At what point does carrying weight in the bed require a suspension upgrade?

[Schreibdave]

This will be a tough question for people to answer but I would appreciate any insight.

I have not bought the truck yet so this is planning for the future. I want a 2025 1500, either a Big Horn or Larimie. The truck will be a Crew cab with the longer bed and SO Hurricaine engine. It will have a cap with side doors for tools and supplies. It might have a Decked pull out drawer system and maybe a Cargo Glide pull out bed. I'm thinking the cap, bed slide and drawers might be 1000 lbs before I put anything in the truck. If I load up the bed with my daily load of power tools, fasteners, drywall mud, paint cans, etc it seems I could be at 1500 lbs before I add a single piece of sheetrock or a 2x4. I think the standard payload for this configuration is about 2000 lbs.

If I wanted more payload capacity on this truck, what would I need to do? Driving it every day near it's capacity seems like a recipe for breaking or wearing out rear suspension parts. Thanks in advance.

Edit: My current truck is a 2016 F150 with the 3.5L Ecoboost and the Heavy Duty Payload Package which raises the payload to 2600 lbs. The current truck has the cap, sliding bed, and decked drawers. It's a former cable company service vehicle and came that way when I bought it last year. This set up seems to hold up well.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

I know there are upgraded rear coils for helping with the sag. I'm not sure if they work for the newer 25+

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Thread 'Heavy Duty Coil Spring Upgrade For The Ram 1500 2019-2024+'

Oct 30, 2023

Has anyone tried this upgrade on your rear coils?

• RAM Patriot
• Replies: 11
• Forum: Suspension

• 

 

[456MORam]

You’ll be lucky if a truck of that configuration has 1700lbs of payload available, I would actually expect the door sticker rating lower than that. In the Ram world, that’s a workload for a 2500.

 

[bigdodge]

This will be a tough question for people to answer but I would appreciate any insight.

I have not bought the truck yet so this is planning for the future. I want a 2025 1500, either a Big Horn or Larimie. The truck will be a Crew cab with the longer bed and SO Hurricaine engine. It will have a cap with side doors for tools and supplies. It might have a Decked pull out drawer system and maybe a Cargo Glide pull out bed. I'm thinking the cap, bed slide and drawers might be 1000 lbs before I put anything in the truck. If I load up the bed with my daily load of power tools, fasteners, drywall mud, paint cans, etc it seems I could be at 1500 lbs before I add a single piece of sheetrock or a 2x4. I think the standard payload for this configuration is about 2000 lbs.

If I wanted more payload capacity on this truck, what would I need to do? Driving it every day near it's capacity seems like a recipe for breaking or wearing out rear suspension parts. Thanks in advance.

Edit: My current truck is a 2016 F150 with the 3.5L Ecoboost and the Heavy Duty Payload Package which raises the payload to 2600 lbs. The current truck has the cap, sliding bed, and decked drawers. It's a former cable company service vehicle and came that way when I bought it last year. This set up seems to hold up well.

you need a 2500

 

[John Kloehr]

The point you need more is when it sags. But no boosters or helpers will increase capacity, just mask the overload.

You probably need a 2500 or pull a correctly sized trailer for your tools and materials instead of the cap, drawers, tools, and materials in the truck bed. Check the door sticker and get a truck weighed to see what the real payload is, it is probably lower than you think.

 

[Garvanzo]

I have a 2022 Crew cab Bighorn with the 6'4" bed. My payload is 1601 lbs. I weighed the truck with my family in it and a few odd and ends in the bed and it came out to be 6400 lbs. Front axle 3600 and rear 2800. This was before hooking up the trailer and loading the bed for trips. The rear axle rating on these trucks is 4100 lbs. I think you will be at or over your rear axle rating before you load it up with everything you need in it. I added HD springs and airbags to mine and it did what the other guy said, it masked the overloaded condition.

 

[Schreibdave]

I have a 2022 Crew cab Bighorn with the 6'4" bed. My payload is 1601 lbs. I weighed the truck with my family in it and a few odd and ends in the bed and it came out to be 6400 lbs. Front axle 3600 and rear 2800. This was before hooking up the trailer and loading the bed for trips. The rear axle rating on these trucks is 4100 lbs. I think you will be at or over your rear axle rating before you load it up with everything you need in it. I added HD springs and airbags to mine and it did what the other guy said, it masked the overloaded condition.

Yours is a 1500?

 

[Schreibdave]

How much ride quality do you give up going from a 1500 to a 2500?

 

[silver billet]

How much ride quality do you give up going from a 1500 to a 2500?

A 2500 with a permanent load in it as you described should ride quite well. Even unloaded they ride nice for what they are.

 

[Ramintime]

I agree with others here...you're in 2500 territory unless you want to add a small trailer. When loaded down though, the 2500s ride just as smooth at the 1500s unloaded.

