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Old 03-12-2016, 03:31 PM   #1
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F150 Platinum Payload

After reading many posts here on Air Forums and on a couple of F150 related forums, I've learned of the importance of understanding and paying attention to a tow vehicle's available payload weight. The more options and add-ons to the build of your tow vehicle, the less remaining available weight there will be for the 'stuff' you want to carry in or on your tow vehicle (and still remain within its rated cargo capacity). Figures are available online indicating the cargo capacity of a base model F150 but I have not been able to find figures for specific combinations of options added to the base model.

We are looking at buying a new F150 Platinum as a possible future tow vehicle, and therefor would like to receive input from current 2016 Platinum owners (or anyone with firsthand knowledge) as to what the yellow sticker on their door column states as their rig's cargo capacity. I really don't feel that I need to get down to an exact figure, but I would like to get a rough idea of how much weight I'll have available to work with.

Kindly indicate which engine you have and whether you have the 5.5' or 6.5' box. And also any additional vehicle options you have that might impact weight significantly. For example, I've heard that the moon roof subtracts about 80 lbs. from the available cargo capacity. Other options that would likely impact the available cargo capacity might be trailer tow package vs. max tow package, FX4 off-road package, and extended range fuel tank. I'm not looking for discussion about why one feature or item is better than another. Nor is this a discussion about towing capacity. I just would like to get a handle on the amount of stuff I can carry in the Platinum when towing the new Airstream.

I'll be adding a topper/shell to the box, plus a bed liner. I'll probably carry a small toolbox back there as well. And maybe a small generator. The airstream brochure for my possible future trailer indicates its hitch weight to be 923 lbs. I'm afraid I may not have enough remaining cargo capacity to carry anything more.... In which case it's going to be tough deciding which one of us gets left behind - me or Doreen.

So...
Cargo capacity as stated on yellow sticker:
Engine:
Box length:
Added options:

Note that the reason I am asking for input on a 2016 model year Platinum is because I have read that the 2016s have different cargo capacities from the 2015s. However, if you think that the numbers for your 2015 would be useful here then please by all means share. Thanks very much.
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Old 03-12-2016, 04:09 PM   #2
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I will try to help with part of your request I learned while shopping 2015s. I have the Lariat crew 3.5L eco versus the Platinum. Each truck is different so others sharing won't really help much. When buying my truck, it was marked on the dealer's records as a Platinum model so we searched the platinums (and others) on a lot of 135 trucks. We came to discover that the Platinum part of my truck was the color when we finally found it. I did not write down the payload figures but most were 1500-1700#. I will tell you as one with a loaded Lariat- double moonroof but no offroad skids, 2WD, my payload is 1720- reduced by around 200# with the 20" wheel package and 5.5 bed. I verified that particular package reduces the payload- I believe it is due to tire capacity more than anything not D rated. BTW, the the chart does not show the payload but my model with the max tow pkg that tows 11,900 so it is on the higher end.

I have noticed that the 6.5 bed looks better with the crew cab- opinion but you do not gain much if any payload capacity. For ease of description I would say you are looking at about 1000# for tongue and about the same for cargo at best. The highest payload rating I saw on the lot was on an XLT even though the website attributes higher payload to the other models.
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Old 03-12-2016, 04:48 PM   #3
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Four things are helpful to know.

A properly set up w.d. hitch will transfer about 20% of hitch weight to the Airstream axles.

Know how much gear/passenger weight you need in the truck and carry that forward of the truck's rear axle. Carry all of it you can in the Airstream rather than the truck.

Airstreams need 10% of total loaded weight on the hitch, but never exceed 1,000 lbs. That's your hitch weight parameters.

Gear can be loaded to alter hitch weight but always load heavy in the middle, never front or back. Airstreams can be modified to alter hitch weight, batteries are often changed to AGMs and moved to near the axles for example. Airstream has a rear mount bicycle rack for another.

Then start with the math.
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Old 03-12-2016, 05:43 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rodsterinfl View Post
... the 6.5 bed looks better with the crew cab-
Agree. We currently have a 2009 with 6.5' bed. :-)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodsterinfl View Post
...you do not gain much if any payload capacity.
This is interesting. I just assumed there would be a difference. There would be a slight difference in the weight of the topper, however. I wonder how the difference in wheelbase effects towing? Does anyone think that perhaps a longer wheelbase would make for a significantly more stable towing experience with this particular setup?
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Old 03-12-2016, 05:51 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by dkottum View Post
A properly set up w.d. hitch will transfer about 20% of hitch weight to the Airstream axles.
So are you saying, with my example with a 923 lb. tongue weight, I can reduce that by about 184 lbs. with a properly configured weight distribution hitch?
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Old 03-12-2016, 06:17 PM   #6
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Not quite what ur looking for, different year

