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Vehicles

Truck Payload Calculator

Calculate a truck or ute's available payload by subtracting its kerb weight and passenger and fuel load from the GVM.

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Your results

Available payload1,100 kg

Calculation breakdown

Payload
Payload = GVM - kerb weight - passengers and accessories

Worked example

A vehicle with a 3,500kg GVM, 2,200kg kerb weight and 200kg of passengers/accessories has about 1,100kg of payload remaining for cargo.

Assumptions

  • GVM and kerb weight figures come from the compliance plate.
  • Fuel above a bare tank and fitted accessories also reduce available payload.

How this calculator works

Payload is the maximum weight you can legally carry, calculated by subtracting kerb weight, passengers and accessories from the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). Enter your vehicle's GVM, kerb weight and expected passenger and accessory weight to estimate remaining payload capacity for cargo.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I find my vehicle's GVM and kerb weight?

Both figures are on the compliance plate (usually in the engine bay or door jamb) or in your vehicle's owner's manual and specifications sheet.

What counts against payload besides cargo?

Passengers, fuel above a bare tank, fitted accessories like bull bars or canopies, and towbars all reduce available payload for cargo.

What happens if I exceed GVM?

Exceeding GVM is illegal, can void insurance in a crash, and may result in fines; always check your actual laden weight against the compliance plate rating.

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