AAL ---> payload Question

I have a question about the payload of my '14 4wd access cab. Last weekend I lifted it 2.5" using the Bilstein 5100 coil overs in the front and did the AAL in the rear for 2". Since I added another leaf spring did I increase the payload capacity? Back I the day, before air bags, people increased their payload by adding a leaf or two. How much do you think I increased my payload by?

 

You increased it by zero. The payload capacity, gross vehicle weight, gross axel weight and others is determined by the manufacturer. It can only be changed by the manufacturer. So Modifying suspension may make for a better ride, may help control and other things when hauling at or near capacity, but capacity remains as specified by manufacturer.

 

Correct. Most importably nothing about your trucks ability to safely stop the payload capacity was changed.

 

Didn't increase any, but it won't sag neither when you put heavier loads in it like it used to.

 

Adding leafs to the stock shitty leaf pack arguably lowers your payload because AAL sag more when you add weight to the bed.

If you want to increase payload you need to add a whole new pack designed for heavy duty support.

I disagree that payload is determined by the manufacturer. You can increase payload through modifications so the vehicle can safely and more comfortably carry heavier loads.

That does not mean however that states with GVW limits, licensing, towing, hauling laws can’t hold you liable for adding weight past manufacturer specs. HOWEVER that is the same with ALL aftermarket mods.

In CA I could be held liable for a car accident/injury for running tires that are not stock size, having window tint (even if its legal), having steel bumpers etc. every mod can change liability.

 

The payload is determined by the manufacturer. You can do all the mods you want it doesn’t change. It may make the ride and handling at capacity load better but the payload remains the same. Payload capacity takes many thing into consideration other than just suspension. Things like the tires, brakes, transmission and on and on. If you can increase payload capacity how do you determine what you have increased it too? What’s the formula To determine capacity? I’m not trying to be argumentative but this is what I’ve read and been told.

 

I understand what you are saying.

My perspective is that tow/payload capacity is a rich tapestry of factors so by manipulating any one of the factors you could improve payload.

Towing and hauling is half suspension/frame/engine etc. the other half is brains (ability to drive with said load).

I feel when you mod your vehicle it increases payload provided the brains part equally improves. Any load is insafe with a moron at the wheel, but if you have an experienced driver and good mods I see no reason why overloading a Tacoma by 500lbs is unsafe.

Hopefully my half redneck logic makes sense.

Like my daddy always used to say...

 

If the bed is rated half ton, the bed is half ton. You can increase payload capacity by swapping springs to deavers/OME, etc. but that bed is rated to hold a certain amount of weight. 500lbs over is pushing it. 250lbs seems fine, but spread it evenly for proper control of the vehicle, keep it as far forward towards the cabin as well. Spreading it will not allow one single point to take all the extra strain. Putting too much weight at one point can crack the bed.

 

I have hauled loads way over capacity in my trucks, I just try to keep it to a minimum. A couple times I loaded a ford pickup with green oak fire wood that was stacked above the cab. Also at the same time pulled a trailer filled with green oak. I actually expected to break an axle or something on the 120 mile trip home. Made it though. I try not to over load but may do so rarely.
Bottom line if you go over capacity it should be rare not routine, you should drive slower and carefully and it should not be long distances.

 

You are just elaborating on the brains part of my point.

 

Sometimes you have to elaborate to get your point across, not everyone thinks the same.

 

Manufacturers under state the actual weight max specifications. So for example if stated payload capacity 1700lbs it may be actually 2000lbs. They do that to give a little leeway and for legal/liability reasons.