The sticker plate on my 04' F-150 Reg Cab door says that my GAWR limit is 3400#. I figured with two axles, my cargo limit in the bed of my pickup is half of that, or 1700#. I found an Overview article on another forum about my 2004' F-150 Reg Cab, & it says below:

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2004
Even tougher - F-150's fully boxed frame is approximately nine times stiffer torsionally than its predecessor, providing the foundation for improved durability, driving dynamics, and ride refinement and quietness. With a maximum tow rating of 9,500 pounds and maximum PAYLOAD capacity of 2,900 pounds, the new F-150 is the most capable full-size pickup under 8,500 pounds.

My question is: How do I interpet this statement, cut the 2900# payload limit in half, or what? Thanks for any help here.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/2004/2004_f150.html

 

No such thing as a GARW. There's a GAWR for the front axle and a separate GAWR for the rear axle. There's also a GVWR. Go weigh the truck and subtract that from the GVWR, and that's your payload limit.

 

What GLC said. There is no direct correlation to payload and axle ratings. Different cabs and bed lengths have different weight distributions that affect what you are assuming. So will various options. Take your empty truck to a scale (CAT certified finder or even a landscaping place will do it. Subtract that from your GVWR, found in the same location as your GAWRs.

1500-1700 is a good estimate.

 

why does my reg say the gvwr is 10000? i know it doesent have the 8 foot bed which is 8200, and i think the non hd f150s were 7200 gross. and to get truck plates here in va you have to have 8000 gross and i know i cant on this truck so why does the reg say 10000

 

The reg is simply what you registered it for. The official GVWR is on the door jamb sticker.

Note that some states register it for the total weight including trailer. I'm technically illegal here in MO when I tow because I'm registered for 6k.