What is the Maximum Load You Can Carry In Your Truck Bed?
Let’s find out! Your truck’s capacity is determined by its configuration. A truck’s cargo or payload capacity varies based on its year, engine, bed dimensions, and drivetrain.
On most trucks the Payload Capacity is listed on the sticker located in the driver’s doorframe.

How to Calculate Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of your truck can be calculated with a little math: Start by figuring out what your truck’s GVWR is (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). GVWR is the total capacity that truck can carry, including the actual weight of the truck, fuel, passengers, and cargo. You can find the manufacturer’s GVWR in your owner’s manual, or many times on the sticker inside the driver’s doorframe.
Next find the Curb Weight of your vehicle. Curb Weight is the actual or current weight of the vehicle and fuel, but without passengers or cargo. You can usually also find this info in the owner’s manual or on the doorframe sticker. If you have added a lot of weight with aftermarket accessories or want a super accurate measurement you could also go and get your truck weighed at a weigh station.
If you subtract the Curb Weight (current weight of the vehicle) from the GVWR, you get the payload capacity. So, to simplify:
Payload Capacity = GVWR – Curb Weight
The bed capacity of a truck with a 1,410-pound payload capacity, for example, can be determined by subtracting the weight of the passengers, and any aftermarket accessories. Payload capacity is also affected by your truck’s payload arrangement since an unequal distribution can result in damaged components and dangerous circumstances.
The best advice is not to overload your truck. Consider what you are putting in and how much it weighs.
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If you are hauling heavy items, place them at the lowest point of your pickup’s bed.
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Spread your cargo evenly across the bed of your truck when you have larger loads.
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Strap singular heavy items in the center of the bed using a BullRing tie down anchor and ratchets
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Be aware that towing capacity is separate from payload/cargo capacity. But if you are towing a trailer, the tongue weight will be taking away some of your payload capacity. Find out how to calculate that here
When your truck bed is full of essential items, you will need the best to tie them down. To ensure a full load is secured safely, use Bullring Retractable Anchors on your bed!
APPROX. TRUCK PAYLOAD CAPACITY:
(VARIES ON MODEL/BED/DRIVETRAIN)
FORD
- Ford F-150 – 1,410 to 3,250 pounds.
- Ford F-250 – 2,462 to 4,323 lbs.
- Ford F350 – 3,893 to 4,663 lbs.
- Ford Raptor – 1,200 pounds
Dodge RAM
- Dodge Ram 1500 – 1,225 to 2,325 lbs.
- Dodge Ram 2500 – 1,564 to 4,012 lbs.
- Dodge Ram 3500 – 3,745 to 4,644 lbs.
- Dodge Ram Dually – 7,680 lbs.
Chevrolet/GMC
- Chevy Silverado – 1,750-2,280 pounds
- Chevy Colorado – 1,270 to 1,560 lbs.
- Sierra – 1,360 to 4,572
- Canyon – 1,445 to 1,584 lbs.
Toyota
- Toyota Tundra – 1,340 to 1,915 lbs.
- Toyota Tacoma – 1,000 to 1,440 lbs.
Try Bullring Tie-Downs Anchors on your Truck Bed
Bull Ring has retractable tie downs for trucks as well as truck bed anchors, truck bed hooks, and truck tie down straps to keep your cargo secure in your truck bed. To learn more about our retractable tie downs for trucks, contact Bull Ring today!