For maximum payload on a vehicle, should I use the figure stamped on the tire and loading sticker or use GVWR minus the loaded vehicle curb weight?The question comes up from my post about Jeep Grand Cherokees here:http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27976379/gotomsg/27983537.cfm#27983537Chrysler said every Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum payload of 1050 lbs stamped on the sticker, even though they publish different numbers, max payload for a RWD diesel Limited is specified as 1160, curb weight is 5065 and GVWR is 6500 lbs (and the other sticker on the vehicle agrees with that). The tire and loading sticker for every GC I have looked at says 1050.Chrysler indicates that the 1050 lbs sticker is what I "must abide by for the vehicle loading, as whatever figure that is stamped on the door plate is the rule." Which confuses me since they have higher numbers published. (false advertising maybe?)

Personally, I go by the numbers stamped on the door sticker, if I am going to look at numbers at all.However, LEGALLY, I am bound only by the registered Gross Vehicle Weight.My truck is registered for a GVW of 5,999 lbs.THAT is the only number I care about.

My opinion is that some manufacturers publish the lowest payload for all trim levels/options for some models instead of calculating the weight of each trim/option and adding to base curb weight. I have heard of other vehicles besides the JGC having all dealer lot vehicles the same tire and loading number.

Published numbers are bare bones vehicles. Ten as-delivered versions of the same basic vehicle may have ten different final weights, depending on options. All options ARE "payload", and as such must be deducted from the base payload number.Available payload remaining, and the number that matters, is the one on the door sticker- it's the only number specific to that vehicle.

This comes up often on the truck camper threads since we carry so much weight on the rear axle. The manufacturer gives the vehicle a GVWR but this number is only strictly enforced for warranty work. Your state will take the lowest number of one of the following:1. Weight rating on tires2. Registered weight on license3. Maximum road weight limitsThe RAWR listed on your vehicle is weakest component rating between frame, axle, suspension and wheels. It may also have some marketing or warranty liability correction factor. If you start to spec out the components in your vehicle, you will find what drives that limit and how much more you can increase by upgrading one or more of the weaker components.Example: Say you find that your vehicle has a Dana 60 axle with tires rated at 5000 lbs and rims rated at 6000 lbs. Even though the axle is rated over 7000 lbs, you will have a rating of 5000 lbs or less due the lessor component.

Your Jeep's payload = (The GVWR from the door sticker) - (It's actual weight - Ready for travel weighed on a scale). Yes it's that simple. And no that will not necessary be equal to the published "rated" values.There you have it, direct from a Jeep EngineerIf you have questions PM me, I'd be happy to respond...

Maximum payload calculation | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

dnhx
Explorer
Oct 08, 2014
Thank you everyone.

APT is correct, the 1050lbs is the lowest maximum payload for the fully loaded Summit model.

So the consensus for the maximum payload, seems to be to use the GVWR rating and actual loaded curb weight and not the number from the tire and loading sticker.

Since I have neither the TT or TV, I needed to start somewhere, so that is why I am using the published numbers. If there was a scale nearby the Jeep dealer I would definitely go weigh it. I am trying to make sure that I will have some safety margin before buying the Jeep or trailer.

The model of Grand Cherokee we are looking at is the 4WD diesel Limited without any options but tow package, it has a GVWR of 6800lbs. There will just be two of us and a dog and minimal cargo.
Hybridhunter
Explorer
Oct 06, 2014
Winged One wrote:
Hybridhunter wrote:
If you stay within the tire ratings you are not likely to have any issues. Some chicken little's will say I am wrong. Show me an example. If you cause an accident, your liable, but being a few pounds overweight doesn't much matter.
Flame away weight police!

You really think some idiot that is way overweight and it results in a breakdown or accident is going to admit here? Nope, will never see him again on this forum.

