Here's my options sheet and sticker for reference. Actual payload has dropped since purchase as I put a bunch of stuff in the cab (tools and such), got a spray-in bed liner, and put a tonneau cover on.

 

Lariat Tow Mirrors are power fold/telescope.

 

I did not know the power running boards added that much weight. I guess in the grand scheme they aren't a lot, but I guess it makes sense given there are basically double the brackets (with the joints and all that).

Man, the 1590 above really surprises me. I totally expected it to be an honest mistake because that's still well equipped. Shows how much the spray in liner, power boards, etc, can add up.

Looks like imnuts' build is damn close to what you want and just about perfect. Based on your numbers for the running boards, if you build his truck and unbolt your running boards, you would be over 1600.

 

It is encouraging isn't it?

I'll do without the tailgate step and save 40 or so (and bunch of future rattles) and I don't need the work surface, for what little weight that is. The lockable storage is probably only a few lbs. The question is the 18" wheels. I haven't found a way to keep them on a 2023 502a

 

You may be able to find a set of take offs or even trade someone for 18" wheels.

 

Won't change the sticker.
I don't doubt the capabilities of the truck but I want to be legal.

 

If you're getting ticketed for being overweight, they'll weigh your truck (and trailer). The sticker doesn't account for any changes after the factory, be it wheels, tires, accessories, or a big lunch. You would need to weigh both sets of wheels/tires, or your truck before/after, to see how the weight changed though.

 

And if they weigh the truck they won't use the payload value on the sticker, they will use the GCVWR. The payload sticker is just for the owner to make it easy to understand how far they can go before being overloaded. Your GCVWR does NOT change if you add tailgate step or don't.

I also don't think changing wheels will change your payload sticker, that is unsprung weight, payload is only concerned with sprung weight, but someone can correct me if wrong on that one.

 

"And if they weigh the truck they won't use the payload value on the sticker, they will use the GCVWR."

That might be true, since I don't have any first hand experience but the portable scales, weight per axle and they designed CAT Scales to weight axles. It is true that they'll be working with the other sticker but I kinda doubt DoT or the troopers, will just ignore an overloaded condition of any kind.

"I also don't think changing wheels will change your payload sticker, that is unsprung weight, payload is only concerned with sprung weight, but someone can correct me if wrong on that one."

Tires are rated to hold certain loads, at certain pressure. I think they are part of the equation and differences in tires used at the factory, could explain some of the surprises some have had. They are also listed in the esource book and have different weights and finally, there is only one wheel allowed for use with the HDPP.

 

How soon after you order a truck, can you know it's payload and if it falls short of your needs, can you do anything about it, or is up to the dealer to let you change?

Any word on the calculator that they took down? Been a long time for it to have been just maintenance.

Ford itself, uses at least 2 different programs and they don't come to the same payload #. I know this, because a Ford salesman ran a special rpt. for me and we both agreed that it didn't make sense. He hooked me up with a guy from Ford itself, who ran a different rpt. and came to different #s. I'd pass them along but I'm sure they're proprietary.

There is a mystery ingredient to finding payload. Ford simply defines it as GVWR - Curb Weight but there has to be more and they don't publish that.