GM Admits to Fudging Payload Ratings by Removing Parts
General Motors has admitted that Ford isn’t the only automaker that cleverly manipulates its maximum payload ratings.
The American automaker has said that it also removes heavy items from its pickup trucks when it weighs them to help boost the trucks’ maximum payload ratings. The company adopted the practice this year to stay competitive when it launched its redesigned full-sized pickups. Ford started using the tactic about four years ago, showing that the maximum payload is larger than would be possible if it used the standard base curb weight of the truck.
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Removing heavy items including the rear bumper and swapping out the heavier standard steel wheels for optional lighter alloy wheels, helps increase a truck’s maximum payload figure while keeping the same gross vehicle weight rating. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson told Automotive News that the maximum payload claims on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are based on a minimum curb weight that deletes the rear bumper and spare tire. Ford said that the maximum payload claim on the weight of the base F-series is derived after various items are removed, not on the base curb weight of the F-series pickup.
Chrysler has reaffirmed that the Ram brand uses the base curb weight of its pickups to establish the maximum payload capacities and doesn’t use a modified curb weight like Ford and GM.
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[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Ford would have to remove everything but the hitch to make their tow ratings.
This is ALL I need to see. Nuthuggers will be Nuthuggers...lmao.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ-UlGE7djM