Payload/towing - what is actually different?
03-14-2024, 12:03 PM
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Payload/towing - what is actually different?
I'm looking at buying an 11 or 12th gen. It appears that the engine is the main difference for payload and towing numbers.
Now, aside from special towing/payload packages - is there a difference in transmission, differential, brakes, suspension with the different engine options?
I'm not so concerned with power, but wear and safety when towing or hauling.
Now, aside from special towing/payload packages - is there a difference in transmission, differential, brakes, suspension with the different engine options?
I'm not so concerned with power, but wear and safety when towing or hauling.
03-14-2024, 12:11 PM
#2
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They all play a factor in payload and tow ratings. 12th gen (excluding 09-10) all had the same transmission. For the 11th gen that was not the case.
If towing is the main concern, I would at least go with a 12th gen and 2011+.
For the 11th gen, the only engine really good for towing is the 5.4 3v. But that engine has a whole world of issues.
If towing is the main concern, I would at least go with a 12th gen and 2011+.
For the 11th gen, the only engine really good for towing is the 5.4 3v. But that engine has a whole world of issues.
03-14-2024, 10:20 PM
#3
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The engine and axle ratio determine how much weight you can PULL. Axle ratio is a lot bigger than many understand.
If you're looking at the 3.5 EB it is adequate for most towing if it has 3.31 gears but does better with 3.55's if you need to pull heavier loads.
The 5.0 V8 needs more rpm's to get power and REALLY needs lower gears. I wouldn't touch one with 3.31 or 3.15 gears if I planned to tow. The 3.55's are OK if you don't want to tow very heavy and 3.73's are what you really want.
The 5.4 is very similar in performance to the 5.0
Most trucks in the same generation have the same Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and most of those are 7350 lbs. That is the total weight of the truck, any passengers, cargo in the truck and tongue weight from a trailer. Your payload rating is the actual weight of the truck when it rolled off the assembly line subtracted from GVWR. My 2014 has 1625 lbs of payload. That is on the low side or typical for a 4x4 crew cab. You'll see payload ratings between 1600-1800 lbs on similar trucks.
That is dependent on how the truck is equipped. Since GVWR is the same, a lighter truck will have more payload. A 2wd regular cab is going to be several hundred pounds lighter than a 4X4 crew cab. A basic XL or XLT is going to be a lot lighter than a 4X4 crew cab Lariat or Platinum. Some of those trucks may only have 1100 lbs payload. A basic truck could go over 2000.
Most of the time payload is the true limiting factor. The charts may say your truck can pull 9000 lbs. But the tongue weight of a 9000 lb trailer is going to be 1200 lbs or more. I would only have about 400 lbs left for passengers and cargo in my truck. My wife and I are 360 combined. Around 6000 lbs would be more realistic and leave some usable payload for cargo and additional passengers in my truck while towing.
If you're looking at the 3.5 EB it is adequate for most towing if it has 3.31 gears but does better with 3.55's if you need to pull heavier loads.
The 5.0 V8 needs more rpm's to get power and REALLY needs lower gears. I wouldn't touch one with 3.31 or 3.15 gears if I planned to tow. The 3.55's are OK if you don't want to tow very heavy and 3.73's are what you really want.
The 5.4 is very similar in performance to the 5.0
Most trucks in the same generation have the same Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and most of those are 7350 lbs. That is the total weight of the truck, any passengers, cargo in the truck and tongue weight from a trailer. Your payload rating is the actual weight of the truck when it rolled off the assembly line subtracted from GVWR. My 2014 has 1625 lbs of payload. That is on the low side or typical for a 4x4 crew cab. You'll see payload ratings between 1600-1800 lbs on similar trucks.
That is dependent on how the truck is equipped. Since GVWR is the same, a lighter truck will have more payload. A 2wd regular cab is going to be several hundred pounds lighter than a 4X4 crew cab. A basic XL or XLT is going to be a lot lighter than a 4X4 crew cab Lariat or Platinum. Some of those trucks may only have 1100 lbs payload. A basic truck could go over 2000.
Most of the time payload is the true limiting factor. The charts may say your truck can pull 9000 lbs. But the tongue weight of a 9000 lb trailer is going to be 1200 lbs or more. I would only have about 400 lbs left for passengers and cargo in my truck. My wife and I are 360 combined. Around 6000 lbs would be more realistic and leave some usable payload for cargo and additional passengers in my truck while towing.
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03-15-2024, 01:04 AM
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Thanks for the info. My intended use is I'm looking to start a small landscape build business, and will likely get a 2 ton mini excavator. So I'm looking at towing about 6000 lbs regularly.
I want a regular or small extended cab with 8ft bed, 2wd.
My experience to date is projects as a homeowner towing up to 2000lbs of stone, dirt, or concrete with my prius. That car has done more work than half the trucks on the road. Very capable for a car. I drive carefully and not needing to floor it from every light with a heavy load, so I'm fairly easy on stuff, never asking for anywhere near 100% of a vehicles power. It's likely I could get jobs in part of town that can be quite hilly though. So maybe i need to factor that in.
I want a regular or small extended cab with 8ft bed, 2wd.
My experience to date is projects as a homeowner towing up to 2000lbs of stone, dirt, or concrete with my prius. That car has done more work than half the trucks on the road. Very capable for a car. I drive carefully and not needing to floor it from every light with a heavy load, so I'm fairly easy on stuff, never asking for anywhere near 100% of a vehicles power. It's likely I could get jobs in part of town that can be quite hilly though. So maybe i need to factor that in.