Increasing payload capacity on a 5 lug taco

Hi guys! Using my truck for work and have been thinking of modding it up, searching for ideas. Firstly, I wanted to ask if something catastrophic could happen by overloading it. I want to make the payload a bit stronger. I usually have about 4000 lbs on the rack, or about 3000 if I'm just using the bed. (5500 max if both).
I have 3500lbs in this pic (weighed on scale)

 

Holy guacamole! You are talking about a payload that exceeds the capacity of most 3500 trucks.

Have you tried a panic stop? If you can manage to maintain control, you are going to rear end the car in front of you. And you will be legally liable.

You are at significantly higher risk of a tire blowout on the highway.

You will read other threads about people overloading their tacomas, and using air bags and heavier leaf springs to compensate. Those are people trying to haul 1800 lbs not 5500 lbs. Those solutions are not going to be adequate.

The only solution is a trailer. Even so, a Tacoma isn't rated to pull a trailer that heavy, so ideally trade your tacoma for a half ton and use that to pull the trailer. But if you simply can't trade the tacoma, at least get a trailer (with trailer brakes) - it will be much safer than hauling it in the bed.

 

Thank you for your reply! Yes, I know it's quite a lot, but so far it's mostly doable besides over 60mph on highways. Stops, yeah risky, I try to leave enough distance and drive slower. Brakes have been quite capable. I've had many f-250s but the unreliability turned me away. I carry 20-24' of metal on top of the racks, it would be hard finding a spot to pull into with a trailer in nyc. I've been thinking of a tundra but the weight capacity rating of that is also significantly lower than my needs.

 

Holy fuck...over 5k?

You're in the realm of a 1 ton dually regular cab's payload.

 

I mean they make “1ton” Toyota pickups pre 1992. But thats just 2600 in the bed 5000 towing.

though im sure i seen plenty of dudes with old 1tom dually hauling more then that but thats not advised

 

Youre even double the capacity of a 79 series land cruiser.


I'd suggest a single cab 3/4 ton with a trailer.


And yes, catastrophic failure is just a matter of time.

 

Import this bad boi

 

I've never seen a better excuse to buy a deuce and a half.

 

Reliability is a much BIGGER problem with your current setup. Your asking for catastrophic failure of your truck using it like that and possibly injuring/killing your self or others. SMH.

 

It’s a package deal. Most of us that stiffen the suspension do it to carry the rated capacity more level without bottoming but the tires, wheels, axles, bearings, brakes, and frame were all designed around a specific max payload (people included). Going a full ton over that is not going to end well.

 

Thank you for replying. I've safely been 2-3x the capacity of F-250s without any issues since we've started using them in our company in 2008. The only issues I've had with them are the same ones others not carrying weight have.
I feel these trucks are much more capable than they list. Hell, trucks used to be trucks. 1 pallet concrete was normal on old trucks (4200lbs). Now 2 bitches and a shovel in the back is considered too much.

 

I agree. Now, midsize trucks like the Tacoma are designed to haul a kayak, an occasionally bag of mulch, and to not compromise ride quality or comfort when driven unloaded.

 

For your hauling (overloaded) needs. Suggest to replace the frame with a frame from a 350 or 3500 series truck, replace the rear axle and suspension from a 350 or 3500 series truck, replace the front suspension with the front suspension from a 350 or 3500 series truck, replace the brakes, tranny, engine with brakes, tranny, engine from a 350 or 3500 series truck.

Or might be simpler to get a 350 or 3500 series truck, pull off the bed, cab and dog house. Plop the bed, cab and dog house from the Tacoma on the remainder.

In short, your using the wrong truck. Its a matter of WHEN your will have a failure or accident, not IF.

 

That poor thing.

 

@OP, anyone die yet?