Escape 5.0 and Ford F150 Lariat Payload?

[rvnovice]

In response to an earlier post, a target of 1800 lbs payload was recommended for the Escape 5.0. I started working with Granger Ford, and they shared that the payload for a 2024 F150 Lariat would most likely be in the range of 1150-1500 lbs.

We "built" our Lariat with a minimum number of additional options, just items like the tow/haul package and tow mirrors. I have linked the build below if interested.

https://shop.ford.com/configure/f150/config/summary/Config%5B%7CFord%7CF-150 F-150%7C2024%7C1%7C1.%7C501A.W5L..PDR...89S.SS5.AATAF.47R.54W.CCAB.998.779]

For you Lariat owners towing an Escape 5.0, what is your payload value, and has it been any impediment? I don't want to step up to an F250, and the Lariat is the best trim level for our wants/needs. I'm hoping we can make it work, but I have no basis to make a judgement call.

I appreciate the help from the group, there is more to consider (and more trade-offs) than I expected.

Thanks, David

 

[Jeremy Kessenich]

1,724 lbs payload with factory wheel to wheel running boards. Did not have factory spray on bed liner as it wasn't available from the factory. I believe the equipment code was 502A, max tow, wheel well liners, 7,150 GVWR, 18" wheels, 157" wheelbase, super crew, power tailgate, the big mirrors, 36 gal tank. This was also bought from Granger with lots of help from Alan E (Centex). Honestly the biggest reason I went with a Lariat vs an XLT was the 4A drive selection. We can get lots of snow packed and drifted roads where we live and the 4A is not available on the XLT at least at the time of purchase, 2022. I'm stating the options so you know it was pretty darn loaded with options and we still stayed north of 1,700 lbs.

 

[Centex]

David, lots has changed since 2022 when I ordered my Lariat, for example my 'base' 500A Equipment Group has been eliminated and the current Standard 501A has many more payload-robbing features (the weight of all those 'little' items adds-up!). But it is what it is.

I agree, you've been quite careful / weight-conscious with your specification, adding only things that I personally find beneficial to my enjoyment of the truck + 5.0 rig.

I have no basis or reason to question the 2024 Lariat payload range Granger offered, nor any basis to guess where your actual as-optioned payload would fall in that range. Having avoided the even more feature-laden "502A High" Equipment Group, one would hope you're not at the low-end of that Granger payload range estimate. It might be interesting to ask Granger what payload range they've seen on well-equipped 2024 XLTs?

While 1800# payload offers a very comfortable margin for a variety of 5.0 pin-weights, hitch equipment weights, and in-truck loading situations, I would not consider that a 'must-have-drop-dead number'. There are many here happily towing a 5.0 with much lower payload ratings with a variety of trucks.

I'll suggest that because of the 2024 changes, rather asking prior-year Lariat owners what payload they have, you might find it more useful to ask folks towing a 5.0 with any truck what payload they have less than 1800#, and how that's worked out for them. Methinks that for your confidence-building purposes the truck brand and how it's equipped isn't so important, what you need is info on just payload rating less than 1800# vs 5.0 towing comfort.

Much of this depends on your anticipated weight of people, cargo, and hitch in the truck. It might be useful for you to work this question from that direction, put a pencil to that guestimate (Andersen rail-mount likely being the lightest arrangement available including the underbed components, FYI my Gooseneck-mount Andersen on a B&W turnoverball has a total component weight on the order of ~150#).

Hope that helps a little with your evaluations, wishing you the best in this truck-shopping endeavor.

 

[Centex]

Aside and totally unrelated to the more important weight-management / payload question, I noticed on your build-sheet you chose the optional "Floor Liner – Tray Style – Including Carpet Mats" from Ford.

Just for your consideration on this very minor point, there are many aftermarket alternatives that offer better functional coverage, fit, and appearance at a similar price.

