Ronpurdue

Thanks for the replies...I cannot say this post has not depressed me .

If I just stick with my current setup 5000 lb ... and move crap from bed of my truck in the camper 5500 lb ...I should be better off I assume.

Truck 550
WDH 100
Camper 550
Still over but I assume ok. Max I travel is around 3 hrs ..

To me that GVWR of 7200lb is bull**** ...if your payload gonna hold you back and its a SCREW only people by those are people who need the room.

Does the HD payload package really get you different axle / frame...I could not find it on the Ford site.


Side note: I have an 2014 Expedition also ...its Tow capacity is 7800 lb with payload of 1550 and 3.73 gears. I might just use this ...I just can't believe what I consider my wife grocery hauler better than my truck . It has the old 5.4l which I feel like it barely moves.

Ronpurdue

I also have been doing some reading...is their no way to increase payload with airbags / springs etc? I see mixed comments on this topic.

5.0GN tow

Actually the axle is the same, the spring packs are different, and it gets 7 lug wheels, no other changes. The frames may be thicker, but RBM(the number that matters most in weight carrying ability) of the supercab 4x4 is the highest of the prior generation trucks. All this info comes from the ford sourcebook.

You can't truly increase payload without having the truck recertified by an upfitter. I pull close to 8k with the 5.0 3.55 supercab 4x4 but my payload is much higher at 1700 plus. Mine is an STX 4x4 which is much lighter so it has a higher payload. I have no problem pulling my 3 horse goosneck trailer with my gear set and 18 inch wheels.

Feathermerchant

Here is a PDF from Ford.
The first page of this PDF is P80.
You will find axle info on P84. It is a 4800 lb capacity axle.
On P87 you will see the standard load rear axle is an 8.8" ring gear and the HD is 9.75 so YES the axles are different.
On P89 you can see the frame rail thickness. The standard load is 0.100 to 0.110 and the HD is 0.150
So YES the frame is thicker too. It has been engineered to carry more weight. That is why my sticker is about twice the payload as the OP.

Velosprout

Yes, this takes a different frame. While the same dimensions, and with the same number of crossmembers, the steel is .150 inches thick on the Heavy Duty Payload box frame instead of .120 of regular frames. It is the shortage of these frames for the Heavy Duty Payload package that caused 2015 orders for the HD Payload package to be cancelled by Ford and made that option late availability again for 2016 orders.
This applies only to the Heavy Duty Payload Package on the 3.5 EcoBoost and 5.0 only; not the the 2.7 EcoBoost Payload package.


It also includes:
• 3.73 Electronic-locking rear axle
• 9.75-inch gearset
• Upgraded springs and auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• XL: 17-inch Silver Steel Wheels
• XLT/LARIAT: 18-inch Silver Aluminum Wheels
Commercial-rated tires
also the Max Tow package is mandatory with the HD payload package, which includes:
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper
and also mandatory is is the pro trailer backup assist

5.0GN tow

Ok the OP truck is a 2013 not 2015. On the 09 to 14 trucks almost every 5.0 and EB or 6.2 came with the 9.75 axle, my 5.0 is a 9.75 as are almost all if not all. The 8.8s were on 3.7 trucks. I have a 3850 GAWR due to springs, the difference was not axle related but spring and wheel related, my springs are 3850, the 18 inch wheels are 2025 each. Both those limit the axle rating not the axle itself.

Second the thicker frame is true for the older generation as well, however it's not as easy as it seems. You have to look at sectional modulus and RBM calculations, as well as yield strength of the steel the frame is made from. The thicker HDPP frame is made from 36k yield strength steel on the 2009 to 14 trucks, while standard frames are from 49.6k yield strength steel. When you use the formula to get the RBM numbers(the number that determines how much weight a truck can carry without distorting a frame) then the 144.5 in WB(usually called 145 by most)comes out with the highest number. This changed in 2015 when all frames switched to the 49K yield strength steel. The info used to get these numbers is commonly available.The raw data is directly from the ford sourcebook, and just needs to be plugged into the RBM formula.

Ford rates the 6 lug axle 9.75 for 4800lbs in 2015 trucks which is a change from the 09 to 14 trucks which used the 7 lug wheels.

I don't advocate exceeding the limits for any truck. I am just simply pointing out some information that is out there but not often noted.

jkenprice1

You can't legally increase the payload of your truck. Legally, what the payload sticker says is the most you can carry, even if you make changes. Springs, airbags, gears, etc, will make your truck handle the load better, but won't increase your load capacity. Here's what I don't get. You want to take your family camping, but your more worried about the look of your truck, than the safety of the wife and kids. Where are yoour priorities.

5.0GN tow

You can legally increase the payload, it's just not easy. You have to have a certified vehicle upfitter do the mods and put a new certification sticker on it. Not inexpensive and easy but it can be done. It's usually easier to buy a bigger truck.

Ronpurdue

Thanks for the post and update guys.

Easy way to check if its 8.8 vs 9.75? I heard you count the bolts on diff if its 12 its 9.75?

I should also clear up a few things. I had the truck before the camper. We tent camped never planned on camping in a camper. Father in law bought a camper is why we started using it and liked it.

As far as safety of family .......that is why I am asking these question. I didn't realize I had an issue I just wanted to tow better. I also stated below I would use my expedition for now. But if their is a way to make my truck more capable I am going to do it. I am also moving my payload to the camper which gets me close.

I am still a little confused if I put on HD springs and I do have 9.75 if that will raise my payload to a safer number even if not listed on sticker.

5.0GN tow

Your limiter as it stands now is your wheels, your GAWR is 4050, which is 2 times 2025 which is your wheel rating. The spring pack you have is rated at 4220 per the sourcebook. Still none of that changes the sticker, only way to change sticker is at an upfitter.

I am exploring that option right now as I want to get a bigger horsetrailer in the future or modify mone which would increase my pin weight. I will post what I find out.