3rd Gen Payload Calcs....

HomesForHeroesRealtor · Aug 6, 2024

Marshall R said: ↑

The 1500 lb number you're seeing is from a website or factory spec sheet. That is based on ideal scenarios. Every truck is somewhat different. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) will be constant among trucks of the same style. That is the max weight of EVERYTHING on the truck including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer. To determine payload each truck is actually weighed as it rolls off the assembly line. The actual weight of the truck is then subtracted from GVWR to determine payload. A sticker is printed and placed on the drivers door jamb for that truck. Trucks with more options will be heavier which reduces payload.

The 1500 lb number you're looking at assumes a basic stripped access cab truck. Start adding options like 4x4, crew cabs, skid plates, hood scoops, heated seats, etc. and the truck gets heavier. Chances are you don't even have 1150 lbs of payload. Especially if you've modified the truck at all or if there is recovery equipment or tools in the truck all of the time.

The most accurate method is to actually weigh the truck yourself and then subtract that number from GVWR. The GVWR will also be on one of the stickers on the door jamb. My 07 DC 4X4 is rated at 1200 lbs. But I have a cap weighing 180 lbs, I weigh 220, my wife 140. In reality I only have 660 lbs to work with if both of us are in the truck, 800 lbs if I leave my wife at home. When I take stuff to the local landfill they weigh me in, and out. My trucks empty weight on the way out confirms this.

You should be OK unless you also plan to tow a trailer. The limited payload is what kills towing for Tacoma's. If you try to tow a trailer with 500-700 lbs of tongue weight along with 400-500 lbs of passengers you don't have much payload left for cargo in the truck. When you read the specs showing a Tacoma can tow 6500 lbs that is calculated with only a skinny 150 lb driver in the cab. You can't tow much over 4000 lbs with most Tacoma's if you also want to carry passengers and cargo.

FWIW this isn't just a Toyota issue. It is something you have to be aware of with all trucks. I also own an F150 and hang out at a F150 forum. You see guys over there all the time who buy more travel trailer than their trucks can handle due to payload. Ford specs show that some F150's will tow 12,000-14,000 lbs. The problem is that they don't have enough payload for a trailer over about 8000 lbs.
Click to expand...

I know I'm late to the party on this post but it is pertinent to what I need to understand. 2022 Tacoma Dbl Cab 4x4 with a payload 990lbs-66lbs (on a yellow sticker-options) for a payload of 924. GVWR is 5600. So I'm adding the weight of the truck (I will go to a cat scale) plus passengers/dogs/luggage/tongue weight (which includes trailer mfg reported tongue weight plus battery and propane)? How do I calculate the new tongue weight when I add my camp chairs, grill, water, food, etc inside the camper? When I go to a scale, how is the weight of the gas calculated? If I weigh with a full tank do I subtract the weight of the gas(120lbs) then add payload items to accurately get what I need to know?

Log in or Sign up

Welcome to Tacoma World!

3rd Gen Payload Calcs....

#41
HomesForHeroesRealtor Pavement Princess

Products Discussed in

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Welcome to Tacoma World!

3rd Gen Payload Calcs....

#41 HomesForHeroesRealtor Pavement Princess

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: 3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)

#41
HomesForHeroesRealtor Pavement Princess

Products Discussed in