 

[Shearwater]

We're towing our 5.0 with a 2018 F150 XLT 2.7L SuperCab, purchased used in 2021. Payload is about 1,200 lbs and we've had no issues, even in the mountains. While we wouldn't mind a couple hundred more lbs of payload, we make it work by minimizing our truck load. We have a rail mounted Andersen hitch plus two passengers. Everything else goes into the camper. I'd estimate we're right around 1,100 lbs or so when hitched up.

 

[Jeremy Kessenich]

I'll suggest that because of the 2024 changes, rather asking prior-year Lariat owners what payload they have, you might find it more useful to ask folks towing a 5.0 with any truck what payload they have less than 1800#, and how that's worked out for them. Methinks that for your confidence-building purposes the truck brand and how it's equipped isn't so important, what you need is info on just payload rating less than 1800# vs 5.0 towing comfort.

When I was shopping for a truck I had found 2 dealers, one Ford and one GMC, that would post pictures of the tire inflation/payload rating sticker. These two dealers were quite the unicorns at least around here. I checked and the Ford dealer and they aren't doing it anymore but the GMC dealer is.

So to Alan's suggestion for looking around, here is a GMC dealer that posts the payload sticker. I'm not suggesting you buy from them, just it gives you actual numbers to work with. https://www.lynchgmsuperstore.com/

 

[Jeremy Kessenich]

Here is a survey David Murphy started back in March of 21.

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f10/survey-truck-payload-ratings-with-5-0ta-20118.html

 

[Centex]

OP David, while I have no basis to question Granger's 2024 Lariat payload range estimate, my curiosity was piqued. So, I started this thread on an F150 forum asking for actual sticker data from owners of new 2024 Lariats specifically

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/non-pb-2024-lariat-payload-number-request.24396/

IMO the first reply is encouraging, a 2024 Lariat loaded with 502A High Equipment Group, the heavy optional moonroof, the FX4 package with additional skid-plates, and the Bed Utility Package with it's heavier motorized tailgate all yielding a sticker payload of 1600#. Comparing your build-spec with that of the reply posted there, you might reasonably expect a payload number a bit higher.

You might want to bookmark / follow that thread to see what other responses may trickle-in, perhaps giving you an idea what your spec might deliver.

Hope that helps.

 

[Perry Butler]

We tow with a 2019 F150, Lariat, quad cab, 3.5 EB, 3.55 rear end, 4x4, has a payload of 1738 #'s, and pulled our 5.0 17,000 miles (with another 17,000 miles when at the campground), with no issues.

The only option we wish was included is adaptive cruise control. A sunroof reduced the payload by over 100 #'s, so no sunroof. It has the Ford spray-on bed. We added a roll-up tonneau cover.

A couple of years ago I weighed our gear (and us) at slightly under 1,400 #'s, including two 48# e-bikes, giving us over 300 #'s of wiggle room. We don't carry the kitchen sink.

Enjoy,

Perry

 

[GinoandLinda]

Been following this thread and I'm confused how the payload numbers can vary so much. I know accessories make a difference but I didn't think it would be that much because some of the payload numbers I am seeing are low compared to ours. Am I looking at the wrong number? This is our sticker.

 

[Jim Bennett]

I bought my 2015 F-150 Lariat off the lot near the end of 2015. I had more options then I needed but did have the towing mirrors, something I have always had. It had the tow package too.

Anyway, I have 1,480 capacity which does us good. My pin weight is just over 700 lbs and we take around 200 lbs of stuff in the truck.

I have thought of adding a bit to the suspension, but haven't yet and may not. I hope to keep this truck for at least another 10 years. Since I retired it mostly does towing and a bit of hauling around of stuff.

 

[Centex]

Been following this thread and I'm confused how the payload numbers can vary so much. I know accessories make a difference but I didn't think it would be that much because some of the payload numbers I am seeing are low compared to ours. Am I looking at the wrong number? This is our sticker.

Yes, that is the 'payload' sticker and number for your truck. On a nearby white sticker you will see your truck's GVWR. Most F150s (and other same-class trucks), absent a few special packages, will have a GVWR around 7050# - 7100#, a few will have lower, a few higher (yours, perhaps?).

