Why Do American Pickup Trucks Appear So Hefty Yet Only Carry Small Loads?
There's a popular belief that American pickup trucks are excessively heavy and only capable of carrying small loads. This perception often falls prey to a lack of understanding and firsthand experience. My online friend owns a 99 Ford Super Duty, a testament to the capabilities and market demand for heavy-duty trucks in the United States.
A Misleading Perception
People sometimes make statements like, 'Why are American pickup trucks so heavy but only carry small loads?' but such judgments are often made without a solid basis. The truck in question can easily carry my own vehicles, which range from compact hatchbacks to mid-sized sedans. The latest one, weighing around 1500 kg (tad over 3300 pounds), can fit comfortably within the truck's payload capacity. The space constraint is more a result of the vehicle's design rather than its capacity.
It's also important to note that there are legal weight limits in Europe, and to haul a vehicle as heavy as 11,000 pounds, one must obtain a 'heavy goods vehicle' license. Therefore, the perception that pickup trucks can't carry heavy loads due to some inherent limitation is simply incorrect.
A Question of Law and Comfort
American pickup trucks are actually highly capable of hauling much more weight than what one might initially think. The limitation isn't due to their design; rather, it's imposed by safety regulations. These trucks can produce upwards of 400 ft-lbs of torque, far beyond the capacity of most vehicles. These powerful trucks are not incapable, but rather are designed to operate in a consumer-friendly manner, not as flatbeds or cargo trucks for transport of bulk materials.
Moreover, in the U.S., pickup trucks are seen as multifunctional vehicles. They are used for both passenger transport and heavy-duty towing. People often use these trucks to pull extremely heavy trailers, often for long distances. These modern pickup trucks offer a comfortable driving experience, ensuring safety and convenience over extended transports.
Practical Considerations and Design Trade-offs
The 99 Ford Super Duty, in particular, can carry a payload of between 3000 to 3300 pounds and can tow up to around 14,000 pounds. The question of whether it could be built to haul even more is a reasonable one. However, heavier capacity often results in a harsher ride, as evidenced by 'heavy duty' trucks known to be uncomfortable to ride in. The stiffer springs supporting heavy loads contribute to a less pleasant driving experience.
A compromise is often necessary in vehicle design. For instance, a truck driver working with a semitrailer (often referred to as a 'bobtail' when unattached) can attest to the discomfort and challenges of driving such a truck when light. The mass and braking power of the truck are adequate for the loads it carries, and driving a lighter truck loaded to capacity might not be comfortable or safe.
Additionally, when pulling heavy loads, particularly wagons full of hay, the importance of having a properly balanced vehicle becomes evident. The weight of a heavy trailer requires its own brakes, and the truck pulling it needs sufficient braking power and mass to ensure safe control. An underweighted truck can lead to undesirable scenarios, such as the wheels locking during a turn.
Conclusion
While American pickup trucks might appear heavy and capable of more, their design reflects a balance between comfort, functionality, and safety. Their legal weight limitations and torque output are not due to inherent design flaws but to regulatory standards aimed at ensuring safety and comfort for drivers and passengers.