Does the Pin Weight of a Trailer Need to be Subtracted from Payload Capacity on a 2017 F-350

Question:

Truck Info: 2017 F-350 6.7L Turbo Diesel Single Rear Wheel, GCWR=28,700 lbs., Rear GAWR=~7600 lbs., GVWR=11,500 lbs., Max. Towing Capacity is 20,000 lbs., Payload is ~3150 lbs. Fifth Wheel Info: Dry weight=13,100, Max. Weight=16,000, hitch weight or pin box weight is 2,800 lbs. I used “~” for the truck because I don’t have the exact numbers handy, so I’m going from memory. I purchased the BandW Companion fifth Wheel hitch from you that works wonderfully with the Ford 5th wheel hitch prep. Package...shout out to Ford for nailing this one!! It’s a super clean solution with no bed rails and fairly easily removal process by myself. I think the BandW hitch is rated for either 18,000 or 20,000 can’t remember and don’t have the paperwork handy. I’ve read that truck payload capacity = cargo in the cab and bed including the actual hitch + passengers + fifth wheel hitch or pin box weight. Since my dry fifth wheel hitch is 2,800 lbs., does that mean that my cargo plus passengers can only weigh an additional 350 lbs.? I’ve added rear air bags, which I’m told do nothing for adding payload capacity to your truck. Air bags add stability and make a single rear wheel truck perform somewhat like a dually. Given the spec’s I’ve provided am I within the truck specifications? Dealer told me I was when I bought a one ton F-350 4X4 truck with a 3.31 rear end ratio.

asked by: Brad

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual for your 2017 Ford F-350, "Payload is the combined weight of cargo and passengers that your vehicle is carrying. When towing, trailer tongue weight or king pin weight is also part of payload." Therefore, if the payload capacity of your F-350 is 3,150 lbs (see label on driver door jamb) and your trailer has a loaded pin weight of 2,800 lbs then that means you only have 350 lbs left for passengers and cargo.

The airbags you have installed are a great choice but sadly they will not increase payload capacity. The payload capacity of your truck cannot be increased with aftermarket parts.

expert reply by: Conner L