Not conflicting, that's the answer to your question. "Cargo" is defined as 'not including people', the sticker rating on a vehicle is cargo + people.

 

After I saw the conflicting data, I was hoping to delete the posts, but I don't know how? I read in another post that the NHTSA ratings were assuming to have 2 150lbs passengers.

I'm still confused, but it only took me about 10 minutes to get those two Government links.... I'm personally not concerned with weight, but some folks are.... I was just trying to assist.

 

150 lbs one way or another isn't enough to worry about. Most of these trucks have a cargo capacity somewhere between 1200-1800 lbs depending on options. It isn't like the truck will explode if you're over the suggested payload by 150 lbs. As much as 500-600 lbs over for occasional use probably won't hurt. But for everyday use the trucks will last longer and both the truck and driver will be happier staying within the payload limits.

 

Making the vehicle level doesn't make it safe. Putting 2,000 pounds in the bed, unless your payload is 2,250 pounds, is unsafe, pure and simple.

At least you have a strap on the load (although only around the sides), I see idiots driving with a pallet like that with no straps.

 

Probably because most people don't realize how quickly weights add up when they're piling stuff in the bed. F'rinstance I made a run to Lowe's for my brother to pick up 20 sheets of plywood plus some other lumber and supplies. I'm not sure exactly how much those sheets of plywood weighed, but if they're 35lbs each, that's 700lbs right there. It doesn't look like much of a load, but it's a significant chunk of the rated payload.

 

Oh, I'd say 20 sheets of material looks like a lot.