Payload-First Towing Checklist

A payload-first towing checklist starts with the truck's payload sticker, then counts the load that uses that payload before the tow rating looks useful.

Use this checklist before buying, loading, or comparing a travel trailer when the truck's advertised tow rating looks large but the payload margin is unknown.

Write down the payload rating from the driver door payload sticker, then collect tow rating, GVWR, GCWR if available, receiver tongue rating, and receiver trailer rating from official sources.

Add the driver, passengers, cab cargo, bed cargo, hitch or WDH hardware, tools, bikes, generator, and accessories carried by the truck.

Payload used equals passengers plus truck cargo plus hitch hardware plus accessories plus tongue weight.

A 1,650 lb payload sticker can look comfortable until 520 lb of passengers, 150 lb of truck cargo, 90 lb of hitch hardware, and 845 lb of tongue weight are counted.

Enter the checklist numbers in TowMargin, then review the limiting factor first and print or copy the report before asking others to review the same entered numbers.

Do not use the checklist to invent a missing payload rating, choose a vehicle from trim averages, or turn an over entered limit result into a different conclusion.