How much weight can I put in my car boot?

There isn’t a universal limit. The maximum you can carry is your car’s payload rating—the total allowable weight of passengers and cargo. You’ll find the exact figure on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual; for many passenger cars, payload ranges roughly from 350 kg to 600 kg, with larger vehicles capable of more.

The question hinges on the weight limits set by the manufacturer for safety and handling. The payload is the difference between the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and its curb weight, and you must account for everyone on board when calculating how much cargo the boot can take. The sections below explain how to identify the limits and how to load safely.

Key terms you should know

Understanding standard weight terms helps you read the weight specifications on your car and plan loads in the boot.

• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any installed options.


• Curb weight: the weight of the vehicle with standard equipment, a full tank of fuel, and no passengers or cargo.


• Payload: GVWR minus curb weight; the maximum combined weight of passengers and cargo the vehicle can safely carry.


• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): the maximum allowable weight on each axle. The sum must not exceed the GVWR, and per-axle limits should not be exceeded.

Keep these definitions in mind when planning loads, so you stay within the car’s designed limits and maintain safe handling.

How to calculate your payload

The following steps help you determine how much you can carry in the boot without exceeding limits.

What the numbers mean

GVWR, curb weight and payload are the key figures that translate labels into a practical loading plan.

• Find the GVWR and curb weight for your exact model. The values are shown on the door jamb placard (usually on the driver’s side) and in the owner’s manual.


• Estimate the total weight of all occupants. A typical adult figure is about 70–90 kg; adjust for children and any other passengers.


• Compute available payload: payload = GVWR − curb weight.


• Subtract the weight of occupants from the payload to determine how much cargo you can place in the boot safely.


• Weigh or estimate the items you plan to carry and ensure the boot load does not exceed the remaining payload.


• Distribute weight evenly across the boot floor and store heaviest items lowest, near the axle if possible, to preserve handling.

These steps translate the label figures into a practical loading plan for everyday use.

Boot loading safety tips

Even within the payload limits, safe loading protects your braking, steering and suspension.

• Secure heavy items with straps or nets to prevent shifting while driving.


• Keep the center of gravity low by placing heavy items at the bottom of the boot and near the rear or front axle, depending on setup.


• Distribute weight evenly side-to-side and prevent overloading any one axle (watch GAWR per axle) to avoid uneven tire wear or handling issues.


• Do not mix heavy objects with fragile items that could shift; use solid containers and tie-downs.


• If you need vastly more space, consider roof racks or a larger vehicle, but respect roof load limits and crossbar ratings rather than stacking items higher than recommended.

Safe loading reduces the risk of reduced braking efficiency and vehicle instability, especially in sudden maneuvers or emergency stops.

Practical scenarios

Real-world examples show how these limits apply to common trips.

• Daily errands with two adults and groceries: usually well within a typical car’s payload; adjust for unusually heavy purchases (e.g., many water bottles or cement bags).


• Weekend trip with luggage for two: estimate luggage weight (suitcases, duffels) and add passengers; if approaching payload, shift weight to the rear seat or use a roof rack or storage box if allowed and within roof load ratings.


• Family camping trip with bulky gear and bikes: heavier cargo likely uses most of payload; consider a larger vehicle or reduce items to stay under GVWR and GAWR limits; bikes may require a rack with an appropriate load rating.

Adjust the load or vehicle choice as needed; exceeding payload can affect braking distance, steering feel, and tire performance.

Summary

Your boot’s load capacity is governed by the car’s payload rating, not a universal figure. Check the door jamb placard or owner’s manual for GVWR, curb weight, and axle ratings, then calculate payload and subtract occupant weight to determine the maximum boot load. Always distribute weight safely, secure items, and stay within per-axle limits to maintain safe handling and braking.

How much weight should I put in the back of my car for winter?

For a sedan, SUV, or CUV, you should add about 100 pounds of weight to the back to improve traction. For rear-wheel-drive (RWD) trucks, add 200–400 pounds over the rear axle, depending on the truck's weight. Place the weight as far forward as possible and always secure it with straps to prevent shifting, which can cause you to lose control when braking or turning. 
How much weight to add

• Sedans, SUVs, and CUVs: Add about 100 pounds.
• Half-ton pickup trucks: Add 240–300 pounds.
• 3/4-ton to 1-ton pickup trucks: Add 300–400 pounds. 

Where to place the weight

• Place weight over the rear axle, not the very back of the truck bed. This provides leverage and is safer. 

How to secure the weight

• Use heavy-duty straps to tie down the weight. This prevents it from shifting, which can be dangerous. 
• Consider using sandbags, which can also be used to help your car get unstuck if needed. 

What to consider

• Tires: Good winter tires will make a much bigger difference than added weight. Consider investing in a set of winter tires if you frequently drive in snow and ice. 
• Vehicle type: You do not need to add weight to front-wheel-drive (FWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles. 
• Braking: Even with added weight, be sure to give yourself extra stopping time. Too much weight can negatively affect your car's ability to stop and turn. 

What is boot capacity in a car?

Boot space is the designated storage area in the rear of a car for luggage, groceries, and other items. It's also called the trunk or dicky, and its capacity is measured in liters (or sometimes cubic feet). A larger boot space is more practical for carrying bulky items, sports equipment, or for long trips.
 
You can watch this video to see the boot space of a 2025 MG HS: 1mToms GarageYouTube · Jan 1, 2025
Key features of boot space

• Location: Typically located at the rear of the vehicle, behind the back seats. 
• Measurement: Measured in liters, which indicates the volume of storage. 
• Measurement methods: Two common methods are the Vehicle Design Area (VDA) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). 
• Practicality: The amount of boot space is an important consideration when buying a car, especially for families or those who need to transport a lot of gear. 
• Versatility: Some vehicles offer additional versatility, such as fold-down rear seats or under-floor storage compartments. 

Can I put 1000 lbs in my car?

1k lbs will definitely put pressure on the suspension and transmission. As long as they spread the weight around it should be fine. Granted, the wear and tear would be more pronounced in a sedan (Toyota Corolla) vs a truck (say, F150). That's just because trucks are built to be more durable.

How much weight can I put in the boot of a car?

To calculate your car's payload, you need to subtract the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) from the kerbweight. GVWR refers to the maximum weight you can safely add to your vehicle. It is unsafe to exceed this limit, as certain components such as the brakes and shock absorbers are not designed to handle such loads.