Calculate Maximum Payload and Towing Capacity
Understanding your semi truck’s maximum payload and towing capacity is crucial for safe and efficient hauling. Our user-friendly calculator assists truck owners and operators in determining their truck’s payload and towing capacity.
Towing Capacity & Payload Calculator Formulas Used
Maximum Payload = GVWR – Curb Weight
Towing Capacity = GCWR – Curb Weight
In these formulas:
- GVWR is the maximum weight a vehicle is rated to safely carry, including its own weight.
- Curb Weight is the weight of the truck when it’s idle and without cargo or passengers.
- GCWR is the total weight of a loaded truck and its towed load.
Examples of Maximum Payload & Towing Capacity
| GVWR (lbs) | Curb Weight (lbs) | GCWR (lbs) | Maximum Payload (lbs) | Towing Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80000 | 25000 | 130000 | 55000 | 105000 |
| 75000 | 24000 | 125000 | 51000 | 101000 |
FAQs
How do I calculate my semi truck’s maximum payload from GVWR and curb weight?
Use the formula: Maximum Payload = GVWR – Curb Weight. Find your truck’s GVWR and curb weight, then subtract curb weight from GVWR to get the maximum payload you can carry.
What’s the formula for towing capacity, and what do GVWR, GCWR, and curb weight mean?
Towing Capacity = GCWR – Curb Weight. GVWR is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry, including its own weight. Curb weight is the truck’s weight when idle with no cargo or passengers. GCWR is the total allowable weight of the loaded truck plus its towed load.
Use a towing and payload calculator for a tractor-trailer—where can I input GVWR, curb weight, and GCWR?
Use the Maximum Payload & Towing Capacity Calculator on this page. Enter your GVWR, curb weight, and GCWR into the fields, and the tool will return both maximum payload and towing capacity.
If my GVWR is 80,000 lbs, curb weight is 25,000 lbs, and GCWR is 130,000 lbs, what are my max payload and towing capacity?
Maximum Payload = 80,000 – 25,000 = 55,000 lbs. Towing Capacity = 130,000 – 25,000 = 105,000 lbs.
Show examples of payload and towing capacity calculations for semi trucks.
Example 1: GVWR 80,000 lbs, Curb Weight 25,000 lbs, GCWR 130,000 lbs → Payload 55,000 lbs, Towing Capacity 105,000 lbs. Example 2: GVWR 75,000 lbs, Curb Weight 24,000 lbs, GCWR 125,000 lbs → Payload 51,000 lbs, Towing Capacity 101,000 lbs.
Where do I find GVWR, curb weight, and GCWR on my truck?
Refer to the “Where to Find Your GVWR,” “Where to Find Your Curb Weight,” and “Where to Find Your GCWR” sections in this resource. Use those manufacturer-provided ratings when entering values in the calculator.
Steps to figure out how much I can safely haul using manufacturer weight ratings.
First, locate GVWR and curb weight, then compute Maximum Payload = GVWR – Curb Weight. Next, locate GCWR and use Towing Capacity = GCWR – Curb Weight. Confirm your planned load and trailer are within these results and never exceed the ratings.
What’s the difference between payload and towing capacity on a semi?
Payload is how much weight the truck can carry on itself, calculated from GVWR minus curb weight. Towing capacity is how much the truck can pull behind it, calculated from GCWR minus curb weight.
What calculators can help with axle weight, tire pressure, and financing for a semi truck?
Use the related tools linked on this page: Truck Axle Weight Calculator, Tire Pressure Calculator, and the Semi-Truck Loan/Finance Calculator. They complement the payload and towing calculator to plan safe, compliant, and cost-aware operations.