How to Read Your Door-Jamb & Tire Placard Sticker
Your truck's most important towing numbers are on two stickers inside the driver's door opening, not in the brochure.
1. Tire and Loading Information placard (usually yellow/white)
Look for the line: "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXXX lbs." That number is this specific truck's payload as built, including options. It also lists the recommended cold tire pressures.
2. Safety Certification Label
Shows GVWR (max loaded truck weight), front and rear GAWR (max per axle) and the VIN. Some brands add a separate towing/trailering label with GCWR and max trailer weight.
What's not on the stickers
Max tow rating and GCWR are often only in the owner's manual or the manufacturer's towing guide for your model year, engine, axle ratio and cab/bed configuration.
Quick checklist
- Photograph both stickers.
- Write down payload, GVWR, front GAWR, rear GAWR, tire pressures.
- Look up GCWR and tow rating for your exact configuration.
Safety note: These are planning estimates, not a guarantee your setup is safe or legal. Always verify with your truck's door-jamb sticker, the manufacturer's towing guide for your exact configuration, the trailer's VIN sticker, and a real weigh at a CAT scale. Never exceed any rating.
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Last reviewed October 2026 by Jim Frith.