How do I weigh my van for payload?

Why payload matters and the terms that govern it

Payload is everything your van carries beyond its curb weight. That includes people, pets, water, fuel beyond the base tank level, tools, cabinets, batteries, bikes, and tongue weight from a trailer. Staying inside payload capacity keeps braking distances predictable, handling stable, and tires within their designed load.

Key labels and ratings to know before you roll onto a scale:

• GVWR gross vehicle weight rating is the maximum allowable total weight of the van.
• GAWR gross axle weight rating is the maximum load for each axle.
• Curb weight is the empty van as delivered by the manufacturer with standard equipment and fuel, but without passengers or cargo.
• Payload capacity equals GVWR minus curb weight.
• GCWR gross combined weight rating applies if you tow, covering van plus trailer. Tongue weight counts against van payload.

Exceeding GVWR or an axle rating can cause premature brake fade, accelerated suspension wear, and tire overheating. Insurance issues may also arise after a collision if the vehicle was overloaded. Because upfits, accessories, and gear vary widely, the only way to know your true operating weight is to measure it.

Before weighing, set the van as you actually travel:

• Fill fuel and typical fresh water.
• Load normal passengers and pets.
• Bring your everyday tools, recovery gear, and bikes.
• If you tow, connect the trailer and set the usual tongue weight. This real world setup ensures the scale ticket reflects how you drive, not a perfect lab scenario.

How to weigh your van for payload accurately

Most drivers use a certified public scale such as a truck stop CAT scale or a municipal transfer station. These platforms are calibrated and issue a printed ticket. Rolling on and off takes only a few minutes.

A practical process to get the numbers you need:

1. First pass total weight
   Drive on so all wheels are on the platform. Record the total. Compare to GVWR to see if you are within the maximum.
2. Second pass axle by axle
   Position only the front axle on the scale and record. Then position only the rear axle and record. Confirm each is under its GAWR. This step is essential because you can be under GVWR but still overload an axle.
3. If towing, measure with and without the trailer
   Weigh the combination, then unhook and weigh the van alone using the same loading. The difference helps validate tongue weight and distribution.
4. Optional four corner check
   For precision, a motorsports shop, RV service center, or some municipal facilities can measure each wheel position separately. Corner weights reveal left to right imbalance that affects alignment, braking, and emergency handling.

How to calculate payload from your tickets:

• Take the total measured weight in travel trim.
• Subtract curb weight or simply compare directly to GVWR if curb weight is unknown.
• The difference between GVWR and your measured total equals available remaining payload. If the measured total exceeds GVWR, reduce load until under the limit.

Now verify axle loads:

• Compare front axle measured weight to front GAWR.
• Compare rear axle measured weight to rear GAWR.
• If one axle is near its rating while the other has margin, redistribute cargo, move water or batteries, or adjust hitch height to transfer weight forward or aft as appropriate.

Using a CAT scale the right way

Look for clear instructions posted at the scale house. Approach slowly, keep the van level on the platform, set the parking brake, and wait for the attendant to capture the weight. Ask for separate axle readings if they are not printed by default. Save each ticket and write notes about your configuration, such as full water or two passengers, so you can repeat the same conditions later.

Four corner weighing for ultimate clarity

Corner data shows if a heavy cabinet, battery bank, or bike rack biases one side. If a rear left corner is high, moving a tool case or spare wheel to the right can bring the pair closer together. Balanced corners reduce sway, improve shock performance, and keep brake temps more even on long descents.

Interpreting results, setting margins, and staying safe

Tire load ratings are a hard limit. Check the sidewall load index and match each axle’s measured weight to combined tire capacity per axle. If the rear axle carries 4,800 pounds, the two rear tires must together be rated above that number with appropriate reserve.

Aim for a safety margin, not just compliance. Many builders target ten to fifteen percent below GVWR and axle ratings to account for seasonal changes like carrying more water, extra fuel, or winter gear. If you routinely sit near limits, consider reducing nonessential cargo or selecting components that save mass such as lighter cabinetry, aluminum roof accessories, or compact power systems.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring tongue weight. That load presses the rear axle and consumes payload.
• Weighing empty. Weigh in travel trim or the results mislead.
• Not adjusting tire pressure. Inflate according to weight and tire charts, not a generic door placard for a completely stock setup.
• Skipping rechecks. Reweigh after any significant upfit, tire change, or seasonal gear swap.

After the weigh in: tune distribution and verify

Use bins, anchor points, and weight low in the chassis to limit sway. Relocate dense items like recovery gear forward of the rear axle when possible. Then reweigh to confirm changes worked. Keep a logbook with dates, tickets, and notes so you can spot trends over time.

Now, if your numbers show you are close to limits, a thoughtful build plan can make all the difference. Selecting lighter materials, right sized power systems, and storage that keeps mass forward and low will unlock capacity without sacrificing comfort.

OZK Customs designs and builds vans around real weights and real use, not guesswork. We plan for payload from the first sketch, placing dense components where they belong and sizing suspension, brakes, and tires to match how you travel. Our team in Fayetteville Arkansas delivers vans that feel planted, quiet, and composed on the highway and on rough county roads alike.

If you want a platform crafted for safe loading and long miles, explore our work and speak with our builders. We can help you turn accurate scale tickets into a smarter layout and a safer rig that still carries the gear you love.

Let’s build a van that drives right because it weighs right.

• Learn about our recreational vans
• See our custom van build process
• Review mainstream van platforms

Ready to move forward? Our Fayetteville Arkansas shop is centrally located for easy travel and pickup. We build complete custom vans and overland ready platforms with careful attention to payload, axle balance, and tire capacity. Fill out the form and we will map a tailored plan to keep your weight in check and your adventures on schedule.