09KZMXT266 wrote:
cchristanis wrote:
They include a 150 pound driver but not the fuel in your tank. Think about it. If you had a full tank vs an almost empty tank (almost 200 pounds difference), the manufacturer would have to state that in their specs, right, or list a range for the payload sticker? At least thats' what I have read ram does. Im assuming the other manufacturers are the same. I could be wrong, but Im going by what i have read
I don't have proof , but I would bet payload ratings include a full tank. One of the reasons my truck is only rated at 1199# is the 36 gallon tank.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/vehicle/payload1.htmPayload on the door jamb on the yellow sticker includes a full tank of fuel, but no driver or passengers or cargo.
Calculating Payload Capacity
Calculating payload capacity requires you to know your vehicle's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and curb weight.
Calculating payload capacity requires you to know your vehicle's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and curb weight.
So how are you supposed to know how much payload you can afford to carry in your car or truck? To calculate your vehicle's payload capacity, you only need to know two things: your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its curb weight.
Gross vehicle weight rating is simply the maximum allowable weight of an entire vehicle when it's packed up and ready to go -- that includes the weight of the vehicle itself, all of the necessary fluids for operation (gasoline, diesel, oil and so on) and any cargo, passengers and tools. A vehicle's GVWR is calculated by its manufacturer, and you can typically find it in your owner's manual or on the vehicle's doorframe, near the door latch. You might also find your vehicle's GVWR on Web sites that list these numbers.
Curb weight is simply how much the vehicle weighs on its own, without any cargo or passengers. This measurement includes a full tank of gas and any other fluids that keep a car running.
So, a vehicle's payload capacity -- the amount of stuff it can safely carry after you've filled up the tank with gas and topped off all of the fluids -- is just a matter of subtraction.
Gross vehicle weight rating - curb weight = payload capacity
For example, if you have a car with a GVWR of 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms), and its curb weight is 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms), you would subtract 3,000 pounds from 3,500 pounds.
3,500 pounds (GVWR) - 3,000 pounds (curb weight) = 500 pounds (227 kilograms) of payload capacity
