Bed Payload Capacity

willfxp · May 5, 2006

So I just put literally a ton of books in the back of my 1500. I think this is twice the rated capacity of my bed. Drove it for about 20 miles, 55MPH. I know it wasn't such a great idea, but was moving stuff from work to a customer that lives only a few blocks away from where I live.

Everything seems fine, but I was wondering if there is anything I should look for? Extra wear and tear. And was there any safety issues I may not have been aware of? I think my greatest risk would have been my leaf springs.

Oh, I do have Rancho RSX 9000 shocks if that makes a difference.

opsbear7 · May 6, 2006

just watch your tranny...you shoudl be alright for what you did...no harm done

Rolandd · May 6, 2006

Your biggest issue when overloaded is braking (or lack thereof). Also, in emergency manoevers you can get unpredictable handling, such as when swerving hard the rear end may come around. I would not worry about what you have already done, it sounds like you took it easy.

willfxp · May 6, 2006

I've towed a 4,000 boat where the trailer had no brakes a few times. I have had some experience with pulling some load. Of course with this nice 5.3L, can barely feel it... hehe...

I was worried since these trucks are called "half ton" and I did a full ton. Not sure what was going on.

My friend told me that I need to watch out for my tires actually. They are BFG All Terrain. Those weren't meant for hauling. But since they didn't pop, I should be OK in that area.

Thanks for the info.

catnfool · May 8, 2006

OK, you asked-so here goes... You should NEVER pull a 13k bumper pull trailer with a 1/2 ton If you do, you will break your frame about 2" in front of where your reciever hitch bolts up!!!!!! Yes, I am sure You will also smoke those cheap little axle bearings at the same time This was one of the most expensive firewood loads I ever got for free!

by the way, I realize I was overloaded and a menace to society, but free firewood doesn't last long around here

the frame has a dowel hole about 2" in front of the reciever that seems to be the weak spot; check yours if you've been abusing your "wannabee one ton"

willfxp · May 8, 2006

OK, you asked-so here goes... You should NEVER pull a 13k bumper pull trailer with a 1/2 ton If you do, you will break your frame about 2" in front of where your reciever hitch bolts up!!!!!! Yes, I am sure You will also smoke those cheap little axle bearings at the same time This was one of the most expensive firewood loads I ever got for free!

by the way, I realize I was overloaded and a menace to society, but free firewood doesn't last long around here

the frame has a dowel hole about 2" in front of the reciever that seems to be the weak spot; check yours if you've been abusing your "wannabee one ton"

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"13k bumper pull trailer"? I have a Class V or IV tow hitch. Whatever one is rated to pull 9k pounds.

But my main concern was bed payload. I figure they call them "half tons" for a reason.

Mark_in_Tulsa · May 8, 2006

OK, you asked-so here goes... You should NEVER pull a 13k bumper pull trailer with a 1/2 ton If you do, you will break your frame about 2" in front of where your reciever hitch bolts up!!!!!! Yes, I am sure You will also smoke those cheap little axle bearings at the same time This was one of the most expensive firewood loads I ever got for free!

by the way, I realize I was overloaded and a menace to society, but free firewood doesn't last long around here

the frame has a dowel hole about 2" in front of the reciever that seems to be the weak spot; check yours if you've been abusing your "wannabee one ton"

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