Guideline to Payload Calculation and Safer Driving

Examples of Incorrect Payload Calculation

The following is a guideline to help buyers correctly establish their utility requirements prior to initial purchase. This information is designed for end users to calculate payload and ultimately operate the vehicle within safe limits. Correct chassis selection will ensure the long life of the vehicle, sensible fuel economy, and good handling. To help you work out the Payload for your vehicle, common terminology as used on vehicle specification sheets is explained below, along with an example of the calculation. 

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) in kilograms, is displayed on the Vehicle Compliance Plate (usually found under the bonnet on the firewall) and is also shown on Vehicle Specification Sheets . The GVM is the maximum permissable weight of a fully loaded vehicle including the vehicle itself, driver and passengers, all accessories and options, and any type of truck body.This weight cannot be exceeded.

Kerb Mass (KM)

Kerb Mass (KM) in kilograms is the mass (or weight) of the vehicle as a cab chassis, with no driver, passengers, payload or truck body,  The Kerb Mass (KM) of utilities varies from model to model and data for popular vehicles is shown in the tables below.

Payload (P)

Payload (P) is the mass (or weight) of cargo/goods/tools the  vehicle is permitted to carry.

Occupants

Every person in a light truck is considered an occupant and is assumed to each weight 75kgs. The total number of occupants for any truck is shown on the Vehicle Compliance Plate and may be shown on the Specification Sheet. 

Vehicle Compliance Plate 

An aluminium plate affixed to the firewall showing the GVM, the number of occupants, the make and model of the truck and other information.

Tare

Is not the same as Kerb Mass and should not be used for these calculations.

Calculating Payload (P)

Payload (P) in kilograms is the GVM minus the following items....(KM) Kerb Mass, weight of the occupants, weight of fuel oil and water, weight of any fitted options (towbar, bull bar, etc) and the weight of the truck body.

Payload (P) = GVM - (Kerb Mass+ fluids +occupants+ options + truck body)

Payload Calculator

The figures stated in this payload calculator are to be used only as a guide.
Naturally accessory masses vary between different body types and different vehicles models.
For more accurate mass values please contact your vehicle and accessory manufacturer.

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Vehicle	Please Select FordHoldenMazdaMitsubishiNissanToyota
Model	-
Body Type	-
Drive	-
Engine	-

	Gross Vehicle Mass	kg
Less weights for the following items
	Kerb Mass	kg
Occupants	2 3 4 5	kg
Full Tank of Fuel	Diesel 65L Diesel 80L Diesel 90L Petrol 65L Petrol 80L Petrol 90L	kg
Spare Wheel & Tyre	1 2	kg
Long Range Fuel Tank	None Alloy Steel	kg
Extra Fuel in Long Range Tank	None 60 80 100	kg
Air Conditioning	None Yes	kg
Bull bar Steel	None Alloy Steel	kg
Towbar	None Steel	kg
Winch	None 8500lb 9500lb 11000lb 12000lb	kg
Roofracks	None 2 roofracks alloy racks	kg
Side Steps	None Alloy Steel Side Protection	kg
Dual Battery	None Yes	kg
Service Body	Please Select A Body Z Body V Body	kg
	TOTAL ITEMS:	kg
	PAYLOAD (P)	kg

 

Please Note:

A vehicle is only as strong as its chassis. Yet, often owners overload their vehicles or “beef” them up with oversize springs, tires and wheels. These kinds of modifications don't effectively change the Payload Capacity of One Tonners because the other components of the vehicles, especially the chassis, are only rated to carry a specific maximum weight.