Understanding Vehicle Payload And Tongue Weight

Updated 03/24/2021 | Published 03/22/2021

Question:

I have a hitch installed to my 2018 Mazda CX 5. Ive also added a cargo carrier to it and had some questions regarding tongue weight and payload: 1. Does a cargo carriers weight count against tongue weight and/or payload? 2. Does weight behind the rear axle count against tongue weight and/or payload?

asked by: Samuel

Expert Reply:

Payload is any weight added to the vehicle, including cargo and passengers inside; it doesn't matter if it is in front or behind the rear axle. Tongue weight, on the other hand, is any weight added behind the rear axle of the vehicle; this includes cargo in the trunk or bed along with the tongue weight of your trailer. Tongue weight counts as payload.

In your case, the cargo carrier and everything on the cargo carrier will count as tongue weight, thus counting as payload as well. I attached a link that further explains trailer tongue weight.

expert reply by: Andrew N