Van life · weight
Van payload and weight budget.
Start from the manufacturer's GVWR and curb weight, add everything you plan to carry, and see how close the van is to its limit.
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Weight budget
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How to work out van conversion payload
Payload = GVWR minus curb weight. Under the U.S. federal definition (49 CFR 571.3), GVWR is the value the manufacturer specifies as the loaded weight of a single vehicle, and curb weight includes standard equipment and the maximum capacity of engine fuel, oil and coolant. Everything you add after that, including the people, uses up payload.
Worked example. GVWR 4,100 kg minus curb 2,900 kg leaves 1,200 kg. Two people at 80 kg (160 kg), 60 L of water (60 kg, since water is about 1 g per mL), 9 kg of propane, 50 kg of batteries, 350 kg of build materials and 150 kg of gear total 779 kg, which leaves 421 kg (65% of payload used).
Limits. This checks total weight only. Axle ratings and weight distribution matter too, and your actual curb weight may differ from the brochure, so weigh the van at a public scale when you can. Use the figures on your own door-jamb label.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate van payload?
Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR. With 4,100 kg GVWR and 2,900 kg curb weight the payload is 1,200 kg, before people and cargo.
What is GVWR?
GVWR is the value the manufacturer specifies as the loaded weight of a single vehicle, per 49 CFR 571.3.
Does curb weight include fuel?
Under the federal definition, curb weight includes the maximum capacity of engine fuel, oil and coolant, so you do not add fuel again.
How much does water weigh?
USGS gives the density of water as roughly 1 gram per millilitre, so a litre weighs about 1 kg and a US gallon about 3.8 kg.
Sources
Checked
- eCFR: 49 CFR 571.3 Definitions (GVWR, curb weight)
- USGS Water Science School: Water density
- NIST SP 811 Appendix B.9: conversion factors (pound)
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Planning estimate, not professional advice
Results are planning estimates from the numbers you enter. They are not professional, engineering, electrical or safety advice and are not a substitute for the manufacturer's instructions or local code. Never drive over the GVWR or an axle rating shown on the vehicle label.