2000 magazines at 1/2# per is 1000 lbs., 300# for you and the kids, another
100# for your luggage, and goodies and you're right at 1400 pounds payload.
Somewhere you should have a sticker that states the GVWR. Get the number
from the sticker and subtract your truck's Curb Weight (Usually on your
vehicle registration card). If the answer is 1400 or greater you're OK,
otherwise you may find yourself bottoming out on the big bumps. That'll get
you somewhere in the ballpark anyway.....
Regards, Mike Klinke
-----Original Message-----
From: DRD892@aol.com <DRD892@aol.com>
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2000 11:19 AM
Subject: DML: Assistance in payload calculations...
>I also need some help calculating the maximum safe
>payload for the bed of my '97 Dakota.
>
>I think I can figure what I could tow, but I don't have a hitch
>and no trailer....so no towing.
>
>I need to carry 18 boxes of old Automotive publications (magazines)
>from the Detroit area to Houston the 1st of July. (1,975 magazines)
>Plus, of course, luggage, myself and two small grandchildren.
>I have not been able to figure out how much all this weights, but it is
>heavy.
>
>Spec's on my Dakota that would concern load carrying ability are as
>follows: '97 ClubCab, 5.2 V8 with the usual modifications (K&N,
Flowmaster,
>BorgWarner Brass ignitions parts, 8mm Wires, 180 Degree Thermostat,
>Autolite Plugs & Hypertech PTM). Automatic Transmission (custom built
>TRANSGO 4-Speed with large Hayden Cooler). 15X8 Aluminum Rims with
>255/70X15 Cooper GT's, 3.92 TracLoc (2-wheel drive), TrailMaster N7 Invader
>Shocks and a Dodge Bed Liner with Tonneau Cover.
>
>Anybody want to take a guess how much weight I can put in the bed
>without destroying my Dakota, keeping in mind that the weather will
>be HOT on the way to Houston. My plan is to travel during the day
>at about 70 MPH since I have two children and a heavy load.
>
>Thanks very much for any input....
>
>David R.
>Sterling Heights
>Michigan
>drd892@aol.com
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