Hello everyone,

I know that the max payload of the TSX is around 850 lbs, but I need to move 1000 pounds of lead shot in individual 25 lb bags. Including, my own weight, the total car payload will be around 1200 lbs. If I distribute the weight evenly in the truck and on the floors in the back and the front seats, do you think this will cause any problems. The car is rated to tow 1000 lbs, so I dont think there will be any engine or transmission issues. But it may be low riding a little. What do you think?

 

Depends... how far do you have to drive like this? You will be riding low (very low) and likely wearing the tires down very quickly as the toe angles change under that much weight.

Can you take it in two trips? Even though it's more for gas money, it'll potentially save you problems later on (not to mention be easier to load the bags!).

For what its worth, I moved 10 boxes (40 lbs each) of laminate flooring, and while I am lowered on stiffer springs, the car rode VERY low under this weight (distributed in the rear seat/trunk area), and turning was almost impossible on wet roads. Acceleration was scary-slow (dangerous) again due to the damp roads. That 400 lbs is only about 40% of the weight you want to move. I would NOT recommend it.

 

Add a couple PSI to each tire and drive conservatively. Since I don't know where you are, I can't report you to the over-weight police ...

Oh, don't expect that cardboard in the trunk to support much weight.

 

Yeah, I'd put something down in the trunk otherwise you'll likely collapse the fiberboard in the middle. Spread it out along the floorboards and trunk and you should be fine, but I wouldn't recommend driving too far on it.

So, 40 bags, huh? Doing a little reloading, are we?

 

I had about 300 pounds of cement (premixed of course) and it totally changed the driving character of the car in a negative way. My rear wheels were nearly on the wheel arches... fortunately it was less than a couple of miles on slow roads I had to drive.

 

GVWR (Gross vechicle weight rating) is what you need to worry about. I think that number until 2009 was 4300. The 850 is a good ballpark number to use for the max lead and you that you should put in. Make sure you put that weight in even and bump up your tire pressure 5-10 psi to prevent your tires from flat spotting.

 

If you exceed the maximum weight for a short period of time, I don't think you have anything to worry about. But, your braking distances will be longer. That's one thing you have to worry about.

 

I still stand behind my recommendation to take TWO trips. Its safer in all respects, period.