Tundra Crewmax 4WD Payload Capacity

Real World Review showing the PAYLOAD calculation and limits of my 2018 Toyota Tundra Platinum 4WD Crewmax. Showing how to calculate and actually measure with all occupants, cargo, and our Lance 2375 travel trailer.

[@Chris-L-sr]

I tow a 6300 lb forest river alpha wolf 27 rkl with my 2018 Crew max 4x4 ,and yes I have air bags it tows just fine ,some people just need to learn not to drive crazy when towing ,it makes a world of difference

[@kedrevs4037]

I agree, this has always bothered me. It seems most the "payload police" that I know are the same group that will pass me at 75mph on the highway with their boat in tow.

[@-ellimist-]

Excellent video! Was so happy to find a video that talked about payload ratings appropriately!...as opposed to so many videos of people doing all sorts of stupid tests of putting heavy stuff in the truck and seeing how it handled it. All they had to do was look at the right stickers on their truck and go weight it at a CAT scale!

[@AgentPepsi1]

I love the Tundra. My father-in-law used to have a 2017 (or 2016??) 1794 edition. He sold it for a new GMC 1500 AT4. He has had so many issues with it, he wishes he had never sold the Toyota.

[@protouringnova72]

Agentpepsi1 I just bought my 21 crewmax trd sr5 I love it

[@kedrevs4037]

Man, I love the AT4s came close to pulling the trigger this past winter, but I hear a lot of this sentiment. And the Tundra is just awesome.

[@c313zk6]

it was probably 2016

[@aliveinchrist2379]

Thank you kindly! We just bought a 2011 crew max , it's sooooo important to not pull over what your vehicle can safety handle. Taking care of families here. Blessings!

[@user-mq1gx2kd8j]

Thank you! I only came across your vid due to needing "real world" payload info on my 17 tundra. Explaining how to find each vehicles true payload has really helped me in my situation.

[@kedrevs4037]

glad it helped.

[@billnapier1605]

Had 1200 pounds of concrete in the back of my 2018 SR5 yesterday. Also had a 7000lb trailer hooked up. Had all the bags stacked as far forward as I could to help with weight distribution and I put a further 7 bags on the very back of the trailer to lift the rear some more. Truck definitely had alot of weight on the rear suspension between payload and trailer tongue weight. It performed flawlessly. I suspect toyotas ratings are a little conservative.

[@tigernga218]

The problem is not can you but should you!

[@MountainSalsa]

Over weight

[@rentitrich6496]

One thing I think most people don't take into consideration is, let's say you are towing a flatbed trailer that is 16ft long and your hauling lumber, the total weight of the trailer and the lumber is 8000lbs, now let's say your towing a travel trailer that weighs 8000lbs and is 24ft long and is 10ft tall, even though the weight is the same, the length and the height of the travel trailer is going to have an impact on the tow vehicle that is not the same as the flatbed trailer hauling lumber, a longer and taller trailer, especially if there's a cross wind pushing on that tall and longer trailer, this is why a heavier tow vehicle with a longer wheel base becomes your friend.

[@jeffreyscoggins9825]

Explained well all the #'s. Informative.

[@qouavang3646]

A lot of people are complaining how back then trucks had better payload...but they forgot that trucks back then were 99% 2wd not 4wd, that 4x4 diff is a lot of weight

[@anthonycalhoun5689]

Wow i drive a 07 crewmax and im running 12000lbs no problems for years tractors, skid steer oilfield pipe

[@lgvmobile]

Are you using a gooseneck what size? Any mods to the truck?

[@dougsmith7195]

I looked the Lance, the salesman couldn’t answer my questions on how it was built, the structure and how cabinets were fastened. I was scared of leaks because of a previous Forest River Wildwood we had. We settled on a Escape 19 fiberglass trailer, built in British Columbia, 3100 lbs, don’t know it’s behind my Tundra.

[@acdatz6222]

In my 19 CM SR5 I just hauled 24 SLA batteries (62lbs each), a 9.9 Evinrude outboard (75 Lbs) and gas tank and a used forced air propane furnace (200lbs) plus all my gear, food, beer and stuff. Truck did well but had a bit of sag. Probably 1800 lbs in the bed.

