What term describes the weight of a fully-equipped vehicle ready for service, including all fluids but excluding any passengers?

The correct term for the weight of a fully-equipped vehicle ready for service, including all fluids but excluding any passengers, is indeed curb weight. Curb weight provides a clear understanding of how much the vehicle weighs when it's positioned to operate but not carrying any additional load like passengers or cargo. This is critical for calculating vehicle performance metrics, ensuring compliance with weight regulations, and making informed decisions regarding load capacities.

Curb weight typically includes the vehicle's standard equipment, all fluids (such as oil and a full tank of fuel), and is central to understanding the basic operating conditions of the vehicle. It’s a common term used in various contexts, such as automotive specifications and regulatory guidelines.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different aspects of weight measurement. Payload refers to the weight of the cargo a vehicle can carry, operating weight includes the vehicle's curb weight plus any additional equipment or options installed, and gross weight encompasses the total weight of the vehicle including everything it carries, such as passengers and cargo. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone involved in vehicle operation and management.