08-17-2025, 09:02 PM
The Ford F700 is a medium-duty truck widely used in construction and hauling applications. In the late 1980s models, such as an ’88 F700, it was common to find a manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating around 26,500 lbs. The empty weight of such trucks is often approximately 13,600 lbs but can vary depending on the equipment and configuration.
Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
GVW refers to the maximum operating weight of a vehicle including its chassis, body, engine, fuel, driver, passengers, and cargo. It is a critical rating for legal on-road operation, safety, and compliance with transport regulations.
Tire and Loading Factors
The size and capacity of tires play a significant role in supporting the weight of the truck. For trucks with robust tires like 22.5x11 tires, the tire load rating often exceeds the GVW, providing a margin of safety when carrying heavier loads.
Owners who registered their trucks at or near the manufacturer GVW (e.g., 26,500 lbs) sometimes experience stress and anxiety passing scales, especially when fully loaded. Increasing the registered GVW to 30,000 lbs, when it aligns with tire capacity and chassis strength, can provide greater operational confidence and load flexibility.
Legal and Safety Clarifications
An excavation company owner in Tacoma, Washington reported concerns when his ’88 F700 continually approached 26,500 lbs at scales, causing frequent stopovers and anxiety about legal limits. After re-registering the truck at 30,000 lbs and verifying the robust tire ratings, he confidently increased payload capacity and reduced scale stops. However, he ensured the truck’s suspension and brakes were inspected regularly to handle extra loads safely.
Summary List
Understanding Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
GVW refers to the maximum operating weight of a vehicle including its chassis, body, engine, fuel, driver, passengers, and cargo. It is a critical rating for legal on-road operation, safety, and compliance with transport regulations.
Tire and Loading Factors
The size and capacity of tires play a significant role in supporting the weight of the truck. For trucks with robust tires like 22.5x11 tires, the tire load rating often exceeds the GVW, providing a margin of safety when carrying heavier loads.
- Tires 22.5x11 generally have a high load index capable of supporting weights in the range of 7,000 to over 8,500 lbs per tire, allowing comfortable operation even if weight slightly exceeds manufacturer GVW.
- Operating a truck above the manufacturer’s GVW rating introduces potential legal and safety concerns despite tire ratings, including stresses on suspension, brakes, frame, and drivetrain.
Owners who registered their trucks at or near the manufacturer GVW (e.g., 26,500 lbs) sometimes experience stress and anxiety passing scales, especially when fully loaded. Increasing the registered GVW to 30,000 lbs, when it aligns with tire capacity and chassis strength, can provide greater operational confidence and load flexibility.
Legal and Safety Clarifications
- The registration GVW should match or exceed the actual loaded vehicle weight for compliance with transportation laws.
- Tires rated for heavier loads provide support but do not override structural limits of the vehicle frame or components.
- Overloading beyond truck design may accelerate wear and increase risk of mechanical failure or accidents.
- Always consider axle ratings, suspension, and braking system capacities alongside tire ratings.
- Confirm exact tire load ratings with manufacturer specs.
- Ensure tires are properly inflated to support maximum load safely.
- Verify suspension and axle ratings are adequate for increased GVW.
- Consult local regulatory guidelines to ensure legality of weight registrations.
- Consider upgrading suspension components or using heavy-duty tires for increased payloads.
- Use onboard weighing systems where feasible for real-time load monitoring.
- GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight): Total weight of vehicle and contents during operation.
- Tire Load Rating: Maximum weight a tire can safely carry at a specified pressure.
- Axle Rating: Maximum weight supported by a vehicle’s axle.
- Load Index: Numeric code associated with a tire’s load carrying capacity.
- Suspension Rating: Maximum weight the suspension system can safely support.
An excavation company owner in Tacoma, Washington reported concerns when his ’88 F700 continually approached 26,500 lbs at scales, causing frequent stopovers and anxiety about legal limits. After re-registering the truck at 30,000 lbs and verifying the robust tire ratings, he confidently increased payload capacity and reduced scale stops. However, he ensured the truck’s suspension and brakes were inspected regularly to handle extra loads safely.
Summary List
- Ford F700 manufacturer GVW ~26,500 lbs; empty weight ~13,600 lbs.
- Tires 22.5x11 often rated for heavy loads beyond GVW.
- Registered GVW can be raised if tires and chassis support additional weight.
- Overloading beyond suspension and axle capacities poses risks.
- Compliance with legal weight limits essential.
- Proper tire inflation and regular maintenance critical for safety.
- Consultation with local transport regulations and experts recommended.
