What is max payload on a truck?
There isn't a single max payload for trucks; it depends on the vehicle class and configuration. In practice, light pickups carry roughly 1,500–3,500 pounds, heavy-duty trucks about 4,000–7,800 pounds, commercial vans around 3,000–6,000 pounds, and standard semi-trailer configurations can carry roughly 20,000–40,000 pounds of cargo within the common 80,000-pound gross vehicle weight limit.
Payload is the weight of cargo a vehicle can safely carry. It’s calculated as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) minus the vehicle’s curb weight (empty weight). Exact numbers vary by model, options, and jurisdictional limits. The following guide outlines typical ranges across major truck categories, but always check the specific numbers for your vehicle.
Payload ranges by truck type
The ranges below illustrate typical capacities for common classes and configurations. Actual figures depend on the exact model, drivetrain, axle configuration, and features.
- Light-duty pickups (half-ton): approximately 1,500–3,500 pounds of payload, with many models around 2,000–3,000 pounds.
- Heavy-duty pickups (three-quarter-ton and one-ton): roughly 3,000–7,800 pounds, depending on GVWR, axles, and equipment.
- Class 3–5 commercial trucks (light to medium duty): commonly about 7,000–12,000 pounds.
- Cargo vans: typically 3,000–6,000 pounds, with larger variants approaching 6,000 pounds depending on configuration.
- Semi-trailer tractors (18-wheelers) with a 53-foot trailer: payload around 20,000–40,000 pounds, often near 35,000–40,000 pounds within the 80,000-pound gross weight limit.
Note: These are approximate ranges. For any given vehicle, the precise payload equals its GVWR minus its curb weight, and you must also consider axle ratings and local weight laws.
How to verify payload for your vehicle
To ensure you’re carrying a safe and legal load, read the official ratings and, where needed, weigh the vehicle on a scale. The steps below help you verify payload for your specific configuration.
- Locate the GVWR and curb weight from the door jamb sticker, owner's manual, or the manufacturer's spec sheet.
- Calculate payload by subtracting curb weight from GVWR.
- Check axle weight ratings and GCWR if you intend to tow or haul heavy cargo with a trailer.
- Factor in local weight limits and bridge formulas for the routes you plan to drive.
Accurate payload figures come from the vehicle’s official documentation and, when in doubt, from the manufacturer or a dealer.
Summary
Payload is not a universal number; it varies by vehicle class and configuration. Typical ranges span from about 1,500–3,500 pounds for light pickups, through several thousand pounds for heavy-duty trucks and vans, to roughly 20,000–40,000 pounds for standard semi-trailer configurations within the 80,000-pound federal limit. Always verify the exact GVWR and curb weight for your specific vehicle and follow local weight restrictions.
