I'm trying to figure out what I can carry for payload. My 2018 Ram Rebel 1500 (5.7L V8 3.92 gearing) has a GVWR of 6800lbs and weighs approximately 5400lbs. Those numbers and the owners manual should mean the payload is approximately 1500lbs. However, near the Vin plate with the GVWR there is a second sticker with "Tire and Load" information which states "Cargo and Passengers Should Never Exceed 1084lbs." Both reference the same tires (LT285/70R) which is what I'm running, but I really don't understand the discrepancy or which one I should go by to determine what the truck can actually handle.

 

That's odd... I don't have clue what they are thinking there. Have you talked to Dodge Customer service??

 

I called the dealership I bought it from but they were no help other than to offer an anecdotal "I'm sure it's fine, I tow & carry this that and the other..." I put a call into another service center in my area but I'm waiting to hear back. It's really bizarre and a bit frustrating that I can't find anything formal to put my mind at ease that I'm not going to be overloading the truck!

 

Have a look here. That should be reasonably accurate.

 

Thanks! This lines up with the owners manual but none of the payloads are as low as what's posted on my sticker. I'm going to take it to a scale and weigh it, and also speak to a trailer shop and see if they can help me sort this out! Thanks for the help.

 

They usually poor mouth the weights to cover themselves against tire or brake failure. Your truck is a 1500 and that is the nominal cargo capacity. Passengers (and driver) are considered part of the cargo. Each tire will have a maximum weight capacity. Since they are LT tires, they should have a decent load capacity. See what each tire is good for, multiply the lowest one by 4 if you have after market tires, and that is your GVWR. If you have 6 , 8 or 10 ply tires, those will carry more. Keep in ind, the 1500, 2500 and 3500 ratings are for constant loads. Like service trucks with welders and such. My old 2500HD was basically a 1 ton with single rear wheels. A coworker had a Cummins 2500 and his truck was lighter capacity.

As long as the truck handle okay and doesn't drag the rear end, you should be fine. If you live in the mountains, brakes might be an issue.