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Txsurfer's avatar
Txsurfer
Explorer
Oct 17, 2015

lets beat a dead horse again..Tundra tongue weight max

Ok so I've read a bunch about tongue weight being an issue with 1/2 tons and toyhaulers. My 2015 tundra crewmax 4x4 has a payload cap of 1555lbs. So what should I consider my max tongue weight? Assuming I carry next to nothing in the bed and two adults and one child in the cab..question- does passenger weight not get distributed to the front axle as well?

15 Replies

  • lanerd wrote:
    . . .

    So, add up the people weight (all three) and ANYTHING else you have put on the truck (accessories, tools, ...etc) and subtract that from your door jam posted payload capacity. What's left over is the max tongue weight the trailer can have . . .

    If the receiver in question is rated to handle the "left over" weight, yes. Otherwise, no.

    To clarify: Let's say the "left over" weight is 1250 lbs. If the OP's receiver is only rated by the manufacturer to handle 1000-1050 lbs. of tongue weight, then your suggestion would not be applicable.
  • Txsurfer wrote:
    Ok so I've read a bunch about tongue weight being an issue with 1/2 tons and toyhaulers. My 2015 tundra crewmax 4x4 has a payload cap of 1555lbs. So what should I consider my max tongue weight? Assuming I carry next to nothing in the bed and two adults and one child in the cab..question- does passenger weight not get distributed to the front axle as well?


    Your payload capacity is not your GRAW....in other words, the payload capacity is in regards to all the "extra" weight being put on the truck, regardless of the location. In the cab, in the bed, on the front bumper....it all applies to the payload capacity.

    RAWR is the amount of weight applied directly to the rear axle...typically "most" of the weight on the bed of the truck.

    So, add up the people weight (all three) and ANYTHING else you have put on the truck (accessories, tools, ...etc) and subtract that from your door jam posted payload capacity. What's left over is the max tongue weight the trailer can have.

    Of course, loading a truck to its maximum ratings is NOT a good idea. Things will break or wear out much sooner than normal. In addition it can create safety issues. Most will only load to 80% of capacity.
  • In your case, your limitation is not payload, but the rated capacity of the factory installed, OEM Class IV receiver on your Tundra (of course, I'm assuming you have one). Typically, Toyota sets the maximum tongue weight capacity at 10% of the tow capacity, or approx. 1000-1050 lbs.---WITH the use of a properly adjusted weight distribution hitch. Without a WDH, it drops to approx. 500-550 lbs.
  • Txsurfer you need to pull out your owners manual and check it out. It should cover towing and maximum payloads and weights. Then once you understand that then you need to take just your truck with a full tank of fuel to a some scales. Usually you can find some CAT weight scales near a truck stop. Get your axle weights, and combined weight. Then you can compare your real numbers to what's in the owners manual and determine your maximum payload. You'll also want to look at your tires to be sure they align with the maximum payload too.

    Hit up google for, how to determine my trucks payload capacity. Plenty to read and learn from.
  • Toyota Tundra 2015 wrote:
    10. Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. “Added vehicle equipment” includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle’s exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo.


    What is your actual payload or have you weighed your truck?

    Let the dead horse beating begin.