. Unless, as I said, there is an optimum build I've missed, the only redeeming thing, is it is very likely we'll be short of the trailer's GVW by around 1000, as it is capable of more than we can imagine needing and the floor plan does allow for shifting some weight to closer to 10% hitch weight, vs the 12.5%. So, some wiggle room to stay in spec in all things but sure would be nice to know in advance.

Thanks.

 

I have a loaded-up Platinum with the useless max tow and I was a bit surprised my payload was 1300#. It basically means people buying the truck are going to be over payload every time they use the truck for any sort of travel and towing.

 

Based on the order you linked, I think you will be in the low 1500s for Payload. My F-150 as shown in my signature (the 2021 build) has a lot more options than what you linked but is still a 502a Lariat/4x4 and has around 1415lbs payload, going off memory. I know it's low end 1400. Without the spray in bed liner it would easily be 1500, people sometimes underestimate how much that takes up. Just keep in mind that adding spray in after doesn't change that it takes away from payload, even though the sticker doesn't magically change. So does adding a tonneau cover or anything else. If you get a PB with 1550lbs of payload, which I think is around where your build would land, and add 60 lbs with tonneau and bed mat, then your payload is actually 1490, even if the sticker still says 1550.

I think you will be fine still, while I am fairly strict to payload, nobody I hope believes the truck will just fall apart if you put 1560lbs of gear and people in a 1550lb payload truck. I think I would draw the line around 100lbs, and even then I imagine these trucks realistically have a bit more margin. But not interested enough to push it.

 

I am at 1,531lbs payload on my 502a Lariat powerboost. I have the crew cab, 6.5’ bed. I was pleasantly surprised to see that when she showed up!

 

I can relate, OP.... I was kinda going through the same thing.

I ended up in a Powerboost 4x4 302A XLT with 1679 payload, which I am more than happy with. Similar options with the 7.2kw, 360 cam and radar cruise, and trailer tow but 18" wheels.

There are some threads around with people posting options lists and payload stickers, but it isn't easy. There is also a PDF floating around with various option weights on it. Got a copy of 2021, and some options aren't even listed but ones that add... Trailer pkgs add about 25 lbs. Bedliner is 45lbs. 36 gallon tank takes away 83 lbs. Twin panel moonroof is 64lbs. Bed steps (I assume Bed Utility package) are 63lbs. Running boards can be 30-40lbs (power are 57lbs), skid plates 28 lbs, the PVD chrome 20" wheels are 34lbs.

Gonna have to agree with other posters above I think you're gonna be in the 1500-ish range. I had a small table of Lariats and payloads I got from the dealer and I'd say most basic Lariats I was looking at (500A/501A/502A but low additional options) were in that 1500lb range. Your build adds 360 camera, 7.2kw and and the tow package, it has the 20" PVD chrome wheels and not much else....I'm gonna guess 1550 payload on it

Best Powerboost 4x4 302A I got info when shopping was 1760lbs and worst was about 1580. I tried to keep my options list low to have basically what I need for towing, keep payload up, but get a few nice things like heated seats, LED headlamps, radar cruise, 360 etc. Stayed away from the stuff I knew was heavy like the 20" wheels (I prefer the softer 18" ride anyway), the moonroof, the bed utility package.

I did get an email just the other day from Ford that they have a towing calculator.... it shows me my payload (you I think need an account and a VIN though). There is also a kiosk/computer at my local Ford dealership that I used one day to look up my VIN for my truck before it arrived (and before I put a deposit on it), and it shows the exact rated payload for that VIN. I would say your best bet might be to use cars.com or cargurus.com, find a 502A Lariat with the exact options you want, get the VIN, and go to the dealer and use that kiosk. Those websites you can at least filter, if I recall correctly, by 502A package then I would generally use sticker price to get really close to my ideal build since you know roughly what your build will have for MSRP.

Not easy unfortunately.

 

Pretty much right on with the weights of the accessories since I have all of them and subtracted out I would be in the 1500# to 1700# payload range. The penalty for the luxury cruiser I guess.

 

My MY22 Power Boost XLT 302A 4x4 comes in at 1645#.


Equipment on my Power Boost.

Yellow cargo capacity sticker.

 

The whole reason? Based on that statement, why not just get an F-250? Probably get better mileage too.

I’m guessing it’s not the main reason, or maybe you mean he trailer is the main reason you’re getting a truck at all instead of like a light SUV or something.

 

Either losing the Powerboost or flipping to a high spec XLT will do wonders for your payload. My high end xlt is1847lbs.

replace seats with Katzskin leather for $2k.