How to Find Payload on the Door Sticker
Open the driver door and look for the payload or cargo sticker on the door jamb.
Use the payload rating from that sticker as the starting point for a payload-first towing check.
Look for wording such as "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed ..." on the yellow payload or cargo sticker.
If the sticker says 1,650 lb, passengers, cargo, hitch hardware, accessories, and travel trailer tongue weight all come out of that 1,650 lb.
Do not use GVWR, curb weight, or advertised towing capacity as the payload rating.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, check the owner manual and manufacturer information for your exact vehicle, then confirm real loaded weights at a certified scale.
Where is the payload number TowMargin needs first?
Use in calculator
Enter the payload rating from the driver door payload or cargo sticker before calculating a full payload-first result.
How the sticker number gets used
- Sticker payload
- 1,650 lb Use the number printed for your truck, not a forum or trim average.
- People and cargo
- 600 lb Occupants, cab cargo, and bed cargo reduce the same payload number.
- Tongue weight
- 850 lb The trailer tongue also counts against the sticker payload.
Do not substitute
- GVWR by itself
- Curb weight math
- Advertised tow rating
- Another truck's sticker
- A VIN payload guess