[@RagingMoose45]

Nowadays people want their 1/2 ton truck to have towing and hauling capabilities of a 3/4 ton or more. My Tundra 4x4 does perfectly fine pulling the 6500 lbs I pull regularly but I have no expectations of it pulling anymore. I believe if you plan to tow more than what I do regularly your best bet will probably be to invest in 3/4 ton. 1/2 tons can definitely pull their weight but payload and towing specifications in the auto world is all a competition with who can squeeze out the highest numbers. Just because your 1/2 ton truck is capable of these said numbers, it doesn't mean you should push the limits by any means.

[@kedrevs4037]

i think the same. My Lance is about the same size and I have no trouble with it, but feel anything bigger, and I would have to go 3/4 ton.

[@ShawnPatterson402]

I think keeping both your truck axle weights under their limits is the key, and you are clearly several hundred pounds under weight on both your drive and steer axles. That being the case I think you can not worry too much about the payload number. I think manufacturers keep the payload number low as they know that most of the load in a pick up goes over the rear axle, and thus often it gets overloaded, but with a proper weight distribution hitch you even that load out, and clearly your CAT numbers shows you have succeeded at that. I would guess that your combination tows very well at highway speeds and is nice and safe. As always, safe travels........

[@oleniak1421]

I have a 2020 tundra crewmax that I tow a 30ft. travel trailer with no problems...I wouldn't go much bigger than that...but it pulls, and handles fine.

[@waynegaligan1619]

I pull a 33 travel trailer with and no problems. A little concerned with the factory brake controller... have mine jacked up tp 10 on the gain. Handles well .

[@tbone4075]

Do you have air bags in the back of your pick up?

[@Canadarago]

I think the trailer manufacturers make the assumption that it’s highly unlikely that you would have fresh,gray and black tanks full when you’re in the road. If you’re boondocking starting with a full fresh water tank, that water will be redistributed to the other tanks and you would dump them at a dump station somewhere and then start over.

[@joshuasanborn46]

Hey that recommendation from Toyota is if it’s stock. With those airbags you’ve increased that number significantly.

[@MountainSalsa]

Ty

[@thomasdean5651]

Another option to airbags are the Roadmaster Active Spring system added to the rear leaf springs. Ive added these to my 2014 Tundra, and they help tremendously. Tow a 6400lb Jayco Whitehawk with about a 700lb tongue weight. The numbers are admittedly close to max on payload with my other gear, but pulls and handles fine. I also upgraded my tires to LT 275/R70's that can be inflated to 80psi. Does anyone know if those tires improve payload over the stock tires?

[@duridersa]

It does yes, but not legally in paper. If makes sense

[@kedrevs4037]

It certainly doesn't hurt in reality, but if you're going by the numbers more weight = lost available payload.

[@Swindy1794]

I like this video because of one simple thing….. the 1/2 ton truck market seems to think the higher the towing capacity, the better the truck. Not So. I’m not saying you can’t pull a 5th wheel RV with a half ton …but you shouldn’t. Safely. I own a 2019 Tundra and my 22 foot travel trailer is just about the max I’d want to go. 😊

[@fly-over1517]

At about the 8:44 clip you mentioned maybe going with a 3/4 ton truck for more towing/ payload. I have been looking at 3/4 ton trucks as of late and it is slim pickings as far as reliability from any of the domestic auto makers ( many issues with powertrain and customer quality reviews) and pricey, unless you go with a Nissan Titan ( I guess they make a 3/4 ton but many recalls on that truck also) Great video aside from that, thank you.

[@kedrevs4037]

Yes, slim pickings is right. Truth is the more I search, the more I prefer my Tundra. While I pay attention to payload my thoughts on payload have changed since originally posting that video. I use it more as a guideline.

[@jza80king]

Just leave your wife home... Weight problem solved.

[@leveragecomics5067]

I’m looking at a crewmax and I’m trying to determine if the payload will work for a apex nano Hitch 596 UVW - Empty 4,260 Cargo - 1740 GVW - Max 6,000

[@kedrevs4037]

I don't think you'll have any trouble if your setup with a proper WDH

[@leveragecomics5067]

Thanks for the follow-up, as o did more research I may want to go with a grand design as the quality is higher, seems like an additional 1000 lbs though, not sure if my 2012 crew max platinum can handle it

[@rickm5853]

Great vid thank you. How does it handle the wind from trucks or going down long steep grades? I know pulling is no problem.