 

[kdoublep]

A 1500 can carry 1 adult bigfoot and 2 juveniles. A 2500 can carry multiple adult bigoots. Ill never take a 1500 bigfoot hunting again.

One day I shot 2 adult Bigfoot and had to leave one behind due to a ****ty 1500 payload. When I went back to retrieve the other Bigfoot, it was gone. I then saw a Dogman in the distance carrying the Bigfoot carcass away. I shot the Dogman and he instantly vaporized into another dimension leaving the Bigfoot carcass behind; however when the Dogman teleported he was holding the Bigfoot's arm and the teleporter cut off Bigfoot's arm at the elbow.

So I would definitely go with a 2500 because now, even though I have 2 Bigfoot, one is incomplete and I will not get as much money for the specimen at the museum. Again, should've had the 2500 for sure. The good news is I covered my expenses for gas, ammo, beef jerkey and a new optic for my Bigfoot rifle.

P.S. do not use a trailer. It's better to load bigfoot in the bed of the truck and cover with a tarp or cargo net. A trailer will attract attention and then everyone will start hunting Bigfoot for a bounty and its not a regulated industry yet.

Hope this helps!

 

[BlueHemi1500]

Coming from an HD truck with a diesel engine, long bed, full-size 4-door cab, world to the 1500-level market. IHMO, and experience a 2500 class truck with a gasoline engine would be a better choice for several reasons:

• GVR - bigger in the 2500 class truck
  • Brakes are more capable
  • Suspension is more capable
  • Tires are more capable
  • The frame is more capable
• A 1500-class truck will be at or above the GVR, which is a big deal:
  • Brakes will not be rated for the weight
    • Can't stop effectively
  • Suspension will not be rated for the weight
    • Handling will be off and will potentially be unstable
  • Frame will not be rated for the weight
    • Risk of frame failure due to the constant stresses of over weight status
  • Tires
    • You can upgrade the tires to a higher weight class
    • Your ride will be harsher
    • You are just masking the above problems
  • Liablity
    • An overweight car/truck is a giant liability

Your mileage may vary, but the above are some facts that really need to be answered/calculated before throwing money up on the counter. But you need the proper tool for the job, and your truck is a tool for your entire job. Make sure that you have the proper tool(s) for the job(s) at hand. My job changed, so I got the proper tool for my job(s), and I am happy with my correctly sized tool for MY job(s).

I wish you well in your future truck choice(s).

BlueHemi1500

 

[Garvanzo]

Yours is a 1500?

Yes

 

[Schreibdave]

Coming from an HD truck with a diesel engine, long bed, full-size 4-door cab, world to the 1500-level market. IHMO, and experience a 2500 class truck with a gasoline engine would be a better choice for several reasons:

• GVR - bigger in the 2500 class truck
  • Brakes are more capable
  • Suspension is more capable
  • Tires are more capable
  • The frame is more capable
• A 1500-class truck will be at or above the GVR, which is a big deal:
  • Brakes will not be rated for the weight
    • Can't stop effectively
  • Suspension will not be rated for the weight
    • Handling will be off and will potentially be unstable
  • Frame will not be rated for the weight
    • Risk of frame failure due to the constant stresses of over weight status
  • Tires
    • You can upgrade the tires to a higher weight class
    • Your ride will be harsher
    • You are just masking the above problems
  • Liablity
    • An overweight car/truck is a giant liability

Your mileage may vary, but the above are some facts that really need to be answered/calculated before throwing money up on the counter. But you need the proper tool for the job, and your truck is a tool for your entire job. Make sure that you have the proper tool(s) for the job(s) at hand. My job changed, so I got the proper tool for my job(s), and I am happy with my correctly sized tool for MY job(s).

I wish you well in your future truck choice(s).

BlueHemi1500

I just did some math and I think a 1500 with a cap, decked drawers, cargo glide and my average load would be about 1700 lbs. I just did a search on a 2026 4x4 Laramie 1500 with crew cab and 6'4" bed and it looks like the payload is about 1600lbs. And that might be for the 5'7" bed. I couldn't tell from the specs on-line. So I'm overweight.

A couple of posters above commented that a 2500 loaded down rides as well as a 1500 empty. Can you comment on that? In addition to being my daily driver and work truck, this will also be our road trip vehicle and I want to know how much complaining I will get from my wife. Thanks

 

[LaxDfns15]

Most everyone has said get a 2500, which I agree with, but no one answered a key part of your original question. There is nothing you can do to your truck, once it's manufactured, to INCREASE payload rating. Everything you do to it will only DECREASE payload by adding more weight to your truck. Payload = GVWR - curb weight (including people). Add heavier tires, increase curb weight. Add airbags, bigger springs, helper springs, increase curb weight. You get the idea. Like others have said, it only masks the effects of being over payload.

