Truck payload calculator
Payload Capacity Calculator
Use this payload capacity calculator to check how much weight your truck or SUV can still carry after passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch equipment, and trailer tongue weight. Payload is often the first limit reached when towing, even when the advertised towing capacity looks high. Below it is a truck payload capacity chart of published maximums.
Why payload usually runs out before tow rating
Payload is what the vehicle carries, and a trailer puts part of its weight directly onto the tow vehicle — commonly 10–15% of a loaded travel trailer through the tongue, and 15–25% of a fifth-wheel through the pin. Add the family, the fuel and the hitch, and a truck advertised to pull 12,000 lb can be comfortably legal on tow rating and over its limit on payload at the same time.
That is the gap this calculator closes. It is also why the binding number is almost never the one on the advert.
Enter payload and carried weight
Door sticker
“Combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed…”
Carried in the truck
800 lbOn the hitch
900 lbOnly for a fifth wheel or gooseneck — leave blank otherwise.
Lets the calculator check your tongue or pin percentage.
Payload results
Remaining payload
100lb
1,700 of 1,800 lb used · 94%
Near payload limit
If remaining payload is negative, the tow vehicle is overloaded even if the trailer is below the advertised towing capacity.
- Total payload used
- 1,700 lb
- Remaining payload
- 100 lb
- Recommended payload safety margin
- 200 lb
- Payload used percentage
- 94%
- Total payload used
- =passengers + cargo + accessories + hitch equipment + tongue weight/pin weight
- Remaining payload
- =door-sticker payload capacity − total payload used
- Payload used percentage
- =total payload used ÷ payload capacity × 100
Truck payload capacity chart
Published maximum payload for the most recent model years in the TowCapacityCalc truck database, with the maximum tow rating alongside. Each figure is the maximum the manufacturer publishes for that engine, and it applies to one specific cab, bed, drivetrain and option combination — most trucks of the same model carry less. Treat it as a ceiling and read your own door-jamb label for the real number.
| Truck and engine | Model years | Max payload | Max towing | GVWR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 (3.5L EcoBoost) [2025] | 2025 | 2,440 lb | 13,500 lb | 7,050 lb |
| Ford F-150 (5.0L V8) [2025] | 2025 | 2,225 lb | 12,900 lb | 7,050 lb |
| Ford F-150 (3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid) [2025] | 2025 | 1,815 lb | 11,200 lb | 7,350 lb |
| Ford F-150 (2.7L EcoBoost) [2025] | 2025 | 1,775 lb | 8,400 lb | 6,600 lb |
| Ford F-150 Raptor R (5.2L Supercharged V8) [2025] | 2025 | 1,410 lb | 8,700 lb | 7,200 lb |
| Ford F-150 Raptor (3.5L High Output EcoBoost) [2025] | 2025 | 1,405 lb | 8,200 lb | 7,200 lb |
| Ford F-250 Super Duty (7.3L V8) [4th Gen] | 2020-2024 | 3,950 lb | 17,200 lb | 10,000 lb |
| Ford F-250 Super Duty (6.7L Power Stroke) [4th Gen] | 2020-2024 | 3,320 lb | 22,000 lb | 10,000 lb |
| Ford F-350 Super Duty (6.7L HO Diesel DRW) | 2020-2024 | 7,650 lb | 38,000 lb | 14,000 lb |
| Ford F-350 Super Duty (6.7L Diesel SRW) | 2020-2024 | 4,430 lb | 24,000 lb | 11,500 lb |
| Ford Ranger (2.3L EcoBoost) | 2019-2024 | 1,430 lb | 7,500 lb | 6,050 lb |
| Ford Maverick (2.0L EcoBoost Gas) | 2022-2024 | 1,500 lb | 4,000 lb | 5,080 lb |
