How much can a Chevy Colorado hold in the bed?
The Chevy Colorado can haul roughly 1,400 to 1,600 pounds in its bed, depending on the year, engine, cab style, and bed length. In practical terms, most configurations sit around 1,500 pounds of payload capacity.
What determines the bed’s load limit
The bed’s payload capacity is the maximum weight the vehicle can carry in and on its bed. It varies by configuration and is calculated from the difference between the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and its curb weight. Several factors influence the figure you’ll see on the window sticker:
Before exploring the specific factors, note that payload figures are vehicle-specific and can change with model year, trim level, and optional equipment.
- Engine choice (gasoline vs. diesel) — different engines add weight and can influence payload capacity.
- Cab style — crew cab versus extended cab configurations affect curb weight and, therefore, payload.
- Bed length — the availability of a short bed (around 5 ft 2 in) or a long bed (around 6 ft 2 in) can shift the weight balance.
- Drivetrain and equipment — 2WD vs. 4WD, along with optional features, can change curb weight and GVWR.
- Special packages and upfits — certain trims or factory options add weight, reducing the available payload.
In practice, customers should check the exact payload specification for their specific model year and configuration to avoid exceeding the limit.
Bed length and how it affects capacity
The Colorado offers two bed lengths, and while the difference in payload due to bed length is modest, the longer bed increases cargo space and can influence load distribution and handling when paired with heavy items. Here’s how the common configurations break down in general terms:
- Short bed (approximately 5 ft 2 in) with Crew Cab — typically paired with lower curb weight configurations; payload commonly ranges around 1,400–1,500 pounds.
- Long bed (approximately 6 ft 2 in) with Crew Cab or Extended Cab — adds cargo volume and may support a similar or slightly higher payload depending on the exact build; payload commonly ranges around 1,450–1,600 pounds.
Every model year can shift slightly due to updates in engines, transmissions, and weights, so consult the official specifications for the exact figure on a given truck.
Summary
In short, a Chevy Colorado can typically carry about 1,400 to 1,600 pounds of payload in its bed, with the exact number depending on engine, cab style, bed length, and optional equipment. For anyone planning heavy loads or frequent towing, always verify the precise payload rating on the vehicle’s door jamb sticker or the manufacturer’s official spec sheet for that exact year and configuration.
