One of the most important reasons why a vehicle is important to everyone is its ability to transport items anytime, anywhere. If you have a vehicle, you don't need to call a cab to transport your groceries, and you don't have to spend extra money on fares. Everyone can just hop in the car for their next road trip.
The ability to transport anything in your vehicle doesn't mean you can indiscriminately put anything in it without thinking about its capacity. Making sure your load stays within the capacity limit will prevent any mechanical or body problems in the future.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Curb Weight And Payload Capacity
In order to determine your vehicle's payload or load capacity, there are two terms you need to know: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR and Curb Weight. GVWR is basically the total weight of your vehicle with all the passengers and recommended load weight inside. Curb Weight on the other hand is the weight of your vehicle without the passenger or the load.
To get the load capacity of your vehicle, simply deduct the Curb Weight from the GVWR. For example, here's the calculation for the Ford F-150 with 4x2 drivetrain, regular cab and 6.5 ft. bed:
- GVWR - 6,010 lbs.
- Curb Weight - 4,069 lbs.
Using the previously mentioned formula (GVWR - Curb Weight), the payload capacity of this particular model of Ford F-150 is 1,941 lbs.
A Look At Load Capacities Of Some Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150: The payload capacity actually varies based on model and configuration. For example, the 2024 F-150 with a 4x2 drivetrain, regular cab, and 6.5 ft. bed has a payload capacity of approximately 1,941 lbs.
Toyota Camry: The Toyota Camry has a vehicle capacity weight of approx 925 lbs (This includes passengers and cargo).
Chevrolet Sonic: The Chevrolet Sonic is a compact car with a maximum load capacity of 895 lbs.
Honda Accord: The Accord has a load capacity of approximately 850 lbs (including passengers and luggage).
Kia Rio: The Kia Rio is a compact car with a payload capacity of 849 lbs.
Mazda6: The Mazda6 is a midsize sedan that has the capacity of 850 lbs.
Please note that the figures provided above are approximate and can actually vary based on the specific model year and additional features. Always check out manufacturer's manual to get accurate figures.
Other Weight Factors To Consider
Your vehicle's payload capacity should give you an idea of how many passengers and items you can safely transport. However, it is also important to make sure that your vehicle can handle the strain for an extended amount of time.
This is the reason why it's also important to check the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating. As the name suggests, this rating pertains to the axle capacity of your vehicle. The GAWR often has two ratings - for the front and rear. Using the same vehicle, the front Axle Capacity of the 2024 F-150 is 3,750 lbs while its rear Axle Capacity is 4,800 lbs.
If you own a truck, it's also important to know your vehicle's GCWR or the Gross Combined Weight Rating. This is the total weight of the vehicle including its passengers, cargo, and the attached trailer with the trailer's cargo. This is very important when you are travelling with an attached trailer or an RV. Speaking of towing, it's also important to get the Tongue Weight - referring to the force of the trailer tongue on the vehicle's hitch ball. The tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of the trailer weight.
Using A Load Calculator
Many car manufacturers provide online load calculators that allow you to know how much weight your vehicle can safely carry. You simply provide your vehicle's specifications and you will be provided with your vehicle's load capacity.
Ignoring Weight Specifications Will Cause Long Term Problems
GVWR, Curb Weight, GCWR and more are not just guidelines for what your vehicle can do. It's important to follow these numbers to prevent damage to your vehicle. For example, ignoring the GAWR will most likely damage your vehicle's axle because of too much strain. Your engine will also have some problems when the cargo goes beyond the maximum payload. When towing, a vehicle's GCWR plus the tongue weight should always be considered to prevent any problem when towing with trailers. Proper tongue weight will make sure the trailer is easy to control without causing any overloading damage to your vehicle.
To prevent this problem from happening, take advantage of the weigh stations in your area. Public weigh stations are there to assist you in checking your vehicle's capacity to prevent any road problems. It's a win-win solution for you and the public since you'll enjoy a great day on the road without causing heavy traffic when your vehicle breaks down.
Conclusion
Knowing how much load your vehicle can carry is very important. It is advisable to always check your vehicle's manual and use available resources to determine your vehicle's load capacity. By following the guidelines and tips above, you can prevent unnecessary damage and stay safe.
