Trying to understand normal tow handling

skripo wrote:
So I figured out why I felt Dodge includes a 150 LB driver in their payload capacity. If you go to the web site and look at the Ram SLT 1500 the capacity is rated at 1632 LBS

Again, stop shopping the internet. Are you buying a picture of a vehicle of an actual vehicle?

NHTSA wrote:

Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit

1) Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX pounds" on your vehicle?s placard.
2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.?For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five - 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle.?That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle.? Consult this manual to determine how this may reduce the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle."

Source cited.

Any manufacturer's web site can declare payload by any other definition, but the Tire and Loading sticker are legally required to be correct. Get off the computer and find physical examples.