Payload Limit on FL5 for Long Road Trip

[Cyano_Hibiki]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here on the forum. This place has been fantastic with a lot of information that helped me in various ways over the 2.5 months of ownership of my FL5. I thank everyone in advance for your help.

Context: I am going on a long road trip with a friend from Central Texas To SoCal and back in my FL5. (This is my only car right now.) On the way back, I am also going to be having two extra passengers (my parents) who wants to visit us for a couple weeks.

The doorjamb sticker states that the payload limit is only 680 lbs. As far as I know this is likely a conservative number by Honda for regulation or liability purposes. Realistically I assume the car is able to carry more than that (which seems to be the consensus in a CivicX forum thread I found).

Now the question is, would it be OK to travel that long of a distance in the FL5 while loaded up with:
- 4 passengers (myself 225 lbs, my friend ~170 lbs (small boi), my parents both under 170 lbs),
- 2-3 carry-on sized suit cases ( < 20 lbs each),
- 1-2 backpacks (< 10 lbs each),
- one Modern Spare tire w/ toolkit (have not weighed, but approximation is 40 lbs?)
- 30 qt cooler with some ice packs and cold drinks (20 lbs?)
Everything coming together to be approximately 875 lbs if being conservative. The weight numbers are estimated to my best capabilities, but is likely the worst case scenario. I can happily ditch a suitcase or two and bring less clothing if needed.

The route I am taking back home would be I-40, from CA through AZ and NM to TX, if that matters.

A bit more detail in case it helps:
- The FL5 is the first manual car I own. I have driven manuals before, but those belong to my dad or my friends.
- The car is bone stock, never changed suspension, wheels, or tires (car is 2.5 months old). [I ordered a rear motor mount (won't arrive it in time), and plan to get 18 inch wheels and thicker rubber once I have the budget.]
- I don't drive very aggressively often, and will never attempt to do so with passengers.
- The trip will mostly be on the interstate and in bigger cities for stops, but we do plan to swing by Petrified Forest NP for a brief detour. The NP is paved according to available information and the hope is the road condition will be good enough considering the payload on the car.

Any insight, similar experiences, or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

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[thatonedaveguy]

You'll be fine. 4 people with a normal amount of luggage is just fine. The weight guidance stuff is for if you're at home depot loading pallets or bags of cement.

 

[Superhatch]

It likely wont be an issue but you will be exceeding the GVWR by about 30%. Make sure to try and balance your added weight, and you might want to think about being in sport suspension while on the highway? My only thoughts about effects would be suspension responsiveness in comfort mode if you had to make any emergency actions.

Edit: You'll also want to plan for longer braking distances, and avoidance distances. You will feel that extra weight in the car.

Again, probably no issues just thinking about worst case scenarios.

 

[Superhatch]

You'll be fine. 4 people with a normal amount of luggage is just fine. The weight guidance stuff is for if you're at home depot loading pallets or bags of cement.

Pretty sure 1lb = 1lb no matter what it's made of.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

We did Petrified Forest NP last fall. Road surfaces in that region were course and noisy FYI. Definitely worth a visit, as is nearby Meteor Crater (private attraction).

 

[Nothing]

You'll probably be fine, but drive slower and take up longer stopping distances. You may bottom out easier over bumps/dips. This is probably a scenario which 18s would provide more comfort and less risk of blowing out over potholes, but you got a spare so you're probably good.

 

[Tougefl5]

Put them on a greyhound lol

 

[Cyano_Hibiki]

Thank y'all for the replies. I'm still learning how to use the forum's built in quote function. Bear with me if I did this the wrong way...

You'll be fine. 4 people with a normal amount of luggage is just fine. The weight guidance stuff is for if you're at home depot loading pallets or bags of cement.

Thanks Dave. Yeah it will probably be fine. Thought I'm pretty sure the number on the label refers to passengers + cargo. Correct me if that's not right.

It likely wont be an issue but you will be exceeding the GVWR by about 30%. Make sure to try and balance your added weight, and you might want to think about being in sport suspension while on the highway? My only thoughts about effects would be suspension responsiveness in comfort mode if you had to make any emergency actions.

Edit: You'll also want to plan for longer braking distances, and avoidance distances. You will feel that extra weight in the car.

Again, probably no issues just thinking about worst case scenarios.

Thanks @Superhatch. Yeah, the numbers I listed will be the worst case scenario. In reality It's more like 4 backpacks for the four passengers and maybe 2 suitcases at most, with only clothing and essential personal items (battery banks, sun screen, travel documents, etc.)I got those cooling gel packs for the cooler, also to reduce weight. But I am absolutely not going without the spare.
For suspension, I installed the DE5 ADS so each setting is a notch softer as far as I know. I think I'll have to set it to +R. Alternatively I could switch it back to the OE ADS. What's your take on this?
For the change in handling and braking, my last car (Old Prius on 15s) was way worse in those departments, so I'm no stranger to maintaining sufficient distance and slowing down significantly before turning. I assume when the FL5 is that loaded it will still do better than the piece of junk I had (which I took on a road trip a while ago to NOLA with 3 other average sized dudes).

You'll probably be fine, but drive slower and take up longer stopping distances. You may bottom out easier over bumps/dips. This is probably a scenario which 18s would provide more comfort and less risk of blowing out over potholes, but you got a spare so you're probably good.

