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How much weight can I put in the bed of a Tundra?

In general, most current Tundra configurations can carry roughly 1,700 to 2,000 pounds in the bed, but the exact figure depends on cab size, bed length, drivetrain, and equipment. Always check your door placard and the owner's manual for your specific truck’s GVWR, curb weight, and payload rating.


Payload basics and why it matters


The payload rating is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry, including passengers, cargo in the bed, and any hitch or tongue weight from a trailer. The bed load is just one component of this total, and loading beyond the limit can affect braking, handling, and safety.


Key terms to know


GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): the maximum allowed combined weight of the vehicle and its payload. Curb weight: the weight of the vehicle in its standard configuration. Payload: GVWR minus curb weight, representing the maximum weight of passengers and cargo the vehicle can safely carry. Tongue weight: the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch; it is counted toward payload when towing.


How to determine your Tundra's exact bed payload


To determine how much you can safely carry in the bed, start with your vehicle's payload rating, then account for occupants and hitch weight. Use the steps below to estimate for your specific build.


Before listing, note: The following steps help you calculate a safe bed load; the actual number depends on your exact configuration and options.



  • Find the GVWR and curb weight on the door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual.

  • Subtract curb weight from GVWR to get total payload capacity.

  • Subtract the weight of any passengers you routinely carry in the cab from the payload.

  • If you are towing, subtract the estimated tongue weight of the trailer from the remaining payload.

  • Distribute the remaining payload across the bed with even weight distribution and secure all items with tie-downs.


Concluding: The result is the safe bed load for your particular Tundra configuration. Do not exceed this limit, and adjust for items you add over time.


Practical tips for safe bed loading


Even if the numbers allow large payload, practical considerations—like braking, handling, and the risk of bed-side damage—should influence how you load heavy items. Always secure loads and avoid stacking weights above the bed’s sides.


Posting guidelines for heavy or long items


Heavier items should be positioned forward of the axle to improve weight distribution; use appropriate tie-down points rated to the weight; use a bed liner or mats to prevent damage when sliding heavy loads.


Payload by configuration: what to expect


Payload availability varies with cab configuration (e.g., crew cab vs access cab), bed length (such as 5.5 ft vs 6.5 ft), and whether the truck is 2WD or 4WD. Because Toyota offers multiple trims and options, the exact bed-load capacity can shift by several hundred pounds between configurations. The most reliable number for your specific truck comes from the door jamb sticker and the owner's manual.


Summary


The bed load you can carry on a Toyota Tundra is governed by the vehicle’s payload capacity, which is determined by the combination of GVWR, curb weight, and any occupants or hitch weight. This figure varies by cab type, bed length, and drivetrain, but most current Tundra models fall in roughly the 1,700–2,000-pound range for bed cargo when you exclude passengers. Always verify the exact rating on the door sticker and plan cargo, hitch weight, and passenger loads accordingly. Secure all items with appropriate tie-downs and distribute weight evenly for safe operation.

How much weight can a Tundra carry in the bed?


A Toyota Tundra can carry up to 1,940 pounds in its bed, but this capacity varies by model year, trim, and other factors like cab and bed configuration. The total payload includes the weight of all passengers and cargo, not just the items in the truck bed. For the most accurate number for a specific vehicle, check the payload capacity sticker or owner's manual, which can be up to 1,940 lbs for some models, such as the 2024 SR and SR5. 
Factors affecting payload capacity

  • Model year: Newer models, such as the 2022-2025 Tundras, have a maximum payload of 1,940 pounds, while the 2021 model has a maximum payload of 1,730 pounds. 
  • Trim level: Different trim levels have different capacities. For example, the 2024 Capstone has a lower payload of 1,485 pounds due to its heavier features. 
  • Configuration: The combination of engine, drivetrain (4x2 vs. 4x4), cab size, and bed length will affect the final payload capacity. 
  • Weight distribution: The payload capacity is the total weight the truck can carry, including the driver and all passengers, not just the cargo in the bed. 

How to find your specific Tundra's payload capacity
  • Check the doorjamb sticker: The most accurate way to find the specific payload capacity for your truck is to look at the sticker in the driver's side doorjamb. 
  • Consult the owner's manual: Your owner's manual will also have detailed information about your vehicle's specific payload capacity. 



How much weight can I put in the back of my Tundra?


A: The Tundra's payload capacity is up to 1,940 pounds, depending on trim and configuration.



How much weight can I put in the bed of my 2015 Toyota Tundra?


The 2015 Toyota Tundra's bed weight capacity is determined by its specific trim, drivetrain, and configuration, with maximum payload capacity figures ranging up to approximately 1,735 pounds. For example, a rear-wheel-drive SR5 with a 5.7L V8 engine has a maximum payload of 1,735 lbs, while other configurations may have different capacities, such as the CrewMax SR5 at 1,575 lbs. 
Payload capacity by configuration (examples)

  • SR5 Double Cab (RWD, 5.7L V8): 1,735 lbs
  • CrewMax SR5: 1,575 lbs
  • TRD Pro CrewMax: N/A (no specific capacity listed in this data) 

Important factors
  • Payload is different from towing: The total weight you can carry in the truck (payload) is different from the weight you can tow behind it. 
  • Check your specific model: Always check the specific payload capacity for your truck's trim level and options, as it can vary significantly. 
  • Total weight matters: The payload capacity is the maximum weight you can put in the truck, including passengers, cargo, and any accessories. 



How much can a 1500 hold in the bed?


The 2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 can carry between 1,870 to 2,300 pounds in the bed.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.