Have a 2003 F150 XLT/STX supercab with the 5.4l. Looking to get a load of stone but not sure if the 1/2 ton will take it. From what I have found, typical weight for a 1/2 pallet (which is what I want) is 1500lb range. Only have to go 2 or 3 miles in a 30mph zone but want to make sure I won't kill the truck
doing it. Any input is appreciated..

 

It won't hurt it a bit! This morning I had 2,400 lbs of peanut seed and phorate in the back of my truck. It was squatting like crazy but it didn't hurt it. You truck can easily handle 1500 lbs, but be sure your tires have at least 40 lbs of air in them. If you don't, they will be stressed by the load.

Try to put the load as far as you can towards the front, it will distribute more of the weight on the front tires, and give you a more stable ride. You can put a whole pallet on the truck if you want to. 500 more lbs isn't gonna kill the tuck, but it will be hard on the tires. I wouldn't go 100 miles carrying that kind of weight. You will be fine, but like you said, keep it under 55.

 

Just hauled 1.4 tons of sand in my crew cab. Handled it fine. I wouldn't haul much more than that though. So figure 2500 pounds is about the max?

 

Also watch out for the front steering if loaded too much on the end it lifts the front wheels up and makes it hard to steer.Did it one time with some sand on a 3/4 ton 74 and the load was pass the wheel wells toward the front of the bed.

 

WildmanNP is absolutely correct on that one. I once WAY overloaded a chevy long box and it would wheelie on acceleration a bit . Stopping would have the front brakes locking up as well so please take that into consideration depending on where you are driving and how far you are going....

 

You can handle 1500 lbs, I did a pallet of sod (1200lbs) easy, just be smart about it.

 

I had a fully loaded bed (5.5') with the tailgate extender used so probably 6.5' - 7' with mulch. Now it isn't stone but it was heavy (it was somewhat wet). They dumped the load in, the truck sagged and lifted right back up. Didn't even notice the weight.

Good Luck

 

I've had a measured 2580 pounds in the back of my Screw for a short distance. You'll be fine with 1500 pounds for a short distance.

 

looks like I will give it a shot then. Thanks for all the words of encouragement.

 

It will do it with no problem I seen many of pickup truck have a load od sond or stone in them it would be squated down a little in the back end but they were drving along just fine just not going very fast.