Payload Limit on FL5 for Long Road Trip

[Xmetal]

It's so odd that I can't find any payload limit on the DE5? 600 or so pound appeared quite low for a passenger car. That's probably the main reason why the FL5 only got 4 seats? Very odd...For reference, my previously two-seater sports car (Z4M Coupe) have a payload limit of 680lbs! We have 2 more seats in the FL5, but have the same payload limit as a 2-seater???

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[Cyano_Hibiki]

It's so odd that I can't find any payload limit on the DE5? 600 or so pound appeared quite low for a passenger car. That's probably the main reason why the FL5 only got 4 seats? Very odd...For reference, my previously two-seater sports car (Z4M Coupe) have a payload limit of 680lbs! We have 2 more seats in the FL5, but have the same payload limit as a 2-seater???

Some discussions suggested they calculated the payload limit using an estimate of 170 lbs per person times the number of passengers. So for the FL5 it's 170 * 4 = 680 lbs, and for the Si it's 170 * 5 = 850. Is the DE5 a five-seater? The FL5 having 4 seats is probably not due to what the car can practically load, but more for performance considerations. Also like @TypeRD mentioned, it is likely a suspension limitation than anything else, when under heavy load.
But again, I'm no engineer and my guess is as good as yours.

Edit: fixed typo.

 

[Xmetal]

The DE5 is also a 4-seater.

 

[Superhatch]

I like the idea of getting a rental too.

Also keeping the car in +R/Sport mode will not be the greatest thing for your parents in the rear, it's a lot harsher back there even in comfort mode.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

I've had 3 large adult passengers, plus me & luggage in my CTR for 70+ mile trips back and forth the PHX airport. No problem whatsoever. I normally have the ITS damper module set to comfort.

Note rear tire wear may accelerate due to higher load and increased toe-in from the multi-link suspension, though I haven't noticed any wear. Otherwise, absolutely no problem.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

My load with 4 adults and luggage was about 800 lb.

 

[thatonedaveguy]

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

The point I am making is you don't need to worry about measuring things if you are putting 4 people in the car, some suitcases, and going on a trip- that is exactly what the car is for.

If you are loading up concrete or other heavy things in large quantities like you might in a pickup truck, it makes sense to measure it out.

 

[Junsupersti]

Payload ratings are due to the tires.
Get some extra load tires on 18” wheels and you will be good.

 

[TypeRD]

Payload ratings are due to the tires.
Get some extra load tires on 18” wheels and you will be good.

That definitely plays a role, but is an oversimplification of a multi-part equation. You can’t just put extra-load tires on a vehicle and assume it’s all good. The suspension is what’s responsible for dealing with controlling the weight. Have you seen videos of people overloading their pickups? The tires don’t pop, but the suspension is completely bottomed out. Not safe…especially when the payload (in this case) is mostly people!

The FL5’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 3968 lbs. This can be found on the black sticker in the driver’s side door jamb. This is the maximum safe weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including the vehicle's weight, fuel, passengers, and cargo. The vehicle’s curb weight is 3188 lbs. This means the max payload is 780 lbs. This really isn’t very much, but should be fine for 95% of the time for most owners.

 

[Superhatch]

The point I am making is you don't need to worry about measuring things if you are putting 4 people in the car, some suitcases, and going on a trip- that is exactly what the car is for.

If you are loading up concrete or other heavy things in large quantities like you might in a pickup truck, it makes sense to measure it out.

I think it's quite the opposite. Loading the car above its GVWR to plod across town with some stuff in the trunk, is totally fine in my book (within reason).

Going over the GVWR with 3 more people in the car on a long road trip is worth pausing to consider, which is what OP is doing.

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