I'm trying to figure out why my 2012 F-150's payload rating is so startlingly low. Here is the door sticker.



Now, before we go ANY further: I know that no modifications to the truck are going to change the yellow sticker. I am aware that this is a pretty hot topic and I'm familiar with the arguments. The purpose of this thread is to figure out WHY the payload rating is so low given the equipment that this truck has.

So let's start with what we've got on this truck. It is a 2012 FX4 3.5L SCREW with the 145" wheelbase. It comes with the Trailer Tow Package (NOT the Max Tow) and does NOT come with the Heavy Duty Payload Package. Max Tow and HDPP truck door stickers are well into the 2000+ range. So what's the actual mechanical difference between them and me? Let's look at what REGULAR Trailer Tow offered in 2012:

Includes:
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• SelectShift Transmission

I have all of these items and have laid eyes and hands on each of them. The Max Trailer Tow Package offered the following:

Includes:
• Upgraded rear bumper
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• 7-pin wiring harness
• Upgraded radiator
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Trailer Brake Control
• SelectShift Transmission
• Side mirrors, black manual telescoping trailer tow w/manual glass

The differences are in BOLD. So it's a better rear bumper, a Trailer Brake Controller, and Towing mirrors. I've added the Brake Controller myself. And fair enough, I have the 10,500-rated bumper so I don't have the upgraded bumper.

The only difference between my truck and a Max Tow truck (with a corresponding 7700GVWR instead of my 7200GVWR) is.... the rear bumper. And I don't intend to tow above 10k. So that's a moot point.

So as far as I can tell, there's no good reason why the GVWR shouldn't be 7700 and therefore the usable payload somewhere around 1700 pounds.

But let's dig deeper. What else could limit the payload?

AXLE

I have the L6 axle which is the 3.73 Electronically-locking 9.75 rear end. Multiple sources suggest that this axle is rated to 4500 pounds even though the door sticker says 4050 for some reason. There is another Heavy-Duty option that was included in the HDPP with 7-lug wheels and which was rated to 4800pounds. Obviously I don't have that. But I have the second-highest rated one.

SPRINGS

The regular trailer tow package and the Max Tow package appear to have the same springs. Mine, as you can see, are UUGG rated which is the same as the Max Tow Package. Further evidence suggests that spring code UUGG is what was found on Max Tow Package trucks as well.

TIRES

I'm running Michelin 113T Load Rating tires. The tires say 2,535 pounds of capacity. 2,535 x 2 = 5,070 pounds which vastly exceeds the axle rating of 4,050

ENGINE

It's the 3.5L so no issues here

WHEELS

I have 20" Ford model 3833 wheels which are rated at 3000 pounds I believe so no issues here

______

So I'm kind of at a loss. What is the weak link here that caused Ford to so heavily derate the payload capacity down into the 1200s? Was it just an incentive to get me to buy Max Tow a decade ago? I'm stumped. I know that this truck is no HDPP but 1270 payload just seems so wrong given all the data above. I cannot see how my truck meaningfully differs from a Max Tow Package truck (except the rear bumper which has nothing to do with payload). And as far as I can tell the only difference between my truck and an HDPP equipped one is the 4800lb rear axle vs the 4500lb version I have, and heavier springs. (See this post for YYDD-rated springs in an HDPP truck)

Obligatory: Yes, I know that exceeding the door sticker is a bad thing and has legal implications. I'm asking the above from personal and mechanical interest in my truck.

Thank you!

 

You missed your STEEL body truck. 2015+ is aluminum.

 

Fair enough, but this fellow has a 2013 steel body with Max Tow and HDPP. His payload sticker is exactly what I would expect. About 900 lb more than mine.

I've tried to gather only information about 11-14 trucks to make sure I'm in the right generation.

 

Generally the higher the trim and options, the lower the available payload. Example, a moonroof takes away over 100#. I specifically ordered my Lariat without a moonroof or rear step in tailgate.

 

That is a good point.
Regardless of options, do you see any reason why this truck has a 7200GVWR and not 7700? Aside from "the sticker says so".? I'm trying to figure out what, mechanically, is the difference between my truck and a 7700GVWR Max Tow since it seems I've got everything Max Tow offered

 

I remember when I bought my 2013, payload moved up 300lbs just for the max tow package. Payload was around 1,600lbs

Ford does have a history of derating based on packages selected. Taking a wild guess but max tow probably had a different leaf/spring setup as the big difference.

 

Can you share your window sticker if it’s available? That would help us get down to the nuts and bolts on this one.

 

Yep, here it is.

I've been up under there and taken pictures and got part numbers on just about everything too.

 

Tried posting the picture but it didn't go through. Here you go: https://imgur.com/a/zNLHzC5

 

Mid level frame, lots of options on your truck. No HDPP frame kills your payload.

You won’t have the higher axle ratings without HDPP, either.