2015 F150 XLT, screw 4X2. 3.5L ecoboost. 5.5 bed. Tow package. Sport package. Pretty barebones. No moon roof.

Sticker is 1,870 lbs
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Old 03-12-2016, 06:41 PM   #7
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Go online and look at dealer inventories to find trucks with the equipment you think you may want. Email them and request the salesman take a photo of the sticker and send it to you. Some will cooperate, some will not. But you can cast a wide net this way.
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Old 03-12-2016, 06:51 PM   #8
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I had a 2015 Platinum but ended up severely low on payload. Around 1300lbs. Best vehicle I ever had but in the end I had to bite the bullet and upgrade to a 2016 F250.

The higher the trim level the lower the payload capacity.
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Old 03-12-2016, 07:39 PM   #9
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Have a look at www.hannafords.ca. For every truck they have they list all the options and show pictures of the sticker showing payload.
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Old 03-12-2016, 08:14 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaleBenson View Post
So are you saying, with my example with a 923 lb. tongue weight, I can reduce that by about 184 lbs. with a properly configured weight distribution hitch?
Based on the CAT scale tickets posted to the forum, I think its unlikely that you could transfer 20% of the tongue weight to the trailer axles. I believe a 10% weight transfer is more likely. Here are some weight transfer numbers to give you some idea:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ml#post1700488

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ml#post1313260
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Old 03-12-2016, 09:57 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DaleBenson View Post
So are you saying, with my example with a 923 lb. tongue weight, I can reduce that by about 184 lbs. with a properly configured weight distribution hitch?
Yes.

Your Airstream manual will suggest a weight distribution hitch will put 1/3 hitch weight on the trailer axle and 2/3 split between the truck's axles. It's dependent on several factors.

If there is flexibility in the truck's receiver and frame, some of the w.d. hitch effort will be lost just bending these components as weight is transferred. A solution is reinforcing the hitch receiver by welding a bar forward to stiffen the frame and receiver. A stronger w.d. hitch might come to mind but this is not a good solution, as it does not solve the real problem.

Longer wheelbase and heavy duty truck suspension can make it more difficult to transfer weight. If the bed of the truck is loaded behind it's rear axle, that weight must also be lifted by the w.d. hitch, making it more difficult. If the w.d. stinger is longer than it needs to be (the shortest possible distance from ball to bumper is best) it requires more w.d. lift, the lift wii be used up before sufficient weight is transferred. Similar with too light of w.d. bars.

Many w.d. hitches are set up wrong, the hitch head angle is not enough to transfer sufficient weight.

Be careful of internet forum advice, some who have never used a w.d. hitch are present. Seek the advice of experience. The hitch expert on this forum is Andrew Thomson of Can-Am Airstream in London, Ontario. Call them, they have set up thousands of vehicles for towing.
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Old 03-14-2016, 07:05 AM   #12
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Here is a good thread on weight distribution and putting 1/3 of hitch weight on trailer axles:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ml#post1524036

I'm including a snippet (underlining part of it):

"The so-called 1/3,1/3,1/3 (33%,33%,34% in Airstream manuals) distribution has been advocated with apparent lack of understanding that such a distribution only can be obtained for unique combinations of TV/TT dimensions – combinations which rarely exist for real combinations. Some people have devoted time and effort trying to achieve such a distribution – which was impossible for their combinations. Being able to transfer a load equal to 1/3 of the tongue weight to the TT’s axles is beyond the capability of many WDH/receiver combinations. And, a test program conducted for US DOT-NHTSA – using an Airstream trailer – concluded that transferring large amount of added load to the TV’s front axle was undesirable from the standpoint of stability."
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Old 03-14-2016, 06:17 PM   #13
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http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/towing/

This is the best chart I found for a beginning comparison of engine/bed length/axle ratio. There is also a tab for payloads. This is for the 2016 aluminum models and options can make a difference. Also the following site will give you far more info about equipment on each vehicle. Just click the vehicle tab and enter the VIN.
http://www.etis.ford.com/vehicleRegSelector.do
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Old 03-14-2016, 06:43 PM   #14
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my 2015 4x4, max tow, skid plates, moon roof, 3.5l eco. 5.5 bed Lariat says a smidge over 1500 on the door sticker.
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Old 03-14-2016, 09:45 PM   #15
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I very much appreciate everyone’s input. At this point I believe things are pointing to the following:

1. Whatever the final configuration of the F150 Platinum, it will likely provide an available payload of about 1500 to 1600 lbs. (A Moon Roof will put it at the lower end.) [ Does this seem about right for those of you in the know? ]
2. I should be able to reduce the Airstream's 923 lb. tongue weight to about 750 lbs. with a proper weight distribution setup. [ Does that sound correct? ]
3. Before even adding anything into the truck bed, we will start with a copilot (100 lbs.), a camper shell (200 lbs.), a Bedrug bed liner (20 lbs.), a small generator (50 lbs.), and a small tool box (30 lbs.) for a total of about 400 lbs.
4. So… Available beginning payload (1500 to 1600 lbs.), minus trailer’s tongue weight (750 lbs.), minus non-discretionary added items (400 lbs.) equals about 350 to 450 lbs. for “stuff”.

Edit: Oops, there will also be a ProPride hitch! I'll have to subtract that out as well.
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Old 03-14-2016, 10:21 PM   #16
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You might consider dropping down to a Lariat. One notch below a Platinum but probably will increase your payload. When building my truck on the Ford Website and in ordering the truck from the dealer I could only get best estimates as to payload. When the truck showed up at the dealer the payload was slightly less then hoped for.
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Old 03-14-2016, 10:49 PM   #17
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at 923lbs ...do you quote the spec of the dry trailer? meaning that ready for camping with battery, full LP tank, luggage in trailer and perhaps a little bit of water in the tank.... the realistic tongue weight will be in the 1100-1200 lbs range...

the distribution hitch might be able to take a little out of this but I don't think you will see your 750lbs goal.

a platinum trim will get you between 1450 and 1550lbs payload (I look at 4 of the truck on the lot here)

The reality is, if you want to go witch such a high trim level...it might be better to go with a f250 or another model.

The work horse in the F150 is the XLT that can have 1800-2600lbs payload but as more basic options/trim.
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Old 03-15-2016, 12:19 AM   #18
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Hi, I will try to make this simple. When looking for a 2014 F-150, there was a Limited or Platinum on the show room floor. It had a payload of 1,065 lbs. My XLT has a payload of 1,745 lbs.

Now with a tongue weight of 900 lbs. which truck would be the best?
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Old 03-15-2016, 12:20 AM   #19
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[QUOTE=jonnyo;1762582] the realistic tongue weight will be in the 1100-1200 lbs range..."

You have to be careful loading the Airstream as well as the truck. Your Airstream Manual will have a warning to never exceed 1,000 lbs tongue weight, "1100-1200 lbs range" exceeds Airstream specs.

If you must follow weight limits, then you must follow them all.

Also, Airstream hitch weight can be and often is reduced to effectively increase tow vehicle payload capacity. Our tongue weight goal is 10% of maximum FC 25 Airstream or 730 lbs.

Just to make it more fun, the ProPride o.p. mentioned is mounted on the Airstream tongue so it looks like tongue weight; but when slid into the truck receiver the head and stinger are carried by the truck, doesn't look like tongue weight.

More fun. So then I have 730 lbs tongue weight and transfer 20% of that back to my trailer axles, it appears I am under the 10% minimum tongue weight mandated by Airstream. But perhaps the weight of my ProPride adds enough to solve the riddle.

Another thought we have. When we put 1400 lbs payload mostly in our truck bed we have lightened steering and braking going down the road. When we add 1400 lbs truck and tongue weight load, then distribute that load to front and rear truck axles (as well as trailer axles) with our w.d. hitch the truck's steering and braking are much better in this payload configuration. The truck feels much safer with the Airstream payload, than with no trailer and the load in the bed of the truck, weighing heavily on the rear axle and lightly on the front axle.

Do truck payload limits take these different payload configurations into consideration? No. Do we lose sleep nitpicking payload numbers? No. Are we aware of payload numbers, balance and load positioning when loading and setting our weight distribution? Yes.

We use top quality equipment, get it set up properly, never exceed axle and tire weight limits, and use experience with our rig, reason and common sense to ensure we are always traveling in the safest manner.
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Old 03-15-2016, 12:47 AM   #20
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pretty much anyone with a 28, 30 and some 27 will be exceeding 1000lbs. The dry tongue weight are in the 880 to 950....that is not counting anything. Are you saying airstream tell those people to not exceed 1000lbs? a simple battery on the tongue and your pass that ''limit''. when those trailer leave the dealer lot they are above 1000lbs empty.

the threads with ''real world measured tongue weight'' quickly show under 1000lbs is not possible for those models in most cases.
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