Payload vs Tow rating?

harmanrk wrote:

Passengers, cargo in the cab or bed, Hitch Weight/ Pin Weight you want to keep the total below the payload. I do realize that four people at 150 each (Some of us are above that, but the kids tend to be lighter) is 600, another 600 in tounge weight is not beyond reason, bringing you to 1200, before cargo. 1500 pound payload leaves just 300 for gear, if you max out the tow vehicle, but is that the extent of it?

You have it right, although 600# of tongue weight would be a very light trailer. A properly loaded travel trailer will have 12-15% of its total weight on the tongue.

You'll hear more about payload capacity because that's what you'll usually run out of first. A 6000# trailer should have about 900# of tongue weight. And don't forget the weight of the hitch itself. And fuel. And the toolbox. And firewood. It adds up fast.

-- Rob