I was pretty impressed by the payload numbers for the new Rangers though. I'm sure Raptor won't be great, but the rest of the lineup seems pretty solid.
To handle all the off-road stuff, you need more compliant suspension, therefore, lower payload on all the high-end models. Which is why that XLT/Lariat Ranger have such high numbers, those big leaf springs. If you want those higher numbers, you can do it, but something must be given to reach it. Once again, it comes down to what do you need it to do? Just a daily driver with the occasional off-road trip? Payload really doesn't matter at all. I've lived with 1200#s in my 1500 for 13 years now so any of them will work for me.
