Payload capacity and adding a camper canopy

So I have been looking at the alu-cab camper canopy to put on my 2017 dclb 4x4. I just noticed the payload capacity in the door seal says 950lbs which is almost 200lbs off from most of the specs I’ve found online(1120).

Given the fact the alu-cab weighs over 400lbs and I do plan to build it out and include a 6 bike rack.

I know lift, tires, wheels etc can help with the support but not technically increase your payload. man I just worrying too much about this? Can you get fined for being over capacity.

I see all these overland vehicle setups and although they are mostly short beds so more in 1300-1400lb capacity I still imagine all loaded up getting past the limit.

Thoughts?

 

You can get fine for over payload. .Just upgrade your leaf springs shocks and maybe throw on some airbags. ohh and get some durobumps!

"wear and tear"

 

Most of the people that habe ther garage in the back of the truck are regeared which helps from being so sluggish cus of all the weight

 

You cannot do anything to increase payload. Payload numbers are much more involved than just shocks and springs. Brakes, drivetrain, frame all are factors when calculating payload and yes, those guys who carry their house with them are all over max payload.
Question ... if your friends jumped off a cliff will you follow? # dadspeak

 

I know all of those things. Which is why I am asking this question. I mentioned the lift tires etc because it can “help” handle the added payload. Tundra brake kit addition etc Also will(probably a better upgrade as something I was looking into). Hell just finding out now my truck has a payload capacity of 950lbs I go over that pry once a month with 5 people and 5 bikes not including any gear.

Looking into these canopies etc, while I don’t know the numbers specifically probably more than half the people who purchase a gfc, drifter, etc are going to be past their payload capacity easily.

I don’t have any bumpers, sliders, skids, and don’t plan to get those things. I just want to build out a semi functional camping setup. I’m doing my due diligence research on this topic, which is making me lean towards dumping the Tacoma and getting something more suitable for what I want due to the sole fact of the payload capacity being so limiting on the DCLB 4x4 option.

 

Yes, you can be fined for overload. Yes, insurance accident claim can also be denied when overloaded.

Anything you add to the vehicle will reduce your cargo capacity.

 

I went with a Tundra for this reason. All the shit you want to haul makes it sound like you need a trailer.

 

ima probbly crush your dreams but its the truth no one talks about but .....overlanding is overrated

 

It’s possible as mentioned by upgrading springs. I would definitely budget for brakes and gears to help.

Although I don’t think these trucks drive well when over GVM and I think it’s a safety hazard in terms of braking and swerving to avoid accidents. I usually recommend people go full size at that point.

not to mention it becomes more tippy offroad.

 

the payload is actually worse in a tundra look it up

 

Not exactly.

Most Tacoma's are going to have 1100-1300 lbs payload Some are under 1000, some are closer to 1600. Most Tunda's are 1600-1800. All things being equal a Tundra will have about 500 lbs more payload.

It varies by truck, but it is simple to figure out. Payload is the trucks actual weight subtracted from GVWR. GVWR is pretty much the same within each generation of truck, but every trucks actual weight varies. The heavier the truck, the less payload you have.

Tundra's, F150, Ram, Chevy and everything else uses the same method. The GVWR on 1/2 tons is greater, but so is the curb weight. In rare cases you'll sees some overlap. If you were to compare a base model 4X2 Access Cab Tacoma with the 4 cyl engine to a crew cab 4X4 Tundra loaded up with options you might see a slight overlap in payload.

Tundra is pretty consistent with around 1600-1800 lbs payload. I don't recall seeing one with more or less. Ford however is all over the place. Some of their F150's have just over 1000 lbs payload, but others are closer to 3000 lbs. Most of the older steel body Fords are 1600-1800 lbs. The newer aluminum bodies are 1700-2000 lbs.

To the OP, I'd trade trucks; 950 lbs payload would be useless to me. My Honda Fit has 850 lbs payload.

If you do want to keep the truck adding springs etc., isn't the answer. As to getting a ticket for being overloaded they don't look at payload, but GVWR. You can make your truck lighter and improve payload. It might be possible to start trashing some extra add ons to reduce the trucks curb weight.

 

I would be concerned about being over payload if crossing international borders. I expect you're planning on Canada since you live so close. I know a guy that got through Mexico OK but was stopped at Belize.

 

Agree with the capacity, but I do not think the OP has anything to worry about based on my experience with my rig.

You can see in my ID photo I have an FWC Fleet, Access cab, v6 4wd off road. When camper is fully loaded with two weeks food, water I am within 100 lbs of my GVWR. I do not have an internal propane or water system, just the most basic model. I have load range E tires to help with weight and two additional leaf springs. The truck handles great even on really rocky, off camber old mining roads. power is awsome as I can easily pass even up steep hills. HOWEVER, with that weight drive train and suspension are not going to last as long. And braking is defintely not as good, but not all that bad either, so I drive slow. I found out that pickup trucks with about 25% capacity in the bed actually have shorter braking distance than an empty bed, but it gets worse after that. It is also important to downshift going downhill to help prevent brake fade.

Regarding fines, that is true for commercial rigs, but never heard of any camper fined for being overweight. How would that even happen?

Regarding insurance, that has never happened, at least not in the USA. I checked with my insurance agency and they said for any insurance company, once you have a policy, they have to cover you no matter how overweight you are and that the whole reason for buying insurance is to protect you when you do something illegal, negligent or just plain stupid. They may not renew or jack up your premium if you have an accident, of course.

 

Didn't even think about that but yes I usually make 6-8 trips (not this year and foreseaable future).

 

I believe this is accurate. I believe you'd be more likely to be denied warranty repairs than insurance claims. Then again, insurance companies will do just about anything to save some money.

 

have you checked out Super Pacific instead of Alu-Cab, 100lbs lighter! and build time is shorter!

 

Consider a fiberglass shell if weight is a concern.

Going over GVM could cause u to not be covered by insurance if you get into a bad accident and are under investigation.

GFC superlite tent is only 80lb so
280lb for a shell and tent isnt too bad.

Upgrading brakes and gears will help with safety and handling but not liability

When im older i may get w dodge ram and stick a camper in the bed, a ram can handle the payload

 

I have, they are actually into feb almost where the alu-cab I was til 6-8 weeks right now.

 

I did, it's not, bought one, pull trailer.

 

I agree with the other guy, Tundras have pathetic payload ratings. My Tundra CrewMax 5.7L 4x4 TRD Off Road had a payload of 1200 lbs. This is the problem with what's posted online in ads and what the actual door stickers say. Usually there is some small print in the ads that no one reads. If Max payload is a concern, Toyotas aren't the truck to buy, if you want to follow the rating that is. The 1600 lb rating in the Tacoma is the extended cab 4x2 4 cylinder I bet. Most 4 door ones will be 1200 lbs of less. Oh by the way, I also had a new Ridgeline and its door sticker was almost 400 lbs more pay load compared to the Tundra.