I'm looking at ordering a reg cab long bed with the hd payload pkg.
I want to be able to put a 1600 to 1700 lb side by side in the back.
Will this truck actually handle it ok? I know it's rated at 2810 lbs but looking for some real world advice.
Thanks.

 

You should be fine as long as you don't load a bunch of xtra stuff inside.

 

The only bad thing I have to say about my 2011 is when I put my 600# four-wheeler in the back the truck drops about 3". The truck also drops down a few inches when I hook up an empty trailer. The most I'd be comfortable putting in my bed is about 1000#. These trucks arent as heavy duty as F150s of the past. I'll probably be adding an add-a-leaf when I put on my level kit.

 

That problem should be fixed with the HD payload the OP was talking about.

 

The trucks are more HD than they ever have been...if the right options are purchased.

 

I'm on my fourth f150. A 90, 96, 03 & 11 and I can tell you that each new truck I have gotten, you can put less in the beds without squatting them. My 2011 being worse. I don't know what the HD package gives you, but it's not enough to haul 1600-1700 pounds in the bed safely. Also anyone pulling a 10,000#'s + trailer or putting 1500+ #'s is foolish with a half ton.
My 2011 has tons more power than any other F150 I've owned and is by far my favorite, I am just saying that these trucks shouldn't be squatting down this much with only 600#'s in the bed.

If you want to do this, buy a 3/4 or 1 ton truck.

 

I guess that would be my next question, what's all included in the max payload pkg? Only suspension or?
Thanks folks!

 

Bigslug -

here's some real information on capacity of the HD payload package. By the numbers in a regular cab/long bed you'll safe AND legal. Don't have any firsthand experience for you...

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2011/07...-capacity.html

 

So all the engineering at Ford is wrong?? GVW ratings have gone from 6K lbs in 93 to over 8K in 2011 for an F150. Who cares how far the springs squat. The trucks are rated to carry the weight. 1500 lbs is half of what some F150's that are ordered correctly can carry...and you say it's foolish...whatever. I hauled a 900 lb Harley in my bed on Friday and it may have gone down 1 -1 1/2 inches. My fifth wheel use to sink the F350 by a good 3 inches.

 

There you go! I have a light 5ver in my future and plan to add Super Springs or Timbrens.