| Ram 1500 (5.7L HEMI V8) [2024] | 2024 | 1,840 lb | 12,750 lb | 6,900 lb |
| Ram 2500 Super Duty (6.4L HEMI Gas) | 2020-2024 | 4,010 lb | 17,540 lb | 10,000 lb |
| Ram 2500 Super Duty (6.7L Cummins) | 2020-2024 | 3,160 lb | 19,990 lb | 10,000 lb |
| Ram 3500 Super Duty (6.7L HO Diesel DRW) | 2020-2024 | 6,570 lb | 37,090 lb | 14,000 lb |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (5.3L V8) [2024] | 2024 | 2,060 lb | 11,300 lb | 7,100 lb |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (6.2L V8) [2024] | 2024 | 2,030 lb | 13,100 lb | 7,100 lb |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (3.0L Duramax) [2024] | 2024 | 1,930 lb | 13,300 lb | 7,200 lb |
| Chevrolet Colorado (TurboMax High Output) [3rd Gen] | 2024 | 1,684 lb | 7,700 lb | 6,250 lb |
| Chevrolet Colorado (TurboMax Trailering Package) [3rd Gen] | 2023-2024 | 1,580 lb | 6,000 lb | 6,250 lb |
| Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 / ZR2 Bison [3rd Gen] | 2023-2024 | 1,280 lb | 6,000 lb | 6,250 lb |
| Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (6.6L Duramax) | 2020-2024 | 3,530 lb | 18,500 lb | 10,000 lb |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD (6.6L Diesel DRW) | 2020-2024 | 7,200 lb | 36,000 lb | 14,000 lb |
| GMC Sierra 1500 (5.3L V8) [4th Gen] | 2019-2024 | 2,060 lb | 11,300 lb | 7,100 lb |
| GMC Sierra 1500 (6.2L V8) [4th Gen] | 2019-2024 | 2,030 lb | 13,300 lb | 7,100 lb |
| GMC Sierra 1500 (3.0L Duramax) [4th Gen] | 2020-2024 | 1,930 lb | 13,300 lb | 7,200 lb |
| GMC Canyon (TurboMax High Output) [3rd Gen] | 2024 | 1,640 lb | 7,700 lb | 6,250 lb |
| GMC Canyon (TurboMax Trailering Package) [3rd Gen] | 2023-2024 | 1,560 lb | 6,000 lb | 6,250 lb |
| GMC Canyon AT4X / off-road trims [3rd Gen] | 2023-2024 | 1,250 lb | 6,000 lb | 6,250 lb |
| GMC Sierra 2500HD (6.6L Duramax) | 2020-2024 | 3,530 lb | 18,500 lb | 10,000 lb |
| GMC Sierra 3500HD (6.6L Diesel DRW) | 2020-2024 | 7,200 lb | 36,000 lb | 14,000 lb |
| Toyota Tundra (i-FORCE Gas) [3rd Gen] | 2022-2024 | 1,940 lb | 12,000 lb | 7,035 lb |
| Toyota Tundra (i-FORCE MAX Hybrid) [3rd Gen] | 2022-2024 | 1,665 lb | 11,450 lb | 7,375 lb |
| Toyota Tacoma (2.4L i-FORCE MAX Hybrid) | 2024 | 1,705 lb | 6,000 lb | 6,735 lb |
| Toyota Tacoma (2.4L i-FORCE Gas) | 2024 | 1,700 lb | 6,500 lb | 5,605 lb |
| Nissan Titan (5.6L V8) [2nd Gen] | 2016-2024 | 1,650 lb | 9,320 lb | 7,300 lb |
| Nissan Frontier (3.8L V6) | 2022-2024 | 1,430 lb | 6,640 lb | 6,012 lb |
| Jeep Gladiator (3.6L Pentastar) | 2020-2024 | 1,710 lb | 7,700 lb | 6,250 lb |
What is payload capacity?
Payload capacity is how much weight the tow vehicle can carry. It includes passengers, cargo, aftermarket accessories, hitch equipment, and trailer tongue or pin weight. It is usually shown on the driver-door tire and loading label with wording like “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed...” Payload varies by trim, cab, bed, options, and installed equipment.
Does tongue weight count against payload?
Yes, tongue weight counts against payload because the tow vehicle carries it. Travel trailer tongue weight is commonly around 10–15% of loaded trailer weight, while fifth-wheel or gooseneck pin weight is often around 15–25%. This is why a truck can be under its tow rating but over payload.
- 7,000 lb travel trailer × 13% tongue weight
- =910 lb payload used.
- 12,000 lb fifth-wheel × 20% pin weight
- =2,400 lb payload used.