Thanks @Nothing , I wish I could afford a set of 18s. I set my eyes on a set of Advans but boy are they expensive... Might settle with a set of Enkei T6Rs, with Conti DWS06+. That will be the goal by the end of this year, just need to save up.
I also have read discussions elsewhere suggesting increasing cold tire pressure by about 2~3 psi on each tire to count for the extra load. Do you think that is necessary? Would that do more harm to the stock tires?

Put them on a greyhound lol

Haha, I wish I could just fly them! I offered Comfort+ seats on a direct flight, yet they insisted to be part of my road trip back home. Just your average East Asian parents. I have a great relationship with them so I just couldn't say no at this point...

 

[TypeRD]

That’s 25%-30% over the payload limit spanning miles and miles of varying conditions. Sounds like a horrible idea, honestly. The added weight puts added stress on the entire car and reduces safety. I wouldn’t do it, ESPECIALLY loaded with passengers. If you absolutely must, I would aim for no more than 10% over the rated payload and be strict about it.

Edit : Here’s a better and safer idea : Rent an SUV! Plenty of room. No worries about payload or blowing a tire or anything like that. What you describe doing with your FL5 would be a very nerve racking trip!

 

[Cyano_Hibiki]

That’s 25%-30% over the payload limit spanning miles and miles of varying conditions. Sounds like a horrible idea, honestly. The added weight puts added stress on the entire car and reduces safety. I wouldn’t do it, ESPECIALLY loaded with passengers. If you absolutely must, I would aim for no more than 10% over the rated payload and be strict about it.

That was my initial reaction as well. But upon some digging I got more confused. A regular 11th Gen Civic with the 1.5L engine has a load limit number higher than the FL5 (850 lbs vs 680 lbs). Granted that the FL5 has a wider body, beefier cooling, and a spoiler, it is also better built than a regular Civic I assume? That 680 lbs number just don't make a lot of sense to me...

 

[TypeRD]

That was my initial reaction as well. But upon some digging I got more confused. A regular 11th Gen Civic with the 1.5L engine has a load limit number higher than the FL5 (850 lbs vs 680 lbs). Granted that the FL5 has a wider body, beefier cooling, and a spoiler, it is also better built than a regular Civic I assume? That 680 lbs number just don't make a lot of sense to me...

This is likely due to the suspension. You’ll see the same thing with Ford Raptors and Ram TRX’s. They have insane performance capabilities…yet they cannot haul nor tow nearly as much as a normal truck. If you overload the suspension you’re putting safety at great risk.

I don’t know if you saw my edit. What you should do is rent an SUV. I’ve done this many times for cross country family trips. This way everyone has plenty of space. No stress about wear and tear on your own vehicle. Plenty of payload capacity. We’ve done this versus flying, just for the convenience of being able to stop whenever we want AND we can do things on our own schedule! This is the way to go! With a rental, just be sure minor things like the tires are properly inflated. Most places I’ve rented from, I’ve had to adjust the air pressure. Not sure why they can’t seem to get that right.

 

[egxflash]

This is likely due to the suspension. You’ll see the same thing with Ford Raptors and Ram TRX’s. They have insane performance capabilities…except they cannot haul nor tow nearly as much as a normal truck. If you overload the suspension you’re putting safety at risk.

I don’t know if you saw my edit. What you should do is rent an SUV. I’ve done this many times for cross country family trips. This way everyone has plenty of space. No stress about wear and tear on your own vehicle. Plenty of payload capacity. We’ve done this versus flying, just for the convenience of being able to stop whenever we want AND we can do things on our own schedule! This is the way to go! With a rental, just be sure minor things like the tires are properly inflated. Most places I’ve rented from, I’ve had to adjust the air pressure. Not sure why they can’t seem to get that right.

Absolutely agree with this.

Everybody is comfortable, you don't put a bunch of wear and tear on your car, plus no issues with parking/door dings/theft/vandalism, etc taking it to unfamiliar places.

 

[Cyano_Hibiki]

This is likely due to the suspension. You’ll see the same thing with Ford Raptors and Ram TRX’s. They have insane performance capabilities…yet they cannot haul nor tow nearly as much as a normal truck. If you overload the suspension you’re putting safety at great risk.

I don’t know if you saw my edit. What you should do is rent an SUV. I’ve done this many times for cross country family trips. This way everyone has plenty of space. No stress about wear and tear on your own vehicle. Plenty of payload capacity. We’ve done this versus flying, just for the convenience of being able to stop whenever we want AND we can do things on our own schedule! This is the way to go! With a rental, just be sure minor things like the tires are properly inflated. Most places I’ve rented from, I’ve had to adjust the air pressure. Not sure why they can’t seem to get that right.

Just saw your edit. Yeah, that makes total sense. I was a bit iffy about taking the FL5 for this long haul to begin with, but was hoping I could scrape by. I’ll look into rental options. Thanks for the advice!

Absolutely agree with this.

Everybody is comfortable, you don't put a bunch of wear and tear on your car, plus no issues with parking/door dings/theft/vandalism, etc taking it to unfamiliar places.

Yeah, will drive through a couple towns not know for being safe. A rental SUV will probably be the way to go.

 

[TypeRD]

@Cyano_Hibiki Yeah. While I’m sure you were looking forward to a road trip in your FL5, I think you (and your guests) will be glad you didn’t.

 

[Tougefl5]

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