I stopped at a local dealer last night trying to put to rest if the 2010 Max Payload trucks (well, Supercrews, anyway) are really showing an advantage over the 2009's. Here's what I found.

A new fully loaded 2010 Lariat Supercrew 4X4 with a 5-1/2 foot bed listed 1,678 pounds on the door.

A new fully loaded 2009 Platinum Supercrew 4X4 with a 6-1/2 foot bed listed 973 pounds on the door.

The kicker was that there was a new fully loaded 2010 Platinum Supercrew 4X4 with a 6-1/2 bed foot (identically equipped as the 2009) sitting right there, and the door sticker listed 1,388 pounds.

My dealer's parts manager confirmed that the part number for the rear leaf springs on a 2009 truck is the same part number for the rear springs on the same truck in a 2010 model. This pretty much says that the Oval decided that the upgraded springs that come with the Max Tow package (see note below) actually increased the payload, so they adjusted the door sticker while nothing physically changed between the trucks.

ALthough the door sticker reflects a higher number on the 2010's, I'm betting it is safe to assume that the "less payload stickered" 2009 actually has the same capacity if it has the Max tow, it just does not have a revised payload sticker. I could see new stickers being sent as an update, or service bulletin. You can see the Platinums I mentioned above confirm the 400 pound increase in payload with the Max Tow Package.

I note that from what I have read, only the Max Tow Packaged trucks with the 18" wheels get the upgraded springs. HOWEVER, the 20" wheel-equipped trucks (regardless of having the Max Tow or not) supposedly already get upgraded rear springs. I guess that leaves 17" wheeled trucks (XL's, XLT's, and FX4's) IF they can get the Max Tow, with no upgraded springs in any case. Why? I don't know.

 

Yep what you say is true. There was a thread not so long ago about it. There has been do doubt in my mind that my truck could handle way more than the quoted payload. 900lbs was just crazy. I would have no problem putting 1500lb into it without even being worried about it.

 

Corporate America is all about the lawyers.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if it was in response to complaints about low payload ratings on the higher trim level trucks. Nothing but a sticker change.

 

I scan this forum every day...Top ten, most informative/useful post...Thanks.

 

Great research!

Did all three trucks have the Max Tow package?

Just curious where your 400 pound number came from? you have mentioned it elsewhere before. The GVWR increased by 475 pounds for the Screw 5.5' bed and 500 pounds for the Screw 6.5' bed.

 

Thanks. Yes, all three had the Max Tow Package.

Although your GVWR differences are correct according to the charts, the payload ratings based upon the 2010 literature (sales brochure) indicate 400 pounds of payload increase with the Max Tow Package in the Payload chart.

2010 4X4 Screw 5-1/2 Foot Bed = 1,510 standard, and 1,910 with Max Tow.
2010 4X4 Screw 6-1/2 Foot Bed = 1,410 standard, and 1,810 with Max Tow.

 

Ford knew they were lagging behind GM in Crew Cab payload, Despite claiming to be the " Leader in payload and towing".

I looked at a 2007 Gm Crew Vortec max (7,300gvw) and its sticker was @ 1,760lbs. And it was loaded... Every option available.

 

Good post. Ford discontinued the 17" wheel for the FX4 for 2010. That leaves only the XLT and the XL with the 17" wheel and max towing option. If you want 17" wheels and max towing on an XL or XLT, you simply go with the heavy duty payload package. Why don't they offer the regular 17" wheel with Max Towing? Probably because people would not want it or they don't want to compete with the heavy duty payload package.