The 'payload' is the GVWR minus the VIN-specific curb weight of the vehicle as determined by the manufacturer including a full tank of gas (whatever size tank that VIN has) and all other fluids required for normal operation (but no occupants / no allowance for a driver). This is all per Federal labeling requirements (both US and Canada).

Yes, the 'payload' variance can be substantial due to VIN-specific characteristics affecting curb weight including

• Cab / bed configuration (recognizing that longer configurations not only have more bodywork weight, but also longer chassis frames, sometimes with thicker metal gauge, and the weight attendant with that)
• Different engines have different weights
• Larger gas tanks filled with fuel are heavier
• Larger nominal wheel / tire size (e.g. 20" vs 18"), even though usually about the same total tire height, are typically heavier overall**
• Some towing packages have larger differentials (9.5" or 9.75" vs 8.5" ring gear); with attendant heavier axles (all surprisingly heavier). While that can increase towed-weight capacity (maximum trailer weight) it works against 'payload'**
• Then there's all those 'amenity feature options' which can add surprising pounds to curb weight. Electrical motors are a heavy item, for example - more sophisticated power seats have more motors, then there's motors added with options like power-adjustable pedals and steering wheels, power-sliding rear windows, power up-down tailgates, and moonroofs which add both motors and more heavy glass. Every additional electronic feature module / component adds weight (e.g. upgraded sound systems with associated additional amps and speakers). Off-road packages usually add skid-plates, etc. And the list goes on, with every added pound detracting from 'payload'.

All of this contributes to the sometimes surprising range of 'sticker payload' numbers we observe.
_______

**Some sharp observers may argue that these items, being "un-sprung weight", shouldn't affect 'payload' which is "sprung weight". Perhaps a valid argument from a rigorous engineering standpoint, but that isn't how the 'payload labeling conventions' are applied. So let's not go there .

 

[Perry Butler]

Been following this thread and I'm confused how the payload numbers can vary so much. I know accessories make a difference but I didn't think it would be that much because some of the payload numbers I am seeing are low compared to ours. Am I looking at the wrong number? This is our sticker.

Payload also known as CCC (cargo carrying capacity), is "generally" the number of occupants, gear, 5th wheel rails, WDH, tongue weight, etc. that is the suggested maximum. Ours is 1,738 #'s, yours is 1,925 #'s. You should be definitely golden, unless you're carrying a cast iron sink.

Enjoy,

Perryk

 

[WannaBeEscaped]

Not a Lariat, but Our Experience

We didn’t/don’t have a Lariat, but thought I’d share our experience with our first F-150 payload, since we were pretty ignorant of what we were going to carry.

We bought our first ever TV, a 2020 XLT SuperCrew 4x4 3.5 EB, 7,050# GVWR, in advance of getting our 5.0TA in Dec. 2021, and thought the payload of 1,824# should be more than enough. Our plan was to sell the house and go full-time for two years after I retired 5/22. We got the BW turnover ball/Andersen Ultimate Hitch installed (~150# combined, according to Centex above), a mid-weight UWS toolbox (55#) for tools, ladder, etc. (50#?), roof rack and XL cargo box (~75#) for two folding kayaks and gear (~75# total). Then we loaded the back seat area with our off-season clothes, camp chairs, truck and trailer chains, and various other stuff. My wife and I weighed about 340# combined. On our way out of town from Portland we stopped at the CAT scales to find that our truck weight was 7,220#, with a trailer tongue weight of 860#, which meant our payload was 1,991#! Trailer came in at 5,380#, so we shifted some things into the trailer and took off towards Anchorage figuring “it’s probably more of a guideline than a rule; there must some safety wiggle room built in there.”

Trip to Anchorage was beautiful and luckily uneventful; the truck handled well and pulled the trailer easily. Once there, I decided that we needed a backup generator as solar/lithium package wasn’t living up to as promised; add another 47# to the toolbox. Dropped some gear with relatives and headed to Denali and Fairbanks.

