Calculate max payload/hauling capacity & maximum towing capacity of your truck. Fast, easy, & free!

UPDATE:
Made a newer video on using a cat scale to get actual truck, trailer, and tongue weights. Check it out here. Thanks guys!

This is such a frequent question in the towing and camping forums and groups that I frequent that I felt like I needed to make a short video to answer the most asked about and possibly least understood numbers associated with new trucks. You cannot simply go with manufacturer or dealer promotional materials or advertisements that tout max tow ratings and assume that these ratings will be safe for your particular truck.
GVWR: gross vehicle weight rating: the maximum weight your manufacturer says your truck can haul on its two axles, including the weight of the truck and any tongue/pin weight from a trailer.
Payload/Cargo Carrying Capacity: the maximum weight your manufacturer rates your truck to carry total, including passengers in cab, cargo in bed, and any tongue or pin weight.
GCWR: gross combined weight rating: the maximum weight of both the truck and a towed trailer together.

I hope that at least a few people find this useful or helpful.
Stay safe, tow smart!

[mamadukesn]

This is the most informative video on this subject on Youtube. Thank you for producing something that answers all of our questions on payload/towing capacity/tire ratings in such an easily understood manner! You've really contributed to the safety of us all. Thanks again!

[patrobosky]

So glad I found this information, thanks

[kenblair]

Thanks Drew for a clear explanation, and understanding, of all things involved in proper and safe towing. 👍👍

[patriciapage]

This was very helpful in understanding how to calculate these figures.

[chadb]

This is the video I have been searching for. Thank you for doing this.

[stevesmith]

Good info. I'm preparing to take our truck and travel trailer to the CAT scales. The tire info is something new for me. I'm learning all the time. We are new to RVing. Thanks.

[dakotastorey]

This is awesome information! Thank you for this video!

[cdawgRJ]

What an amazing video! I’m looking to purchase my first camper and this is extremely helpful

[williamirizarry]

Now here you have a VERY important video that most likely many people probably overlook. If you get into an accident, and people get hurt or even die, you will probably be liable. Thank you!

[dwaynecheatom]

Very Very helpful bro! You definitely broke it down in layman's terms with a calculator on hand lol vs Just blurting out numbers and letters the a new truck owner would barely understand👍🏾

[chadoneal]

Fantastic video explaining this in the detail that is needed!

[jaybird]

The only person, on all of youtube, who could explain this. Congratulations and thank you.

[lifeontheroad_]

Actually a good video. So many do not understand how to safely tow with their vehicle. I was hoping you would hit on axle weight rating for front and rear.

[MajTom-wdyt]

If everyone did this BEFORE hitching up we'd all be safer on the road.
I noticed at 6:45 the screw loop attachments for your safety chains. I used the same kind until I had a separation and came a whisker away from a total TV trailer separation. The threads failed and it was wide open. BSTS

[smartdummy]

I was having a hard time understanding tongue weight.

this equation helped me understand tongue weight:

empty truck weight (including standard equipment, fluids, lubricants, etc.)
+ trailer weight = x

tongue weight = x - empty truck weight

tongue weight is basically how much your trailer weights in a scale without anything in it.

[rorotkt]

Depend on your wheel & tires as well you could increase your tow capacity

[TheCriticalChris]

Should empty weight or curb weight include the weight of the driver & passengers?

[northlander]

I took my 2021 F150 Lariat with a full tank of gas and nothing else in it to my local dump scale, i jumped out and got a weight of 5470 pounds, my GVWR on the truck is 7050, the door jam sticker says i can carry 1649 pounds, with a full tank i believe my actual GVWR is really 1580 pounds . i tow a 20ft camper with a tonque weight of 420 pounds, with my wife and i in the cabin an my generator, (100 pounds) and spare gas for the gen ...about thirty-five pounds plus sometimes i carry a fifty pound jug of fresh water i believe it doesnt take long to exceed the limits of my truck .

[ptcclatlptcclatl]

The payload capacity for a Ford includes a full tank of fuel and excludes the weight of the driver and passengers. Read and understand your vehicle manual to be safe.

[kec]

I thought the payload sticker on the door included a full tank of gas but not any aftermarket add ons. Curb weight does not. Probably wrong though.