Survey - truck payload ratings with 5.0TA

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by TahoeJoe

Does your RAM have coil springs in the rear? My 2014 RAM 2500 did, and my payload was really low too, even for a 3/4 ton. RAM said they did it for ride quality, over the leaf springs. Anyways there are quite a few aftermarket products out there to help out your truck as it gets close to payload capacity...

Coil springs are not any less capable of carrying load than leaf springs; however, the manufacturer can choose to make coils soft (for better ride and traction) because they don't need to be stiff to control lateral motion and axle windup the way leaf springs need to be.

I agree that a simple spring change, or added air springs, or just buying the truck with factory air suspension, is the solution if it is too soft. Stiffer springs will not increase the allowed axle capacity (and thus payload) because you have no way to know if there are other limiting components.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by NCBill

Even a max tow package does not make it max payload.

Correct: payload and towing packages have different content, because they are for different purposes.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by TahoeJoe

Does your RAM have coil springs in the rear? My 2014 RAM 2500 did, and my payload was really low too, even for a 3/4 ton. RAM said they did it for ride quality, over the leaf springs. Anyways there are quite a few aftermarket products out there to help out your truck as it gets close to payload capacity...

I added Firestone air bags installed inside the rear coil springs with air nozzles terminating at the rear license place. I add approximately 20-30 psi to keep the rear firmer when towing.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I added Firestone air bags installed inside the rear coil springs with air nozzles terminating at the rear license place. I add approximately 20-30 psi to keep the rear firmer when towing.

my leaf spring Tacoma 4x4 took the separate Firestone RideRite air springs, since it had leafs.



I'm toying with doing the same to my F250 but its springs are so stiff I'm not sure I need it. It already has an overload leaf that only touches down when you have 50% or more of max rear axle weight.

oh and I just installed Rancho 9000XL adjustable shocks on all 4 corners of the f250.

[AndyZ]

2019 GMC 3500 Denali, Diesel, Crew Cab, 8 foot bed, 4wd, single rear wheels. Carry 3540 and pull 17,000.
Had an old truck camper on it, and was planning to get a newer Northern Lite 10-2 truck camper. But found out that I would be significantly overloaded (truck camper alone is 3500 dry). So decided to get an Escape 5.0 instead.