78 K20 Payload - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

496 BB · 01-19-2011, 08:54 PM

What will these frames handle as far as weight in the bed? I wanting to put a Vbox salter in the bed and not sure of frame. Frame is in perfect condition without a spec of rust (Por 15). I plan on using air bags for the suspension that are rated at 5K# a bag. Ive got em on my HD and they are great. The total weight of this box with 2 cubic yards of bulk salt would be around the 3200lbs-4000lbs range. I know this is alot but have seen many with same setup on newer (90s) 3/4 tons. Wasnt sure on these. Will I have to go with a 1 ton frame?

Thanks,
Chris

496 BB · 01-20-2011, 10:50 AM

Noone knows?

cochino12 · 01-20-2011, 11:13 AM

sorry I'm not much help with the payload, but what kind of spreader are you using? I'm thinking about a buyers poly unit for one of my flatbeds.

496 BB · 01-20-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cochino12

sorry I'm not much help with the payload, but what kind of spreader are you using? I'm thinking about a buyers poly unit for one of my flatbeds.

Same thing...lol. 2 cubic yard electric motor. $3100. I got some on my other guys trucks and they are very nice.

Gregs71 · 01-22-2011, 03:18 AM

I believe there were two different k20's, a light duty-GVWR 7200lbs, and a heavy duty 8600lb GVWR.

My 87 k20 has a payload rating of just under 3000lbs and it has a GVWR of 8600 and is a camper special.

Not sure what the payload is for a 7200lb GVWR truck

RuralRoute C-30 · 01-22-2011, 08:23 AM

From another source this might help:
"K/20 models were available with GVWR from 6,800 - 8,400 pounds, as in earlier years."
There is a chart on payloads on this link for at least the '77's. Should be comparable.
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/models.html

Not sure it definitively answers your original question but the knowledge is free.

My opinion is that the hopper weight will be minimal. Once installed though, you might have to regulate how you initially fill it to 3/4 full vs. 100%. I'd hope the tires are in good shape too. It'll probably take some 'experimenting' but it should work. Just not sure if you will be able to load it to the max.

Good Luck with it.

Mark

496 BB · 01-22-2011, 11:56 AM

Thank you for the answers. I will just build it accordingly. The tires are rated for it and the airbags will handle it also. Just didnt want the frame to buckle...lol.

01-19-2011, 08:54 PM	#1
496 BB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 136	78 K20 Payload What will these frames handle as far as weight in the bed? I wanting to put a Vbox salter in the bed and not sure of frame. Frame is in perfect condition without a spec of rust (Por 15). I plan on using air bags for the suspension that are rated at 5K# a bag. Ive got em on my HD and they are great. The total weight of this box with 2 cubic yards of bulk salt would be around the 3200lbs-4000lbs range. I know this is alot but have seen many with same setup on newer (90s) 3/4 tons. Wasnt sure on these. Will I have to go with a 1 ton frame? Thanks, Chris __________________ 1985 Chevy K-20 350ci (8.1L in the works!) NP203/TH400 (Soon to be 205/400) Dana 44 and 14 bolt FF 7.6' Western Plow 2001 Silverado LT HD 4x4 496ci (8.1L) Allison EFI Live And more..... Last edited by 496 BB; 01-19-2011 at 08:54 PM.

01-20-2011, 10:50 AM	#2
496 BB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 136	Re: 78 K20 Payload Noone knows? __________________ 1985 Chevy K-20 350ci (8.1L in the works!) NP203/TH400 (Soon to be 205/400) Dana 44 and 14 bolt FF 7.6' Western Plow 2001 Silverado LT HD 4x4 496ci (8.1L) Allison EFI Live And more.....

01-20-2011, 11:13 AM	#3
cochino12 It followed me home? Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Yup Posts: 5,751	Re: 78 K20 Payload sorry I'm not much help with the payload, but what kind of spreader are you using? I'm thinking about a buyers poly unit for one of my flatbeds. __________________ Adam That's why they call it a shortcut Kyle, if it was easy it would just be the way. 86 c-10 SWB 85 CCSB 90 GMC K30 Crew SRW 1985 C30 Dually

01-22-2011, 03:18 AM	#5
Gregs71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amador County, Ca. Posts: 229	Re: 78 K20 Payload I believe there were two different k20's, a light duty-GVWR 7200lbs, and a heavy duty 8600lb GVWR. My 87 k20 has a payload rating of just under 3000lbs and it has a GVWR of 8600 and is a camper special. Not sure what the payload is for a 7200lb GVWR truck __________________ 1995 GMC 4x4 1/2 ton 1999 Jeep Wrangler w/ 33's 68 camaro 350/350 1987 Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 Suzuki DRZ 400s Dual Sport 1971 chevy long bed 2x4 194? Dodge 2.5 ton 1980 Chevy Cheyenne 4x4 1/2 ton I6/sm455 1989 Chevy V30 crewcab dually 454/TH400 Last edited by Gregs71; 01-22-2011 at 03:21 AM.

01-22-2011, 08:23 AM	#6
RuralRoute C-30 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: East Central Illinois Posts: 511	Re: 78 K20 Payload From another source this might help: "K/20 models were available with GVWR from 6,800 - 8,400 pounds, as in earlier years." There is a chart on payloads on this link for at least the '77's. Should be comparable. http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/models.html Not sure it definitively answers your original question but the knowledge is free. My opinion is that the hopper weight will be minimal. Once installed though, you might have to regulate how you initially fill it to 3/4 full vs. 100%. I'd hope the tires are in good shape too. It'll probably take some 'experimenting' but it should work. Just not sure if you will be able to load it to the max. Good Luck with it. Mark __________________ 1985 Chevy C-30 Hydraulic Dump Bed 2001 Saturn SC2 (go to work car) 2010 PT Cruiser (wife's car) "Reality is just a hallucination brought on by lack of alcohol." Last edited by RuralRoute C-30; 01-22-2011 at 08:24 AM.

01-22-2011, 11:56 AM	#7
496 BB Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 136	Re: 78 K20 Payload Thank you for the answers. I will just build it accordingly. The tires are rated for it and the airbags will handle it also. Just didnt want the frame to buckle...lol. __________________ 1985 Chevy K-20 350ci (8.1L in the works!) NP203/TH400 (Soon to be 205/400) Dana 44 and 14 bolt FF 7.6' Western Plow 2001 Silverado LT HD 4x4 496ci (8.1L) Allison EFI Live And more.....

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