I forget.... Does the payload include the super skinny 150lb driver, or was that some other number?

 

I have a degree in engineering, civil engineering, that doesn't mean I know crap about how trucks are built or how they are rated. I also hate the "I'm and engineer" attitude. I'm also not an engineer but a land surveyor, but I work with a lot of engineers. We had one that had a Jeep Wrangler and he never changed or checked his oil for years. I towed him into the parking lot at work one day, he was down 5 quarts of oil in a 5 quart sump. He said his oil pressure gauge was flickering. Yeah that engine was toast. Engineer or not, he was an idiot when it came to common sense.

 

The weight of the tires does affect payload capacity. Payload is the difference between the gross vehicle weight rating and curb weight of the vehicle. If the replacement tires weigh a 100 lbs more than the OEM tires the curb weight will increase by 100 lbs decreasing the weight available for payload the same amount.

 

TOWING Capacity uses the 150lbs driver in its numbers.
for PAYLOAD Capacity, the driver is considered an Occupant. so when the sticker says "Occupants and cargo should not exceed xxxxlbs", the driver is included as one of the occupants.
Both types of Capacities have a full tank accounted for.

 

I would have to go back and look, but IIRC, the max advertised payload included a 150# driver, but the payload sticker on the door jam does not. This causes a lot of confusion.

 

You are correct, the payload includes all fluids including fuel but does NOT include driver or passengers.