Towing vs. Payload Capacity: What's The Difference?
![]()
Trucks boasting of their power often make mention of payload and towing capacity. Newbies to the market might assume the two are the same. That's not an accurate assessment. The two terms refer to two completely different attributes.
Payload refers to what you put inside the vehicle. If a car or truck has a 1,500 lb. payload, then the vehicle can carry 1,500 lbs. of weight. The weight can take any form. Passengers, items placed in the trunk, and more could comprise payload.
Towing refers to what is pulled behind the vehicle....