What is the payload of a Chevy LUV?
The payload of a Chevy LUV varies by year and configuration, but most models support roughly 1,100–1,800 pounds of cargo and passengers combined. Exact figures depend on the cab and bed setup, drivetrain, and optional equipment. If you need a precise number for your truck, check the vehicle’s door sticker or original sales brochure for the specific GVWR and curb weight.
Payload basics for the Chevy LUV
The Chevy LUV was a rebadged Isuzu pickup built in the 1970s and early 1980s. Because payload is determined by the vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) minus its curb weight, different configurations—such as regular cab versus extended cab, short vs long bed, and 2WD vs 4WD—will yield different payload figures. Understanding these components helps you estimate how much you can safely carry.
Below are the factors that most commonly influence the published payload for a Chevy LUV:
- Vehicle GVWR (the maximum combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and fuel) and the curb weight (the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo).
- Cab configuration (regular cab vs extended cab) and bed length, which change the overall weight and available space.
- Drivetrain and powertrain options (2WD vs 4WD; engine type) that affect curb weight.
- Added equipment or factory options (tow packages, heavy-duty suspension, air conditioning, aftermarket accessories) that can increase curb weight.
- Passenger occupancy and cargo distribution, which reduce usable payload if many seats are filled or heavy items are placed in the cabin or cab area.
In general terms, the payload rating is a fixed specification for each configuration. The actual usable payload at any given time is the manufacturer’s GVWR minus the current curb weight (including any occupants or installed equipment).
How to estimate the payload for your LUV
To estimate payload for a specific Chevy LUV, you can use the basic calculation below using official numbers from the door placard or owner’s manual:
- Find the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) listed on the driver’s door jamb placard or inside the glove box manual.
- Find the curb weight (weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo) from the same placard or the VIN-based spec sheet.
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR: Payload ≈ GVWR − Curb Weight.
- Subtract expected passenger weight and cargo weight to determine remaining usable payload for a given trip or load.
Understanding this calculation helps ensure you don’t exceed the safe carrying capacity of your LUV, especially when carrying tools, equipment, or multiple passengers.
Where to find official payload data
Payload figures for Chevy LUV models vary by year and configuration. To obtain an accurate number for your exact vehicle, consult:
- The driver’s door jamb placard, which lists GVWR and curb weight.
- The owner’s manual or factory brochures for your year and trim.
- Official Chevrolet/Isuzu documentation or reputable classic-truck databases that catalog Isuzu-based variants.
- VIN-specific spec sheets from museums, registries, or archived dealer literature if you’re researching a vintage LUV.
Because the LUV encompassed multiple configurations across a span of years, always verify the exact numbers for your particular truck before loading heavy cargo or multiple passengers.
Summary
The Chevy LUV’s payload is not a single universal figure; it depends on the year, cab/bed configuration, drivetrain, and installed options. Most configurations fall in the roughly 1,100–1,800 pounds range, with the precise number determined by the GVWR minus curb weight for that specific setup. To be safe, check the door placard or official documentation for your exact model and perform the GVWR minus curb weight calculation before loading significant cargo or passengers.
How many miles per gallon does a 1972 Chevy Luv get?
For 1972, the Chevy LUV was powered by a 1.8L SOHC four banger good for 75 horsepower, which was enough giddayup to give the LUV around a 1,200 pound payload capacity. But the bigger news was the engine's fuel economy—north of 30 mpg highway, which was a serious benefit as the 1970s gas shortage dawned.
What is the curb weight of a 1976 Chevy Luv?
2460 lbs.
Curb weight-2460 lbs.
How many miles per gallon does a 1978 Chevy Luv get?
Your mileage depends on how you drive, your truck's condition, where you drive, and your truck's available equipment. California EPA estimates are 30 miles per gallon highway, 22 mpg city and 25 mpg combined.
What is the curb weight of a 1979 Chevy Luv?
2950 lbs
GVWR-3930 lbs. Total completed curb weight cannot exceed 2950 lbs.
