Weight calculations for dummies
I have read all of the threads on GVWR, tongue weight, etc. and I am still confused. Since I am an engineer, I suspect it isn't the math that bothers me. After a lot of painful reading, writing, and c...
Forum Discussion
If you had a factory UVW, it would only be a ball park number. The factory has no idea what options or aftermarket equipment will be added by dealers and customers. Things like spray in bed liners, step bars, bed mats, bed covers, and bed caps, etc, add weight to the truck and reduce payload pound for pound. Because of this, payload will vary from one truck to another. GVWR as printed on your door post, will remain constant.
Example:
I have 10000 GVWR
Truck weight 7680 with full fuel, 100 lb WD hitch, and driver
I have 2320 payload available for passengers, cargo in truck bed, and trailer tongue weight.
or
I can remove the WD hitch and I have 2420 payload available for passengers, my slide in camper, and tongue weight from a utility trailer.
My brother has an identical truck, that weighs 270 lbs more. His available payload is 270 lbs less. The difference is, he has a fiberglass bed cap where I have a tonneau cover, and, he is heavier than I am.
Example:
I have 10000 GVWR
Truck weight 7680 with full fuel, 100 lb WD hitch, and driver
I have 2320 payload available for passengers, cargo in truck bed, and trailer tongue weight.
or
I can remove the WD hitch and I have 2420 payload available for passengers, my slide in camper, and tongue weight from a utility trailer.
My brother has an identical truck, that weighs 270 lbs more. His available payload is 270 lbs less. The difference is, he has a fiberglass bed cap where I have a tonneau cover, and, he is heavier than I am.
