ATV in short bed DC

There's not a lot of info on how much weight I can actually put in the bed...

I bought one of these and it's being shipped now:

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo...tml?feed=npn&gclid=COCa_KjOx8ECFcNQ7AodBW4ALA

But the other day, I put a set of pallet forks from my farm tractor toward the rear of the bed and it made the suspension sag terribly. The forks couldn't weigh more than 400 lbs.

I really don't want to have to put in air bags or whatever, as by then I might as well buy a trailer - but I'd much rather be self-contained for these trips.

Anyone successfully running a heavy ATV (900 lbs) on stock off-road suspension?

 

There is no way I would put some of the things in my 2014 Tacoma that I did in my old F150.
No saying the Tacoma couldn't handle it, just would not do it.

 

You have two options, heavy duty leaf springs or air bags. The stock suspension is terrible.

 

Big discussion on capacity: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280100. I have replaced my OR springs with Dakars.

 

How much information is enough? Gross vehicle weight rating is on the door frame. Subtract weight of vehicle (see manual), people, accessories, etc. That's how much you can put in the bed.

400 pounds should not make your suspension sag too badly. OTOH, you shouldn't put heavy loads at the rear of the bed.

 

Or on the tailgate.

 

I haul an ATV in mine all the time, granted, it does weigh in at 900lbs, not sure which ATV would. Yes, the rear end sags more than it should, and the back quads tires rest on the open tailgate. But it does the job just fine.

 

This ^^ I put Dakar leaf springs in mine and it made a huge difference.

 

Added SumoSprings stops and add-a-leaf to mine as I haul my boat on occasion. It's a big step from my 3/4t GMC

 

Squatty Squatterson!

 

^ And I dunno if it's me but that tailgate looks like it's dying.

 

The 900lb ATV is a new Polaris Ace 570. Heavy.

The forks necessitate being carried toward the rear because, well, they have these two long "thingies" that protrude forward.

Just because a GVWR says ___ doesn't mean ____ can be carried. Apparently, 400 lbs. exceeds my truck's capacity. Where in the manual was that again?

Rogue & Thomas - thanks for the helpful tip. I'll check out Dakar.

 

Daks FTW!

 

No need to get snotty with people who are trying to help you, for free.

GVWR is the total weight of everything. That's why you have to subtract the curb weight of the vehicle and the people, pets, bull bar, sliders, shotguns, burrito wrappers, etc. The 2014 manual has a section headed 'Steps for Determining Correct Load Limits' on page 213. It's in the chapter called Driving Information. No one can tell you 'You can carry exactly this much in the bed of your truck,' because no one but you knows what you are already carrying before you load the bed.

In the Specifications chapter, the manual has a handy chart of Vehicle Capacity Weight, which conveniently already has the curb weight deducted (2014 manual, p. 527). It has an asterisk warning that the figure needs to be reduced if you have added accessories.

The best way is probably to put all your usual daily stuff in the truck, empty the bed, fill the tank, and drive to a scale and weigh it 'empty.' Subtract that from your GVWR, and that's how much weight of friends, dogs, luggage, and cargo you can carry.

 

Lol nice attitude. Airbags will work much better for you but you can keep being a smartass and not listening to people's advice.

 

Life is full of compromises. My belief is that when Toyota was designing these trucks they compromised the suspension and tires in favor of a soft car like ride. I'd say the vast majority of all pickup trucks are driven on the street to the mall and the grocery store and that is why Toyota made the choices they did. Personally I like the ride but that is because I never carry anything heavy. I liked the ride of the stock Rugged Trails too. Tires are the shoes of the truck and the Rugged Trail is the equivalent of a little girl's pink slipper, soft and comfortable. But, on an off road trip the soft pink slippers failed me. So I replaced them with a man's work boot of a tire, the BFG AT. The AT's ride rougher and take a hit at the gas mileage, but it is a compromise I'm willing to make.

The only thing I've read here about anyone carrying a load is complaints about the soft springs. I think a better question is which is better bags or springs? Personally I'm going with bags when I get my trailer. That way I can keep my soft cushy ride when not towing.
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