Truck Payload Calculator for Towing
A truck payload calculator for towing starts with the payload sticker, then subtracts the real load carried by the truck before the tow rating looks useful.
Open the driver door and use the payload or cargo sticker as the payload rating.
Do not start from advertised towing capacity, trim averages, curb-weight math, or a forum example from another truck.
Payload used includes driver, passengers, cab cargo, bed cargo, hitch or WDH hardware, accessories, and travel trailer tongue weight.
With a 1,650 lb payload sticker, 500 lb of passengers, 150 lb of cargo, 90 lb of hitch hardware, and 845 lb of tongue weight, only about 65 lb remains.
Enter payload rating, passengers, cargo, hitch hardware, loaded trailer weight, and tongue weight percent or measured tongue weight.
Then open the report and check whether payload, receiver tongue rating, tow rating, GVWR, or GCWR is the limiting factor.
How much payload remains after people, cargo, hitch hardware, and tongue weight?
Calculator handoff
Enter payload rating, passengers, cargo, hitch hardware, loaded trailer weight, and tongue weight percent before reviewing the report.
Payload worksheet example
- Payload sticker
- 1,650 lb Start with the specific truck's door sticker.
- Truck load before tongue
- 740 lb Example: 500 lb passengers, 150 lb cargo, and 90 lb hitch hardware.
- Estimated tongue weight
- 845 lb Only about 65 lb remains before another passenger or gear changes the report.
Enter before calculating
- Payload sticker
- Passengers and truck cargo
- Hitch or WDH hardware
- Loaded trailer weight
- Tongue weight percent or measured tongue weight