How it works
Payload is everything the vehicle carries on top of its own empty weight. The manufacturer sets the maximum loaded weight (GVWR), so the room for people and gear is the difference:
Payload capacity = GVWR − curb weight
Payload used = passengers + cargo + tongue weight
Payload left = payload capacity − payload used
The result turns to “at the limit” once you use 90% or more of the payload, and to “exceeds” when the total goes over. If the door-jamb label gives you a payload number directly, enter GVWR and curb weight so that GVWR − curb equals that number.
Worked example
A pickup has a GVWR of 7,000 lb and a curb weight of 5,300 lb. It carries 600 lb of people, 200 lb of gear and a trailer with 700 lb of tongue weight.
- Payload capacity: 7,000 − 5,300 = 1,700 lb
- Payload used: 600 + 200 + 700 = 1,500 lb
- Payload left: 200 lb (88% used)
The truck is legal, but there is little room for anything else.
Payload left by trailer size
Example truck with 1,700 lb of payload, 600 lb of people and 200 lb of cargo, towing trailers with 13% tongue weight. Negative numbers mean the truck is over GVWR.
| Loaded trailer | Tongue weight (13%) | Payload left |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000 lb | 390 lb | 510 lb |
| 4,000 lb | 520 lb | 380 lb |
| 5,000 lb | 650 lb | 250 lb |
| 6,000 lb | 780 lb | 120 lb |
| 7,000 lb | 910 lb | −10 lb |
| 8,000 lb | 1,040 lb | −140 lb |
| 9,000 lb | 1,170 lb | −270 lb |
| 10,000 lb | 1,300 lb | −400 lb |
That is why many half-ton trucks hit their payload limit long before their tow rating. Use thetongue weight calculator for your trailer and thetowing capacity calculator to compare both limits.
Payload versus GVWR, GAWR and towing capacity
- GVWR is the maximum weight of the loaded vehicle, including tongue weight.
- GAWR (front and rear) limits each axle. Tongue weight loads the rear axle more than the total suggests.
- Towing capacity limits the trailer. Payload limits what the vehicle itself carries.
- GCWR limits vehicle plus trailer together. Check it with the GCWR calculator.
Common mistakes
- Using a brochure payload. Trim, engine, 4x4 and options change it. Use the label on your own vehicle.
- Leaving out the hitch. A weight distribution hitch can weigh 75 to 100 lb or more and counts as cargo.
- Guessing passenger weight low. Use real weights for adults, kids and pets.
- Forgetting accessories added later. They came off payload the day they were installed.
- Using fifth wheel dry pin weight. Loaded pin weight is often hundreds of pounds higher.