How much weight can I put in my Chevy Colorado?
The payload capacity of a Chevy Colorado typically falls in a broad range, roughly 1,300 to 1,700 pounds, depending on configuration. To know your exact limit, check the driver’s door placard for the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) and the curb weight, then use payload = GVWR minus curb weight.
Payload represents the total weight you can safely carry in passengers, cargo, and any installed equipment. It is limited by the vehicle’s GVWR, and it does not include the weight of a trailer you might tow. This article explains what payload means, how to calculate it for your specific Colorado, the factors that affect it, and practical loading tips to stay within safe limits.
Understanding payload and its limits
Payload is the maximum combined weight of people (occupants) and cargo that a vehicle can carry without exceeding its GVWR. The GVWR is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket equipment. Towing capacity and trailer tongue weight are separate considerations and do not increase your payload allowance. Keeping within payload helps maintain braking, steering, suspension, and overall handling performance.
Before you load up, it helps to know a few key distinctions:
- Payload vs. towing: Payload limits pertain to what sits inside the truck itself; towing capacity is a separate rating related to pulling a trailer.
- GVWR vs. curb weight: GVWR is the maximum safe weight; curb weight is the unloaded weight of the vehicle.
- How to verify: The door jamb sticker lists GVWR and axle ratings; the owner's manual and official spec sheets provide additional context.
Understanding these definitions helps you make smarter loading choices and avoid overload conditions that can impair braking, steering, and safety. The following sections provide practical ranges and steps to determine your exact capacity.
Payload ranges by common Colorado configurations
The values below are approximate and can vary by engine, bed length, drivetrain, and model year. Use them as planning guidance and confirm with your vehicle’s door sticker for exact numbers.
- Crew Cab, Short Bed (most common configuration): roughly 1,300–1,700 pounds
- Crew Cab, Long Bed: roughly 1,300–1,650 pounds
- 4x4 variants (any bed length): roughly 1,250–1,650 pounds
- Older/extended-cab configurations (where available): roughly 1,200–1,550 pounds
- Diesel Duramax or higher-end powertrains (weight differences vary by year): typically within the same general range, with variations by trim and bed size
These ranges reflect typical factory figures across recent Colorado generations. Exact payload for your truck can be higher or lower based on the specific engine, transmission, trim, bed length, and whether a crew cab or extended cab is used. Always rely on your door placard for the precise number.
How to calculate your exact payload
- Locate the GVWR on the driver’s door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual/spec sheet.
- Find the curb weight (unloaded vehicle weight) for your exact configuration from the same sources or official specs.
- Calculate payload capacity: Payload = GVWR – curb weight.
- Estimate the weight of occupants (use about 150 lbs per person as a rough figure) and add any cargo you plan to carry in the bed or cabin.
- Subtract the occupants’ weight and cargo from the payload capacity to verify you stay within the limit. If the result is negative, you’re over payload.
- If you plan to tow, remember that hitch/tongue weight counts toward the payload; do not double-count it or exceed GVWR.
Applying these steps helps ensure you don’t exceed the vehicle’s safe carrying capacity. If you regularly haul heavy loads or tow sizable trailers, you may want to consider a configuration with a higher GVWR or lighter payload demands.
Practical loading tips to stay within limits
Smart loading goes beyond the math. Proper distribution and safety practices can improve handling and wear while keeping you under the limit.
- Distribute weight evenly across the axle(s); keep heavier items low and close to the Center of Gravity to avoid instability.
- Place bulkier, heavier cargo in the bed rather than the cabin when possible, and secure it with straps or nets.
- Keep most of the weight forward (toward the truck’s front axle) to maintain steering and braking control.
- Maintain proper tire pressure as specified by the manufacturer; under-inflated tires reduce load-carrying performance and fuel efficiency.
- Remove unnecessary items to reduce curb weight if you’re approaching the payload limit.
- If in doubt, use a truck scale or a portable scale to verify actual weight before a long trip or heavy haul.
