Overloaded

I say someones tacoma (08 ac trd 4x4) was used to pick up a few loads of stone, like 1300lbs ish. What kind of damage should they look for? Nothing seems broken at the moment..

 

was it all smooth roads? 1300lbs probably had you on bump stops. if you drive nice i doubt any damage happend.. I would check your bed for cracks as its plastic... but i usually have half that when i camp and wheel it.

 

Properly equipped there should be no issues. It takes a lot to crack tacoma beds.

 

Relatively short trips, a few miles from the landscape supply store to the house. I read something about axle seals going bad if overloaded. How would you know that happened?

 

You'll be able to smell the burning gear oil on the rear brakes. Almost smells like hot asphalt when the gear oil is burning. You can also pop a drum off and see if it is leaking.

That said, it is likely fine. 1300 ish for short trips isn't too bad.

 

I carry a full load of much and/or compost at least once per year. Estimated weight of 12-1500 lbs. Truck on road for 10 years. No issues with load, but did have 4 pack spring upgrade which was free from dealer when that was a "thing"

 

My Tacoma has a 1200 lb payload rating. I'd not hesitate to put 1300 lbs in the bed for short trips occasionally. That would only be over by about 300 lbs. I'd have to include my weight. I wouldn't do it for regular use. And individual trucks vary. The owner of said truck should look at the payload rating sticker on the drivers door jamb.

The 08's have a 5450 lb GVWR. That means that all of them should not exceed 5450 including the driver, passengers and cargo. The lighter the truck the more available payload. Some Tacoma's that are loaded up with options, are 4X4, and with Double Cabs are going to have less payload before exceeding 5450. A base model 4X2, Access Cab with the 4 cyl engine will be a lot lighter and some will carry closer to 1600 lbs before exceeding GVWR.