I've noticed that the longer wheelbase (157 vs 145) tend to have a higher payload. Is that just the vehicles I've seen or does a longer wheelbase typical result in a higher payload? If so can anyone explain why that is? It makes sense to me that a longer wheelbase would have better towing capability, but I can't wrap my head around the payload.

Thanks!

 

I would imagine thats not true if both trucks were 100% equal. The more stuff/metal/parts you put on a vehicle, the lower your payload. So if you have two identical trucks, one being 12 inches longer, the longer one will have a slightly lower payload since it has "extra" material.

I dont have any solid examples as it would be difficult to find two identical trucks despite them being assembly line trucks but ironially, when i bought by last truck, i also looked at a longer WB truck.

Truck one was an XLT 302A 4x4 Sport SCREW 5.5ft bed
Truck two was an XL with the STX package, SCREW 6.5 ft bed

Truck one had a little over 100lbs more avaliable payload despite having "extra" stuff

 

You can fine 3 or 4 different frame modulus/thickness on different configurations. Seem the strongest frame is on the longest wheelbase. KM

 

Google “Ford towing and payload pdf” and you’ll get lots of data on payload, towing, engines, gearing, GCWR etc. straight from the horses mouth

Enjoy!

 

I was confused by payload for a long time, mostly because I always thought of it as something independent that goes up or down. It's not, it's dependent on curb weight and GVWR. The way Ford sells trucks (maybe everyone, IDK) is they generally have a set GVWR for a given truck or trim. You then subtract the curb weight to get the payload rating. Understanding this is how you know there's no payload allowance for a "driver" that's not included somehow. Since Ford doesn't raise the GVWR for longer wheel base trucks, you can know that what you have observed is in fact just a coincidence. The only exception would be Supercab or single cab trucks, since they will weigh less than crew cab trucks they will have a higher payload (but not because they have higher GVWR). Hope that helps.

Longer wheel base definitely helps you tow something more securely than with a shorter wheelbase; same as a heavier truck will tow more securely than a lighter truck.

 

that’s interesting. I’ve always heard the max tow frame was thicker (I’ve even seen people post technical drawings) but never heard the claim that the longer wheelbase trucks had a thicker frame? Is that on the 157 and the 164?

 

My HDPP truck has the thicker frame but it would already have the thicker frame because it’s a 157” truck. All 157s got the thicker frame. At least in 2020. I’ve never seen anything in writing that said the max tow trucks got anything thicker

 

but you’ve seen something in writing about a thicker frame on the 157/164’s? You would think that would be advertised as it would be a selling feature.

only thing I’ve ever found was a chart for 13th gens…and the only one with the thicker frame was the HDPP…frame thickness was the same on the different WB

 

Actually found the answer:

max payload per configuration doesn’t increase based on longer wheelbase. The only time the max payload changes per engine choice is on the HDPP models

ironically, if you go through the chart, a reg cab 141 WB 3.5 has a higher max payload then the 163WB 3.5, lol. Less material.

link: https://madocumentupload.marketingas...983a7&v5=False

 

I was thinking they did raise the GVWR for the 157" (6.5 ft bed model). I could swear back when I bought my 2018 that the 5.5 ft beds had a GVWR of 7,000 lbs and the 6.5 ft beds had 7,050. I could be completely making that up however. I'd have to think though that the extra material would be more than 50 lbs and therefore lower your payload rating even though your GVWR is higher. If in fact I'm not making this up.

I know there are some that have a 7,050 GVWR, but maybe has nothing to do with wheelbase.