Towing Calculators
Truck payload.
Enter the GVWR and curb weight to get your payload rating, then subtract people, cargo, accessories and the trailer's tongue weight to see how much payload is left. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
Inputs
Result
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Payload = GVWR - curb weight, and everything you add counts against it: passengers, cargo, accessories and the trailer's tongue weight. A 7,000 lb GVWR truck with a 5,500 lb curb weight has a 1,500 lb payload rating; 400 lb of people, 200 lb of cargo, 100 lb of accessories and a 720 lb tongue leave 80 lb.
Worked example
GVWR 7,000 lb - curb weight 5,500 lb = 1,500 lb payload. Passengers 400 + cargo 200 + accessories 100 + tongue weight (12% of a 6,000 lb trailer = 720) = 1,420 lb used, leaving 80 lb (5% of the rating).
How it works
Payload rating = GVWR - net (curb) weight. The GVWR is the maximum weight a vehicle is designed to carry including its own weight, passengers, fuel and cargo, and net weight is the vehicle empty except for fuel, oil and coolant. Adding air bags or overload springs does not raise either rating.
When towing, each unit transfers weight to the towing vehicle (hitch weight), so the tongue weight must be counted in the truck's payload and axle ratings. If the total goes over, you are overloaded even when the trailer is under the tow rating. Definitions follow the Alberta guide, which applies to non-commercial towing in Alberta; the labels on your own vehicle govern.
Sources opened 2026-10-16: Alberta Transportation, Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide (payload, net weight, GVWR, hitch weight); Towing - Wikipedia (tongue weight). Planning aid only, not professional, engineering or safety advice. Your vehicle, trailer, hitch and boat manuals and the weight labels on your equipment come first; when in doubt, weigh it at a public scale or ask a qualified professional.
FAQ
How do I calculate truck payload?
Subtract the vehicle's curb (net) weight from its GVWR. That is the weight you can add in passengers, cargo, accessories and tongue weight.
Does tongue weight count as payload?
Yes. Trailer tongue (hitch) weight presses down on the tow vehicle, so it is part of the load the truck carries and counts against the payload rating.
Where do I find GVWR and curb weight?
GVWR is on the manufacturer's label on the driver's door frame. Curb weight comes from the owner's manual, and a scale gives the actual figure for your truck.
Can I raise my payload with air bags or springs?
No. Adding components such as air bags or overload springs does not allow the GVWR or axle ratings to be increased or exceeded.
What if the result is negative?
You are over the payload rating. Remove cargo or passengers, shift weight onto the trailer where its own ratings allow, or use a vehicle with a higher payload.