Payload vs towing capacity
Towing capacity is what the vehicle can pull. Payload is what the vehicle can carry. Tongue weight is carried by the tow vehicle, so payload often runs out before tow rating.
| Term | What it limits | Includes | Where to find it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payload capacity | Weight the tow vehicle can carry | Passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch equipment, tongue or pin weight | Driver-door tire and loading label | Often becomes the first towing limit. |
| Towing capacity | Weight the vehicle can pull | Trailer weight under ideal rating assumptions | Owner’s manual or manufacturer towing guide | Does not replace payload, hitch, axle, or GCWR checks. |
| GVWR | One loaded vehicle | Vehicle, people, cargo, fuel, accessories, and tongue weight | Certification label or owner’s manual | Sets the loaded vehicle ceiling. |
| GCWR | Loaded tow vehicle and trailer together | Tow vehicle plus loaded trailer | Owner’s manual towing chart or towing guide | Limits combined rig weight. |
| Tongue weight | Downward trailer weight on the tow vehicle | Usually 10–15% of loaded travel trailer weight | Tongue scale, CAT scale method, or estimate | Counts directly against payload. |
| Hitch rating | Receiver and hitch hardware | Trailer weight and tongue weight limits | Hitch label or receiver sticker | Can limit the setup even when payload looks safe. |
| Rear axle rating | Rear axle load | Rear axle share of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight | Certification label or scale ticket | Can overload before total GVWR is exceeded. |
How to calculate payload from GVWR
Payload capacity = GVWR − curb weight
The door-sticker payload rating is usually more practical because it reflects the vehicle’s actual configuration. Use the door-sticker value whenever available. GVWR is manufacturer-assigned and cannot be increased by the user.
Payload example for towing
This setup is technically under payload, but it has a small margin. More cargo, water, propane, bikes, tools, or passengers could push it over the limit.
- Door-sticker payload
- 1,800 lb
- Passengers
- 450 lb
- Cargo
- 250 lb
- Hitch equipment
- 100 lb
- Trailer tongue weight
- 900 lb
- Total payload used
- 1,700 lb
- Remaining payload
- 100 lb
Common payload mistakes
- Using advertised towing capacity but ignoring payload.
- Forgetting passengers.
- Forgetting bed cargo.
- Ignoring tongue weight or pin weight.
- Using trailer dry weight instead of loaded trailer weight.
- Assuming all trims have the same payload.
- Thinking airbags or helper springs increase official payload.
- Ignoring rear axle rating and tire ratings.
- Forgetting aftermarket bumpers, winches, bed covers, and toolboxes.
Suspension helpers, airbags, tires, or shocks may change ride height or handling, but they do not change the manufacturer-assigned GVWR, payload label, axle ratings, or legal certification label.
Payload capacity calculator FAQ
What is payload capacity?
Payload capacity is how much weight the tow vehicle can carry. It includes passengers, cargo, accessories, hitch equipment, and trailer tongue or pin weight.
How do I calculate payload capacity?
You can estimate payload capacity as GVWR minus curb weight, but the driver-door payload sticker is usually more practical because it reflects the vehicle’s actual configuration.
Where do I find my truck’s payload rating?
Look for the tire and loading label on the driver-door jamb. It commonly says the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed a specific number of pounds.
Does tongue weight count against payload?
Yes. Tongue weight or fifth-wheel pin weight is carried by the tow vehicle, so it counts against payload just like passengers, cargo, and hitch equipment.
Is payload the same as towing capacity?
No. Towing capacity is what the vehicle can pull. Payload is what the vehicle can carry. A setup can be under tow rating but over payload.
Can I be under towing capacity but over payload?
Yes. This is common with travel trailers and fifth-wheels because tongue weight or pin weight can use a large share of the tow vehicle’s payload.
Can suspension upgrades increase payload capacity?
No. Suspension helpers, airbags, tires, or shocks may change ride height or handling, but they do not change the manufacturer-assigned GVWR, payload label, axle ratings, or legal certification label.
How much payload do I need for a travel trailer?
A common planning target is 10–15% of loaded travel trailer weight as tongue weight, plus passengers, cargo, accessories, and hitch equipment.
How much payload do I need for a fifth-wheel?
Fifth-wheel and gooseneck pin weight is often around 15–25% of loaded trailer weight, so these trailers can require much more payload than bumper-pull trailers.
Should I use GVWR or door-sticker payload?
Use the door-sticker payload when available because it reflects the specific vehicle. GVWR is still useful for understanding the loaded vehicle ceiling and estimating payload when sticker data is missing.