I couldn't find my manual, and was wondering how much a flareside bed can safely hold. I know it has alot to do with the suspension and all, so let's say all stock. I had 2,600lbs worth of concrete in mine today. Bed sat rather low and when I got on uneven ground my mudflaps actually scrubbed. Was I pushing my luck or could I have handled a little more?

 

I would say so. Most of these F-150's are half-ton trucks, meaning they are rated to carry 1000 lbs. For example my truck has a GVWR of 6500 lbs. The truck weighs about 5500 lbs. That leaves a thousand for cargo. You had more than twice that. I guess the truck can handle it since you didn't say there were any problems. But if you had to brake hard and swerve to keep from hitting something or someone, your brakes and suspension are not setup for those kind of loads. Stopping and controlling a loaded vehicle in an emergency situation is what really counts.

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2000 F150 XLT 4x4 Short Bed. Amazon Green, 5.4L, SuperCab, ORP, Tow Package, Sliding Rear Window, Electronic Shift, Keyless Entry, LT265-70-17 Tires, Clarion Pro Audio, Herculiner Bedliner, Air Silencer Removed.

1994 SVT Mustang Cobra. #1032 of 6009. Black coupe with black leather int., 3.73 rear, Bassani Exhaust, Aluminum D/S, Bridgestone RE-71 255-45-ZR17

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Late model F-150's are not half ton capacity, they are more. 2000 bed payloads are approx. 1500-3200lbs. Your memo does not say what year, engine, or payload pkg you have. Most F-150's on the road have a max capacity of approx. 1800-2000lbs. Only if you have the 7700lb. payload pkg. can you carry 3200lbs. 2600lbs. is overloaded for all except 7700lb. payload pkg. These figures are max capacity in the bed, fuel tank, and passengers.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Forget to mention, my truck weighs 4200lbs. I have payload pkg #3 which GVWR is 6600lbs. 6600 minus 4200 = 2400lbs. for passengers, bed cargo, and fuel/other.

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2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

I don't remember the exact numbers but I believe the payload is closer to 1500 than 1000. The load depends on many factors. Best find that manual.

RCL


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2000 XLT 4.6 V8 5speed 4x4 RC SB Amazon Green

 

I usually stop adding weight after the the rubber stoppers on the frame hit the axle (leaf springs). I have the ORP and it takes alot of weight to bottom it out. Probally not good on the tires, they start bulging pretty bad.

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1997 4x4 5.4 ORP XLT extended cab Dark Toreador red Westin nerf bars tint HARDER THAN A ROCK AND FASTER THAN A HEART BEAT