 

[Schreibdave]

Most everyone has said get a 2500, which I agree with, but no one answered a key part of your original question. There is nothing you can do to your truck, once it's manufactured, to INCREASE payload rating. Everything you do to it will only DECREASE payload by adding more weight to your truck. Payload = GVWR - curb weight (including people). Add heavier tires, increase curb weight. Add airbags, bigger springs, helper springs, increase curb weight. You get the idea. Like others have said, it only masks the effects of being over payload.

I'm bummed because I know that I need a 2500 but I don't really want a 2500. I dont want the higher ride height, bigger turning radius, worse gas mileage or smaller rear cabin area. But those are all preferable to be overloaded.

Anybody have an opinion on gas mileage while loaded up with 1800lbs? The 1500 with Hurricane engine vs the 2500 with the 6.4L hemi? I wonder if the difference in mileage starts to close when they are loaded up.

 

[LaxDfns15]

I'm bummed because I know that I need a 2500 but I don't really want a 2500. I dont want the higher ride height, bigger turning radius, worse gas mileage or smaller rear cabin area. But those are all preferable to be overloaded.

Anybody have an opinion on gas mileage while loaded up with 1800lbs? The 1500 with Hurricane engine vs the 2500 with the 6.4L hemi? I wonder if the difference in mileage starts to close when they are loaded up.

Don't know about gas mileage comparison as I haven't had a 2500, but I know when loaded pretty heavy the 1500 loses a bit. You're also not going to see the estimated MPG on the window sticker. My Rebel averages 16.5 in the summer and 15.5 in the winter. Never been close to the window sticker numbers.

I've had 1500+ pounds in the bed a few times for very short trips. I have airbags to help with the squat, but the truck did not feel good with that much weight in the back. Having that all day every day would be a terrible ride.

 

[CalvinC]

Are there problems with your current truck? The F150s with the HDPP are unicorns - in fact they died with the current generation.

If you must have a half ton I’d look for a newer F150 with HDPP or a GM 1500 with the Max Tow option which increases GVWR by 300 lbs.

Unfortunately Ram doesn’t offer such a package for the 1500s. It’s such a low take rate, I think the other manufacturers only did it to be able to advertise crazy payload numbers for marketing purposes. Kinda like homologating a limited run of production sports cars so you can run a specific race series.

But in your situation I don’t think I’d do either - drywall is heavy af in quantities for a full job.

I’d go 2500 pickup or van. Pickup I guess if it also has to serve family duties.

 

[Schreibdave]

Are there problems with your current truck? The F150s with the HDPP are unicorns - in fact they died with the current generation.

If you must have a half ton I’d look for a newer F150 with HDPP or a GM 1500 with the Max Tow option which increases GVWR by 300 lbs.

Unfortunately Ram doesn’t offer such a package for the 1500s. It’s such a low take rate, I think the other manufacturers only did it to be able to advertise crazy payload numbers for marketing purposes. Kinda like homologating a limited run of production sports cars so you can run a specific race series.

But in your situation I don’t think I’d do either - drywall is heavy af in quantities for a full job.

I’d go 2500 pickup or van. Pickup I guess if it also has to serve family duties.

There really aren't any problems with my current truck, except that stuff breaks as you would expect on a 10 year old vehicle. My reason for upgrading is that in November I'll be moving to a new home with very limited driveway and garage space. I currently have the F150 as my work truck and a sedan as my non-work truck. When I move I will need to combine the two vehicles into one. I need it to meet my needs as a work truck but also look nice sitting in my driveway. My plan is to outfit it to look like it's some kind of overland camping vehicle when it's actually going to be a work truck and a long distance road trip vehicle.

 

[Trooper4]

This will be a tough question for people to answer but I would appreciate any insight.

I have not bought the truck yet so this is planning for the future. I want a 2025 1500, either a Big Horn or Larimie. The truck will be a Crew cab with the longer bed and SO Hurricaine engine. It will have a cap with side doors for tools and supplies. It might have a Decked pull out drawer system and maybe a Cargo Glide pull out bed. I'm thinking the cap, bed slide and drawers might be 1000 lbs before I put anything in the truck. If I load up the bed with my daily load of power tools, fasteners, drywall mud, paint cans, etc it seems I could be at 1500 lbs before I add a single piece of sheetrock or a 2x4. I think the standard payload for this configuration is about 2000 lbs.

If I wanted more payload capacity on this truck, what would I need to do? Driving it every day near it's capacity seems like a recipe for breaking or wearing out rear suspension parts. Thanks in advance.

Edit: My current truck is a 2016 F150 with the 3.5L Ecoboost and the Heavy Duty Payload Package which raises the payload to 2600 lbs. The current truck has the cap, sliding bed, and decked drawers. It's a former cable company service vehicle and came that way when I bought it last year. This set up seems to hold up well.

You can't legally increase the payload of any truck, nor should you try. Reducing sag borders on that if done incorrectly. The rated capacity is fixed. The only way to get more load carrying capacity is to get a truck rated at what you expect to haul. A 1/4-1/2 ton truck is never built to carry a one ton load without breaking the frame, and there are plenty of pictures to prove that point.