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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: BADGE73 on May 26, 2021, 01:27:01 PM

Title: 1973 Cheyenne C20 3/4 Ton - Payload Question
Post by: BADGE73 on May 26, 2021, 01:27:01 PM

Hey Crew,

I know how payload capacity works, I just need some opinions on carrying a bit more than what my 3/4 ton calls for. I need to go pick up 36 bags of 50/lb concrete. This puts me at 1,800/lbs plus let's say another 200 with myself and gear. Anyone thing this is way too much? How strict is this 1,500/lb payload limit? If you think it is okay, is there a specific way to line the bags within the 8' bed?

Thanks!

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Title: Re: 1973 Cheyenne C20 3/4 Ton - Payload Question
Post by: JohnnyPopper on May 26, 2021, 02:33:00 PM

What made the 'Super Camper' so super? Extra capacity in some way?

Somehow I don't think the engineers would not allow some extra capacity, I mean if you haul 1501 lbs is something going to smoke?

How long is the trip and how fast will you be going?

Title: Re: 1973 Cheyenne C20 3/4 Ton - Payload Question
Post by: ehjorten on May 26, 2021, 02:44:01 PM

The 1973 C20 Regular Cab, Model CC20903 with a V8, had a curb weight of 4,277 lb with a Model Weight of 4,877 lb. Model weights include a full standard occupancy of people that average 150 lbs.

With Standard Springs the Front Rating was 3,500 lb and the back rating 4,000 lb. With a model weight in the rear of 2,053 lb, most of these trucks will actually haul more than the "3/4-ton" moniker.

So...you should be able to easily haul the 1,800 lb you suggest, plus yourself and your gear! Just looking at the rear axle alone if all the weight of those 36 bags was all on the rear axle alone, you could haul about a ton.

I have hauled a full yard of gravel in my 1977 K20 which weighs about 2,200 lb and it did it, no problem, but it was a little much. The springs were only about 1" from the bump stops

If you do have the HD rear springs, the rear weight rating went from 4,000 lb to 5,200 lbs!

Title: Re: 1973 Cheyenne C20 3/4 Ton - Payload Question
Post by: BADGE73 on May 26, 2021, 03:00:36 PM

You guys are always on it and excellent with your responses. I kind of figured I would be good seen as it used to have a massive camper over top. I am going less than 5 miles and no more than 35mph.

Title: Re: 1973 Cheyenne C20 3/4 Ton - Payload Question
Post by: ehjorten on May 26, 2021, 05:00:11 PM

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Chevrolet-Trucks/1973-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf (https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Chevrolet-Trucks/1973-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf)

Title: Re: 1973 Cheyenne C20 3/4 Ton - Payload Question
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on May 30, 2021, 10:41:42 AM

i don't think going 500 lbs. over, especially less than 5 miles is going to hurt anything.   But if it's less than 5 miles, why not just make two trips?

Also, another thing to consider is the insurance/legal point of view:   Let's just say you were in an accident.  Irregardless of who's fault, the other side could say----you we're overweight and shouldn't have been on the road in the first place.   You're own insurance  may not want to pay if they find out you were overweight.....?