Being a "a few pounds" overweight is not going to cause an accident, and more than it will incur any more liability. That was my point. Calm down and think about it before typing.
Winged_One
Explorer
Oct 06, 2014
Hybridhunter wrote:
If you stay within the tire ratings you are not likely to have any issues. Some chicken little's will say I am wrong. Show me an example. If you cause an accident, your liable, but being a few pounds overweight doesn't much matter.
Flame away weight police!

You really think some idiot that is way overweight and it results in a breakdown or accident is going to admit here? Nope, will never see him again on this forum.
Passin_Thru
Explorer
Oct 06, 2014
We just load til the axles all bend and take off 100 lb.
Hybridhunter
Explorer
Oct 04, 2014
If you stay within the tire ratings you are not likely to have any issues. Some chicken little's will say I am wrong. Show me an example. If you cause an accident, your liable, but being a few pounds overweight doesn't much matter.
Flame away weight police!
Ron_Gratz
Explorer
Oct 04, 2014
mkirsch wrote:
The "towing" answer is:

FAWR + RAWR - scaled weight of the vehicle
It's virtually impossible to load this much payload without exceeding either the FAWR or the RAWR.

That's just one of the reasons the correct answer is:

Your Jeep's payload = (The GVWR from the door sticker) - (It's actual weight - Ready for travel weighed on a scale).

as posted by sch911.

Ron
mkirsch
Nomad II
Oct 03, 2014
The "by the book" answer is:

GVWR - scaled weight of the vehicle

The "towing" answer is:

FAWR + RAWR - scaled weight of the vehicle

The "truck camper" answer is:

Total of tire ratings - scaled weight of the vehicle

You draw the line where it is most convenient for you.
BenK
Explorer
Oct 03, 2014
From another thread, but applies and may help this OP understand how the ratings system works

BenK wrote:
BRCajun wrote:
snip....

With all of you veterans & experienced 5'ers out there, I am hoping to get some honest, quality feedback as to which truck will give me and my family the best performance (tow capability {up hill and down hill}, mpg, braking, suspension, durability, ride (comfort/noise), longevity and anything else.

Thank you!

This is where the OP must be learning that his question is very, very subjective

Sprinkled with 'some' techie stuff, but clouded by opinion (that subjectivity
again)

These comments 'are honest, quality feedback' on the 'best performance'
THOSE individuals believe in

My advice to the OP:
Read up yourself and learn
Read lots of the past posts from the advisors to see how their opinions/values/etc match yours...or NOT
Or learn the hard way that most learn from...AKA 'Hard knock school'...which is expensive

Bottom line is to do your own research. DO NOT use marketing, but
put together real specifications...knowing that there is fine print
that modifies all automotive specifications

As you have found...some recommend a 10K GVWR...others say a 8.6K GVWR
will just be fine, etc, etc. I do NOT like to use marketing badging
as it has no definitive reference. A 10K GVWR is a 10K GVWR...a
1 ton dually varies in GVWR from OEM to OEM...form model to model

To some the axle shaft dia is important...others not and just the
GAWR from the TV OEM is what matters...others want to know the
OEM's GAWR supplying the TV OEM...

Learn how the ratings system works. Then decide if you believe in the
ratings systems or not.

If not, then do whatever

If yes, then learn how they work

This is how that ratings system looks like in graphical form:

howmuchcanitow howmuchshoulditow
TXiceman
Explorer II
Oct 03, 2014
sch911 wrote:
Your Jeep's payload = (The GVWR from the door sticker) - (It's actual weight - Ready for travel weighed on a scale). Yes it's that simple. And no that will not necessary be equal to the published "rated" values.

There you have it, direct from a Jeep Engineer

If you have questions PM me, I'd be happy to respond...

X2

Ken
sch911
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
Your Jeep's payload = (The GVWR from the door sticker) - (It's actual weight - Ready for travel weighed on a scale). Yes it's that simple. And no that will not necessary be equal to the published "rated" values.

There you have it, direct from a Jeep Engineer

If you have questions PM me, I'd be happy to respond...