Following these loading practices helps you stay safe and compliant with the vehicle’s engineered limits while getting the most utility from your Colorado.
Where to find the exact payload rating for your Colorado
Door placard and owner’s manual
For the most accurate figure, check the driver’s door jamb placard for the GVWR (and sometimes GAWRs). The payload you can carry is GVWR minus the curb weight of your exact configuration. The owner’s manual and official GM spec sheets for your model year will corroborate these numbers and note any year-specific variations, such as changes in bed length, engine options, or trim packaging.
Summary
Payload capacity in a Chevy Colorado is configuration-specific, generally ranging from about 1,300 to 1,700 pounds. To know your exact limit, read the door placard for GVWR and curb weight, then apply payload = GVWR minus curb weight and account for occupants and cargo. Use careful weight distribution, keep heavy loads low, and verify numbers before loading heavily or towing. When in doubt, consult the vehicle’s official specifications for your exact model year and configuration to avoid overload and maintain safe driving performance.
What is the payload capacity of a Chevy Colorado?
The Chevy Colorado payload capacity varies by model year and trim, with recent models like the 2025 offering a range from approximately 1,310 to 1,726 pounds. The specific payload capacity for any Colorado is found on the Tire and Loading Information label on the vehicle's B-pillar. For example, the 2024 model had a range of 1,423 to 1,836 pounds, while the 2025 models range from 1,726 to 2,046 pounds.
This video discusses the 2023 Chevy Colorado's towing capacity: 24sOut MotorsportsYouTube · Sep 20, 2023
Payload capacity by model year
- 2025: 1,726–2,046 pounds
- 2024: 1,423–1,836 pounds
- 2023: 1,151–1,684 pounds
Payload capacity by trim (2025 model)
- WT and LT: Up to 1,726 pounds
- Trail Boss and Z71: Up to 1,726 pounds
- ZR2: Up to 1,310 pounds
Important considerations
- The payload capacity includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and any accessories.
- For the most accurate information, check the Tire and Loading Information label located on the driver's side B-pillar.
How much weight can I put in the bed of my Chevy Colorado?
2024 Chevrolet Colorado Payload & Towing Capacity Chart
| 2024 Chevy Colorado Model | Max Payload Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2024 Chevy Colorado LT (2WD/4WD) | 1,602 pounds / 1,802 pounds |
| 2024 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss (4WD) | 1,725 pounds |
| 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71 (4WD) | 1,719 pounds |
| 2024 Chevy Colorado ZR2 (4WD) | 1,423 pounds |
How much weight can a 2015 Chevy Colorado carry in the bed?
The maximum Chevy Colorado payload capacity is 1,578 pounds. You'll have plenty of weight to carry in the bed of this pickup when you've got supplies or equipment to go along with what you're towing.
What is the weight limit for the Chevy Colorado?
The Chevy Colorado has a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, achievable with the 310-horsepower 2.7L TurboMax engine on trims like the LT, Trail Boss, and Z71. The maximum payload capacity varies by trim, with higher-end configurations like the LT (2WD) capable of carrying over 2,000 pounds, while the ZR2 can haul about 1,310 to 1,590 pounds. For a specific vehicle's capacity, check the driver's side door jamb for the most accurate information.
Towing capacity
- Maximum: Up to 7,700 pounds for models with the 310-horsepower 2.7L TurboMax engine.
- Standard: Around 3,500 pounds for trims with the 237-horsepower engine.
- ZR2: Up to 6,000 pounds for the ZR2 trim.
Payload capacity
- WT and LT: Up to 2,046 pounds.
- Trail Boss and Z71: Around 1,719 to 1,725 pounds.
- ZR2: Approximately 1,310 to 1,590 pounds, depending on the configuration.
Important considerations
- Payload vs. towing: The total payload and towing combined cannot exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
- Real-world capacity: Your actual towing capacity is reduced by the weight of any passengers, cargo, and accessories in the truck.
- How to find your capacity: The specific weight capacity for your vehicle is listed on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.