[@kedrevs4037]

Weight distribution hitch and sway control and it does very well. It would be white knuckle experience without it.

[@killerb5726]

Well done, very informative.

[@kedrevs4037]

Thank You much!

[@richardr.528]

Well done! How does adding the airbags help?

[@kedrevs4037]

Airbags help tremendously with stability when towing.

[@oneqwickbird]

Great job. very informative. Sad Tundra underrates thier trucks...

[@jimsomerville3924]

I don't think they underrate it as the GVWR is inline with other light duties. The truck is just so heavy that GVWR minus curb weight doesn't leave much payload capacity.

[@TEXAS-SMITH]

A Tundra pulled a space shuttle. A STOCK Tundra. With that, I haven't been much concerned whether a half ton Tundra can pull and haul much of anything. That fuel mileage though... I think a Tundra is in line with a Peterbuilt. The Pete might get better fuel mileage by a hair.

[@kedrevs4037]

I haven't needed a Pete yet, but I have seen a couple hooked to some awesome RVs...maybe someday.

[@clearme2]

My 13’ tundra gets 8.3 mpg. 6”lift and 35” off road tires . City driving. Towing ranges 4-6 mpg with a 23’ camp trailer.

[@daniele.644]

That space shuttle pull was a PR stunt that any full size truck could duplicate. It supported literally no weight, it’s like the strongman competitions where guys pull fire trucks. Don’t be duped, it’s no more capable in that regard than the next truck.

[@bobd8553]

Through my research I can't figure out what would bring the payload on the tundra much lower than most other 1/2 tons. The Michelin tires that came on my 21 crewmax 4x4 are rated at 2500LBS, the axles are 4000 and 4100lbs (much more that the others), the breaks are very beefy, my truck only squats a small amount when loaded with 600LBS of tounge weight, what the heck!!.......... My payload is only 1200lbs pretty sad. Maybe it's the frame thats the weak point? Any ideas would be very much appreciated.

[@RagingMoose45]

I think toyota took the "smoother ride" approach with the springs. It squats a fair amount when I pull my tractor. Granted the tongue on the trailer isn't very long but either way it pulls like a champ you might just have to consider air bags or stiffer springs if you plan on pulling with the tongue weight pushing the limit.

[@kedrevs4037]

I can't say and don't know who really can. Payload estimation seems more like guess than calculation.

[@RagingMoose45]

@Snake Plissken that's really based off of demand as well. Most people purchasing toyota truck buy solely for in general offroad capabilities with sophisticated traction control systems and like you said more off road worthy suspension. I agree they do not appeal to the workers needs but I do know there are ways of helping with payload if needed. A lot of people don't like aftermarket equipment but as far as I know it's the only way to keep up with the other brands.

[@BigD15857]

Toyota just rates their trucks lower than the others.. Which does suck for the legal aspect! But the truck is very capable to handle as much if not more than all the others!

[@onelik]

How is the payload 1200lbs on a V8 5.7L tundra. My 2013 Tacoma is 1050lbs and we max it out with 4 people a dog and my travel trailer tongue weight. I’m looking form about her truck with closer to 2000lbs tongue weight and I thought the tundra had that 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@kedrevs4037]

In the double cab and 2WD configurations, payloads are higher. My son's 2015 2WD Crewmax is a little higher at around 1560 lbs. You can get up to about 1,730 lbs in the Tundra in SR5 configuration with 2WD and 6.5' bed. When comparing Apples to apples configurations, the crew cab versions of the Big 3 all come in with about 200lbs more payload than the Tundra. Personally, I pay more attention to the axles which are 4,150 lbs for the rear and 4,000 lbs front, exceeding most all other half tons.

[@onelik]

@@kedrevs4037 Thank you for the payload knowledge on the tundras! I really want one but the payloads are head scratchers

[@Kingcold2002]

What if you get the f150 hybrid because it has an onboard generator

[@kedrevs4037]

Have to admit that I'm intrigued by it, but just don't trust that tech yet. 8 years and 200k miles and maybe. But that thing will drop from it's 24 mpg combined to about 6mpg with my Travel Trailer. Gas tank just ain't gettin it.