Long story short, family situation resulted in us staying in Anchorage for the winter until the following June. With time on my hands and the Escape Forum at my fingertips, I came to learn that while the truck might handle the excess load in the short run, it was less safe and tough on the truck in the long run. Most importantly, the insurance company would likely not cover us if there was any accident because we were not “operating the vehicle in a safe manner” within limits. Alan E./Centex pointed out that there’s a Heavy Duty Payload Package available on the XL trim with GVWR #7,850 and payload of ~2,500#. (Looked at some F-250’s and equivalents, but all were too high in rail height.)

So we ordered a 2023 for delivery near our son’s house in Colorado (10 weeks to deliver there vs. 6-12 months quoted here in Anchorage) since we were headed there in July. It arrived in 7 weeks. Final payload ended up at 2,442#; we gave up the XLT comfort and conveniences (and a chunk of cash, of course) for the peace of mind that we are safely within weight limits. I know some people “travel light”, but we haven’t figured out how to do that yet. My point is that the pounds increased faster than we realized, and we were ignorant going into the original purchase. That applies to what goes into the trailer as well. If you are an experienced RVer, you probably know much more than what we did. That ignorance only cost us $$ and not any lives.

Best of luck to you on your purchase!

Duane

 

[Centex]

... Alan E./Centex pointed out that there’s a Heavy Duty Payload Package available on the XL trim with GVWR #7,850 and payload of ~2,500#. ....

Alas, that XL/XLT Heavy-Duty Payload Package (option code 627), along with all other F150 'payload packages', have been dropped for the 2024 model year.

Apparently, victims of low market-demand and cost cutting.

I'm glad to read that you were able to slip-in under the wire and get a truck better suited to your preferences, albeit with other compromises in terms of comfort and conveniences, and at a bit of cost. I hope it serves you well for many years to come.

 

[WannaBeEscaped]

Alas, that XL/XLT Heavy-Duty Payload Package (option code 627), along with all other F150 'payload packages', have been dropped for the 2024 model year.

I wondered why I couldn’t see it on their website.

glad to read that you were able to slip-in under the wire and get a truck better suited to your preferences, albeit with other compromises in terms of comfort and conveniences, and at a bit of cost. I hope it serves you well for many years to come.

And I thank/blame you! (much more the former than the latter!)

 

[rvnovice]

Payload 1,790 lbs?

My 2024 F150 Lariat was ordered 5/22 and built 8/27. Per my Ford login, the payload is 1,790 lbs (see attached). It will be a few weeks before I can confirm this with the payload sticker, but this is promising news and very close to the 1,800 lbs I was hoping for.

 

[rvnovice]

The truck was delivered and the payload is 1790 as shown in the online towing calculator. The only options I added to the 4x4 Lariat 501A trim were the 3.5L EcoBoost, the Tow/Haul package, the telescoping tow mirrors, and the Trailer TPMS package (which included the bed camera). I was hoping for 1800 lbs payload, so 1790 lbs is a good outcome.

 

[Centex]

The truck was delivered and the payload is 1790 as shown in the online towing calculator. The only options I added to the 4x4 Lariat 501A trim were the 3.5L EcoBoost, the Tow/Haul package, the telescoping tow mirrors, and the Trailer TPMS package (which included the bed camera). I was hoping for 1800 lbs payload, so 1790 lbs is a good outcome.

That's great, congratulations!

Just curious, with apology if I missed it in a previous post, what box length is your Lariat?

 

[Jim Bennett]

The truck was delivered and the payload is 1790 as shown in the online towing calculator. The only options I added to the 4x4 Lariat 501A trim were the 3.5L EcoBoost, the Tow/Haul package, the telescoping tow mirrors, and the Trailer TPMS package (which included the bed camera). I was hoping for 1800 lbs payload, so 1790 lbs is a good outcome.

My Lariat has just over 100 lbs payload and I have never come near to having a single option. Good choices for options. I have had those mirrors on all my Super Duties so got them on my F150 and certainly would never not want them. I never heard of the bed camera option which might be helpful connecting my 5.0TA, though it is not real tough without it.