Question about Payload Numbers
Is there any allowance for fuel and a driver before factoring payload? Another way of asking is the payload calculation strictly the difference between the loaded weight of the vehicle with fuel, dri...
Forum Discussion
Payload is a calculation made by the engineers based on the weakest component of the vehicle as it leaves the factory. The calculated figure subtracts 150 lbs. of payload for every passenger seat in the vehicle. Obviously if you only a driver in a crew cab pickup the payload is going to be 600 lbs. more than is indicated on the sticker.
The tires are the main component that limits the payload rating for a truck as it leaves the factory. That is where adding two more regular tires to create a dually will nearly double the payload but for the springs or leaf packs which then become the limiting factor.
The one component that is difficult to change is the rear axle. With GM and Ram heavy duty trucks their rear axles and wheel bearings are rated at 10,900 lbs. total load which includes the weight of the truck and the wheels as well as the payload and passengers.
A more important number is the GCWR or the gross or total weight of the truck and its contents and the trailer and its contents that the engine and drivetrain and frame are engineered to handle. Getting your total load at a CAT scale for $10 as you start your trip will give you an accurate number to compare to the GCWR specified by the vehicle's manufacturer.
The tires are the main component that limits the payload rating for a truck as it leaves the factory. That is where adding two more regular tires to create a dually will nearly double the payload but for the springs or leaf packs which then become the limiting factor.
The one component that is difficult to change is the rear axle. With GM and Ram heavy duty trucks their rear axles and wheel bearings are rated at 10,900 lbs. total load which includes the weight of the truck and the wheels as well as the payload and passengers.
A more important number is the GCWR or the gross or total weight of the truck and its contents and the trailer and its contents that the engine and drivetrain and frame are engineered to handle. Getting your total load at a CAT scale for $10 as you start your trip will give you an accurate number to compare to the GCWR specified by the vehicle's manufacturer.
