It’s a common misconception that payload is the ability of a vehicle to carry items in the back. The real definition of payload is the maximum load your vehicle can carry in standard form.
Each ute manufacturer claims that their vehicles have a payload capacity of at least one ton and can tow trailers weighing over three tons. When you remove the factory fitted tub and add a Fleet Trades Steel Tray (without accessories), there is approximately a 120 kilogram weight difference to factor in.
Let’s look at the Nissan Navara as an example. A dual cab Navara is quoted at approximately one tonne by Nissan, however, this does not factor in any items in the cabin, the driver and their passengers, any accessories fitted to the vehicle such as a towbar, bullbar, side steps, aftermarket tray body, etc., and if the vehicle is towing. All of this must be taken into account when trying to establish the vehicle's payload.
If we assume the quoted figure of one tonne and deduct the difference between our Steel Tray and the factory tub, we are left with 880 kilograms. Then add in the average weight of an adult male driver and you will have 790 kilograms remaining payload. If the vehicle has no other accessories fitted, a driver, and isn’t towing, it will leave a remaining payload of around 720-790 kilograms, taking into consideration 80 litres of diesel as well.
To get a more accurate idea of your vehicle’s payload it’s necessary to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and make a trip to your nearest weighbridge to measure the total vehicle mass and load over the front and rear axles with a full tank of fuel and all items that it commonly carries.
It is also important to highlight that these figures will be vastly affected if the vehicle is towing up to its maximum capacity of 3500kg, due to the gross combined vehicle mass being 5910 kilograms. If you were to subtract the 3500 kilograms from 5910 kilograms that leaves you with 2410 kilograms of which you would have to subtract the vehicle weight of 2250 kilograms (approximately with our Steel Tray fitted) leaving you with 160 kilograms to spread between driver and diesel.
Always remember, never exceed the maximum payload specified otherwise you are at risk of some very harsh penalties.
