Is the payload under rated

[Dave D]

I have a willys edition with a door trim rated payload of 900 lbs.
I picked up a face cord of fire wood from the cottage to bring home which was at least 1000 lbs and drove an hour in hilly terrain.
There was a little squat but the truck drove normal.
No significant acceleration or braking issues. It felt good. Checked gauges all looked normal.

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[Bandit’s Lair]

It may be underrated but still be VERY cautious. If you get into an accident where braking distance is determined to be the causation then you are instantly at fault. Does not matter how the vehicle handled the weight or if “Mr. pullout and can’t find the skinny pedal” was the real cause. You knowingly put too much weight in the vehicle with the INTENT of driving it on a public roadway.

 

[Dave D]

It may be underrated but still be VERY cautious. If you get into an accident where braking distance is determined to be the causation then you are instantly at fault. Does not matter how the vehicle handled the weight or if “Mr. pullout and can’t find the skinny pedal” was the real cause. You knowingly put too much weight in the vehicle with the INTENT of driving it on a public roadway.

Good point need to be extra care full.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

I believe that has something to do more with adding weight above the center of gravity, than just adding weight. Especially considering how many owners tend to lift their trucks. The factory being over cautious. I remember when in The Army as a truck driver, the weight ratings were determined for off road tactical information. To use as a guide. Some had almost twice the capacity on hard paved roads.

 

[Labswine]

'20 Overland edition, tow package, ordered 5/19, delivered 7/19.

I (three times) hauled hardwood flooring home with mine. The first time was 700 sq.ft. of 3 1/2", 3/4" oak flooring and, it all fit in the bed and was around 1,700 lbs.

The other two times was another 1,500 sq.ft of the same flooring. In two trips, each with the bed full and a 5x10 utility trailer full, towed behind. Truck really didn't even know it was back there. Minimal squat and handled like it wasn't carrying anything.

This li'l truck is more capable than some give it credit for. Yeah, be sensible about it and drive accordingly when loaded so as to not get into situations that warrant emergency actions like, drive a little slower than usual and, be sure to give yourself extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Of course, other idiots can't be predicted but, if they cause your accident, it's on them entirely and not you.

As far as regular towing, I tow a 27', 5,100 lb (with all we want or need) travel trailer. Handles it beautifully. Yeah, it reminds me it's only a V6 when encountering a grade on the interstate but, easily taken care of simply dropping a gear and soldiering on until cruising speed re-attained (not more than 65 MPH...).

 

[Freems]

'20 Overland edition, tow package, ordered 5/19, delivered 7/19.

I (three times) hauled hardwood flooring home with mine. The first time was 700 sq.ft. of 3 1/2", 3/4" oak flooring and, it all fit in the bed and was around 1,700 lbs.

The other two times was another 1,500 sq.ft of the same flooring. In two trips, each with the bed full and a 5x10 utility trailer full, towed behind. Truck really didn't even know it was back there. Minimal squat and handled like it wasn't carrying anything.

This li'l truck is more capable than some give it credit for. Yeah, be sensible about it and drive accordingly when loaded so as to not get into situations that warrant emergency actions like, drive a little slower than usual and, be sure to give yourself extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Of course, other idiots can't be predicted but, if they cause your accident, it's on them entirely and not you.

As far as regular towing, I tow a 27', 5,100 lb (with all we want or need) travel trailer. Handles it beautifully. Yeah, it reminds me it's only a V6 when encountering a grade on the interstate but, easily taken care of simply dropping a gear and soldiering on until cruising speed re-attained (not more than 65 MPH...).

These JT‘s are heavy vehicles, big brakes with fully boxed frames…less the coil springs to me they act more like a half ton truck.

 

[Zachanadandy]

It may be underrated but still be VERY cautious. If you get into an accident where braking distance is determined to be the causation then you are instantly at fault. Does not matter how the vehicle handled the weight or if “Mr. pullout and can’t find the skinny pedal” was the real cause. You knowingly put too much weight in the vehicle with the INTENT of driving it on a public roadway.

If you rearend someone you're already at fault. And nobody is weighing your rig to determine if you were 100lbs over or if the 10' of extra braking distance matters.

 

[Zachanadandy]

I have a willys edition with a door trim rated payload of 900 lbs.
I picked up a face cord of fire wood from the cottage to bring home which was at least 1000 lbs and drove an hour in hilly terrain.
There was a little squat but the truck drove normal.
No significant acceleration or braking issues. It felt good. Checked gauges all looked normal.

1,800lbs of pavers with no issues.

 

[DiscoSlug]

Yes under rated, but not by much and the rating includes all components (tires too). I picked up a 1500lb compost in the back. It didn't get emptied right away and it was raining for almost a day. This probably greatly exceeded the max payload, especially over rear axle, once the compost was water logged. Headed to the farm with tires at 37 psi (should increase PSI for max payload) and a rear tire exploded. If you are regularly towing past max payload you'll wear out components more quickly but not catastrophicly, such as suspension etc or have weaker things like the stock tires fail. However, other than the tire it was able to handle that over weight load fine which was why my brain lapsed on the water logged weight increase.

