What’s the F-150 Payload Capacity? [Various models]

Are you in the market for a Ford F-150? Curious to know the payload capacity for all 2020 models? Look no further! We understand the importance of knowing the payload capacity of your vehicle, so we are here to provide you with the specific numbers for F-150s. We've even looked into how bed length, model, and trim could impact the numbers. 

Here is a list of all Ford F-150 2020 models and their maximum payload capacity:

  • F-150 XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch or Platinum: 3,270 lbs. 
  • F-150 Limited or Raptor: 1,520 lbs. 

Now you may be asking why a majority have the same maximum payload capacity, and we will get into that further. There are certain factors that we will discuss to go further into the payload of each Ford model that will clear things up. Continue reading to understand what affects the payload capacity.

Red 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck at a Ford dealership, What's the F-150 Payload Capacity? [Various models]

2020 F-150 Models Explored

Before going through each model, we're going to list the six Ford engines for F-150s so that you understand where the numbers you'll be reading shortly come from.  

  • 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 - max payload: 1,990 lbs.
  • 2.7L EcoBoost - max payload: 2,470 lbs.
  • 5.0 Ti-VCT V8 - max payload: 3,270 lbs. 
  • 3.5L EcoBoost - max payload: 3,230 lbs. 
  • 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost - max payload: 1,520lbs. 
  • 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Turbo Diesel - max payload: 1,980 lbs. 

F-150 XL

When properly configured, the maximum payload capacity is 3,270 lbs. In general, Ford has six engines that are present in its 2020 F-150 models mentioned above. The XL model has the option of five out of the six engines available, which give the truck a payload range of 1,980 lbs. to 3,270 lbs. according to said engines. The 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost is the only engine the XL model can't be built with. 

F-150 XLT

Like the XL model, the XLT can be built with the same five engine models, again excluding the 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost. This means that they have the same payload range of 1,980 lbs. to 3,270 lbs., with 3,270 lbs. being the maximum. 

F-150 Lariat 

The F-150 Lariat model has the option of four out of the six engine models which are: 2.7L EcoBoost, 5.0 Ti-VCT V8, 3.5L EcoBoost, and 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Turbo Diesel. The payload range is still the same as the previous two models (1,980 lbs. to 3,270 lbs.). The maximum payload is 3,270 lbs. 

F-150 King Ranch 

The F-150 King Ranch model has the option of being built with three out of the six engines for the F-150 models. The possibilities are 5.0 Ti-VCT V8, 3.5L EcoBoost, and 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Turbo Diesel. While the options are limited, the King Ranch still has the same payload range as the other models (1,980 lbs. to 3,270 lbs.).  

F-150 Platinum 

The F-150 Platinum has the same options available as the King Ranch, the same three engine options ( 5.0 Ti-VCT V8, 3.5L EcoBoost, and 3.0L Power Stroke V6 Turbo Diesel) and same payload range (1,980lbs. to 3,270 lbs.). Again, the maximum payload range is 3,270 lbs. 

F-150 Limited

F-150 Limited is the first time you will see a difference because this model only has one engine option, the 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost. For this model, the payload capacity is 1,520 lbs. Don't let the lowest payload scare you into thinking that your truck won't be powerful. The towing capacity capable is a lot higher than you may be thinking.

F-150 Raptor 

Like the F-150 Limited model, the F-150 Raptor is also only compatible with the 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost engine. So 1,520 lbs. is the payload capacity, but again, don't let this make you think that this option isn't powerful. 

Knowing the maximum payload for each truck is one step, but different factors can affect the number. Please note that while things can affect it, it will never exceed the maximum number given above. Also note that different bed sizes can affect the payload capacity, but that is within the ranges shown. Nothing will exceed the maximum.

For example, the XLT model can fluctuate between 100 to 200 lbs. depending on bed size. This is the case with all models as well; the bed size could impact the payload by a couple of hundred pounds. 

Previous Models

Throughout the years, as technology as advanced, Ford has able to expand the reach of the payload capacity of its vehicles. For example, their 2016 F-150 models don't exceed 3,000 lbs. for their maximum, whereas the maximum for the 2020 models is 3,270 lbs. The only way a model from 2016 could surpass 3,000 lbs. would require the heavy-duty payload package, and even then, the payload barely gets past 3,000 lbs.

What is Payload Capacity?

The first thing you may be wondering is what does payload capacity mean? Payload capacity is the weight that your truck can carry without towing something. So essentially, it sets the maximum for how much you can put into the bed of your truck and in your car before you risk the safety and control of your truck. 

For a more in-depth and broad understanding of what payload capacity means, read our article: What Does Payload Capacity Really Mean in a Pick up Truck?

Does Payload Capacity Include Driver?

After learning your vehicle's payload capacity, it is essential to note that you are included in this number, and any passengers are included as well. If you disregard this, you could be putting everyone person in your truck at risk because you could put yourself over the payload capacity. 

Does Payload Capacity Include Fuel?

An essential aspect of a car is filling up to be able to drive, and the difference in weight between an empty tank and a full tank is more than you probably think. In terms of payload capacity, the fuel added to your truck is included in this number. 

For instance, if you are trying to push to the edge of your payload capacity, please do so with a full tank. Starting at a full tank will ensure that you don't unintentionally go over. You wouldn't want to be a half tank and then fill up and make your vehicle unsafe to drive.  

Can You Increase Payload Capacity? 

A payload number is a static number that doesn't fluctuate. There is no way that you can increase the payload capacity, but there are ways in which you can take weight off of your truck so that you can load more into it.

For example, using the F-150 XL, the maximum payload is always going to be 3,270 lbs. (assuming it is equipped with 5.0 Ti-VCT V8 engine), but you can do things such as removing the rear seats or switching out the tires to lighter ones. Different ideas that are taken to reduce the weight of the overall truck will leave you with more weight to load. 

Does Adding Leaf Springs Increase Payload?

Adding leaf springs won't increase payload. As we've established, you can't increase the payload capacity, but what leafs springs can do is push the boundaries and get close to the maximum payload capacity. Leaf springs make a rough ride easy by providing support for your vehicle. They absorb any bumps encountered, and they keep the tires aligned. 

Another function they provide is controlling the height at which your truck will ride. Controlling the height is important because this will help keep the weight distributed for whatever you may have loaded. A fluctuation when driving could cause weight to shift, and depending if you are pushing the payload capacity to the max, this could make driving unsafe.

Do Lift Kits Increase Payload?

Again, as we've established above, the payload can't be increased in a vehicle. Lifting your truck with a name brand lift kit will make it easier on the truck to push close to the boundary of the maximum payload. This is another thing you can do to put less strain on your car when loading your car up. 

A problem with pushing the boundaries of your vehicle's payload is wear and tear, and potentially worse damage. This is why it is important to know what it is and what things can make the ride a little smoother. Potential occurrences that could happen when pushing the payload capacity are tire blowouts, swerving, and loss of control. 

Happy Shopping!

Now that you know the range and maximum payload of all 2020 F-150 models enjoy shopping and choose wisely! Are you someone who is hauling big things frequently? Are you someone who plans to move items, but know you won't push the limit? Shopping for a Ford F-150 will be no breeze now, and you can feel confident knowing the payload capacities. 

Also, while here we specifically cover payload capacities for 2020 Ford F-150 models, check out our comprehensive article here that goes into different features of each model! Ford's page can be a bit overwhelming, especially to new truck buyers, so let us make it simple for you. 

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