Trying to figure out what trailers I can tow

camp-n-family wrote:


You’re both wrong here. Payload of a vehicle is simply the GVWR minus the empty weight calculated with full fluids. There is no allowance for driver or passenger in this. This is commonly mixed up with the Tow Rating which is the number that accounts 150lbs for a driver and passenger.

In the past, you would be correct that would be the following..

GVWR - Curb weight = "Payload"

The problem with this method is the "curb weight" often is not included on the basic white sticker so to get the curb weight one must take the vehicle to the scales.

But, between 2003 and 2006 the "yellow tire and loading" sticker became required for all vehicle manufacturers.

This sticker IS customized to your specific vehicles configuration as built by the factory.

If you were to scale your vehicle as equipped from factory with a empty fuel tank, no one in it and no cargo you would discover that there is a weight discrepancy between your manual GVWR - Curb weight = Payload calculation vs what the yellow stick says you have for payload.

Your manual calculation will show a higher available payload than the yellow sticker.

So how do we know which is true?

Take the payload you computed from GVWR - curb weight and subtract the yellow sticker payload weight.. That difference you will discover is the weight of your vehicles full fuel tank (gallons x roughly 8 lbs per gallon) and there still will be a discrepancy of at least 150 lbs (driver) and possibly another 150 lbs for a passenger..

While you could manually compute the payload, then subtract the fuel weight and subtract the driver weight, why bother when it is already done for you on that yellow sticker?

The yellow sticker gives you everything you need to know on what your vehicle is capable of hauling or towing and you didn't need to scale it or do any math.