Payload discrepancy

I'm a little late to this party but this may clear up one misconception. The 'free' 150 lb driver applies to GVWR for some manufacturers, not payload.

I got this straight from Ford:

GCWR
column shows maximum allowable combined weight of vehicle, trailer and cargo (including passengers)
for each engine/axle ratio combination. Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight assumes a towing vehicle with
any mandatory options, no cargo, tongue load of 10-15% (conventional trailer) or king pin weight of
15-25% (5th-wheel trailer) and driver only (150 pounds). Weight of additional options, passengers, cargo
and hitch must be deducted from this weight. Also check Required and Recommended Equipment.

Some have stated that it includes all fluids, including a full tank of gas but I have not found this documented anywhere. I'll take it as this considers the tank is empty unless this can be proven differently.