[@jimb5113]

How does the drag of the trailer frontal area figure in? Seems tow vehicles use to "recommend" frontal area restrictions. What difference is there between a curved camper front and a shaped or flat cargo trailer. Big difference between them and the v-nose of a boat cutting air at interstate speeds.

[@kedrevs4037]

A moving wall/box definitely has more resistance than any more aerodynamic shape. There are no specs from the manufacturer about the type of vehicle being towed, but certainly a lower profile vehicle offers less drag.

[@jimb5113]

@@kedrevs4037 Tow vehicles use to give trailer "frontal area" limits. It should make much difference between a boat and a box today.

[@hotdoggy810]

Ok so i got a 2021 trd pro tundra crewmax A family of 4 So just to be safe i should just pull a TT at no morethan 5000gvwr right?

[@kedrevs4037]

Myself, I would be comfortable with about 7500ish pounds behind that TRD Pro. I've got a couple other videos on Payload that I'll link for you. Personally, my feeling is if your "payload" is within the weight of a full fuel tank (about 300lbs) your probably fine. Real issue is your rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and this is where your Tundra shines at 4,150 lbs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKi0d55_jNWtb9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/imHanYmqopaAoLs

[@fillupread]

Yea so help me understand this. If the Gross axle ratings are 4000# and 4150#, then why isnt the gross vehicle rating 8150#, a combination of the two axle ratings?

[@kedrevs4037]

Certainly factors other than axle ratings must be considered, brakes, suspension, frame, etc. I think the bottom line is that there is no "standardized testing" for payload. SAE J2807 is a real test to determine towing capacity, but is seems manufactures are basically guestimating max payload by assuming a formula like 10%-12% of towing capacity must equal maximum payload? They probably then feel that they have a safe number that protects them from liability.

[@wsmcook]

Toyota uses a much larger safety margin then other manufacturers. For reference compare the 3 numbers you just quoted to the same numbers on an f150.

[@mmaxx9915]

I don't get these ratings. I have a 2020 ridgeline that has 500lbs more payload than this. I love the truck and It handles payload and trailer weight better than most think. However if I had to put 1500lb in a vehicle I really believe I would be safer in this truck regardless of sticker rating.

[@kedrevs4037]

Payload is basically a liability number that manufacturers put on their trucks, not a calculation. It is a number without any consequence to them if someone gets an accident.

[@mmaxx9915]

@@kedrevs4037 Yes but putting the ridglines payload at 1580 while having a 5000 lb tow compared to a higher tow rating but less payload with a full size truck doesn’t make sense to me. Again I just don’t see how a tundras payload is actually less than Ridgeline’s and giving a truck less payload by specs is a really bad selling point. Who knows maybe the Ridgelines structure is actually safer with more payload. I just don’t see how.

[@Nobamaable]

LMAO...ridgeline... that's a station wagon not a truck.

[@DominicWayda]

Wait a second... trailer over 3k-4k lbs. Required a WD hitch on your tundra?? You're kidding, right?

[@richardmr2]

What kind of head unit did you go with?

[@kedrevs4037]

I have the alpine halo9 ilx-f309, and love it. Made great improvements in quality, sound, and functionality of the stock sysytem.

[@mikehuffman8208]

Get cradles for those airbags ... it frees up the axle to move the way it should and they won't be compromised if the truck is ever on a lift with the entire rear axle unsupported & hanging

[@timhughes8851]

payload is not swaybar oriented. The payload is what the suspension is handling. bolting to the frame and axle below the sway bar would not count against that.

[@kedrevs4037]

I agree it should be true, but in reality Payload is a function of GVWR, which means unsprung weight also counts against payload. Part of why I think it's more of a recommendation than a rule

[@clg_pro2009]

My tundra says to put my tires cold to 49 all the way around..

[@kedrevs4037]

Must have LT tires?

[@papparocks2603]

Splitting hairs, everything is under rated because if people can they will go the limit with no room to spare

[@kedrevs4037]

If anything, my opinion is Ford and GM have grossly overrated the towing capacity of their 1/2 tons. They have designed them to pass an obstacle course (SAE J2807), but is doesn't seem to coincide with real world capabilities. Not that they aren't great trucks too. Just the numbers are getting pretty crazy for 1/2 ton vehicles.

[@8ranger88]

Do a real world towing,

[@kedrevs4037]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZyafqKMpat3mLM