 

[Janster]

So….exactly…where do you draw the line??

I’m sure the engineers have very very good reasons for why the tow/haul ratings are what they are. Add in some governmental regulations and some liability protections …and there you have it. No big deal.

Human beings seems to think they know more than the engineers. We can only blame ourselves for all of it….. Give them 900 lbs and Joe Schmoe dumb ass is gonna load it up to 2000 lbs and say….”I didn’t have any problems”

That is…until he tries to steer around a car on the highway and realizes its not steering, so he tries more and suddenly…..the vehicle flips and rolls several times and lands on a minivan with some children in it, killing all the children an himself.

This is why Lawyers exist and make damn good $$.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

If you rearend someone you're already at fault. And nobody is weighing your rig to determine if you were 100lbs over or if the 10' of extra braking distance matters.

Not always true. If you have dash cam footage showing that someone pulled out in front of you when you already “owned” the lane you probably won’t be at fault in the accident. Also if the accident results in a fatality then yes your vehicle will be weighed and measurements taken and everything calculated in excruciating detail. Accident investigation isn’t just guesswork or opinion. It’s science. That’s why I always tell people to call a police unit out if there’s any question when you get into an accident. I have both times I’ve been in one and it’s probably saved me thousands on my insurance.

 

[Zachanadandy]

So….exactly…where do you draw the line??

I’m sure the engineers have very very good reasons for why the tow/haul ratings are what they are. Add in some governmental regulations and some liability protections …and there you have it. No big deal.

Human beings seems to think they know more than the engineers. We can only blame ourselves for all of it….. Give them 900 lbs and Joe Schmoe dumb ass is gonna load it up to 2000 lbs and say….”I didn’t have any problems”

That is…until he tries to steer around a car on the highway and realizes its not steering, so he tries more and suddenly…..the vehicle flips and rolls several times and lands on a minivan with some children in it, killing all the children an himself.

This is why Lawyers exist and make damn good $$.

I miss the '80s when everyone wasn't afraid of everything. Even in their own commercials they'd greatly exceed towing and payload to show just how under rated they really are. This Ford truck has a 3k pound payload and 8,800 pound towing capacity and in their own commercial it's got a 5k pound truck on the bed and another 5k pound truck on a 2-3k pound trailer. Only 2500+ pounds over the payload and right at the max tow rating while doing it. 2k pounds in the bed or an 8500 pound trailer aren't going to cause you to lose steering or braking or control of the vehicle. I'd bet it adds all of 10-15' to the stopping distance at freeway speed. Everything on the gladiator is beefier than an 86 Ford from the brakes to the frame to the steering. Nobody is suggesting towing a 15k pound trailer or loading a truck in the bed. Just truck stuff that may be a little over the rating.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

This bit about "nobody is............." isn't quite correct.
Talk to the Iowa state patrol members and they'll tell you differently. They may not take it to a scale, but the science they use is amazing.
Knowingly going over payload on public highways is just plain dumb and a bit arrogant - ignoring safety among other people on the road, it's irresponsible.

Also if the accident results in a fatality then yes your vehicle will be weighed and measurements taken and everything calculated in excruciating detail.

Yeah, I've watched them work more than once - don't think that no one will know.

And yes, if you have video evidence or a witness where someone pulled abruptly in front of you and then had to stop or abruptly slow - it's not your fault. I also know that to be fact from my work with patrol members and towing/impounding vehicles.
Just because someone rear-ends you doesn't mean it's ALWAYS their fault.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

So….exactly…where do you draw the line??

I’m sure the engineers have very very good reasons for why the tow/haul ratings are what they are. Add in some governmental regulations and some liability protections …and there you have it. No big deal.

Human beings seems to think they know more than the engineers. We can only blame ourselves for all of it….. Give them 900 lbs and Joe Schmoe dumb ass is gonna load it up to 2000 lbs and say….”I didn’t have any problems”

That is…until he tries to steer around a car on the highway and realizes its not steering, so he tries more and suddenly…..the vehicle flips and rolls several times and lands on a minivan with some children in it, killing all the children an himself.

This is why Lawyers exist and make damn good $$.

Wish I could give more than one like for that one. ......to knowingly drive on public roads with the "what me worry" Alfred E. Newman attitude - sure, it's fine until it isn't.

Yes under rated, but not by much and the rating includes all components (tires too).

And you know this to be fact - how?

The rating includes steering, braking, emergency maneuvers, tires staying planted, vehicle roll, under-steer, over-steer and more.

 

[DiscoSlug]

Wish I could give more than one like for that one. ......to knowingly drive on public roads with the "what me worry" Alfred E. Newman attitude - sure, it's fine until it isn't.



And you know this to be fact - how?

The rating includes steering, braking, emergency maneuvers, tires staying planted, vehicle roll, under-steer, over-steer and more.

As opposed to what? Over-rated? Think about your question for a second. Your second sentence also agrees with my statement that it includes all components.

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