diff --git a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Rover.cpp b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Rover.cpp
index be2ea00aac..26b20607c6 100644
--- a/libraries/SITL/SIM_Rover.cpp
+++ b/libraries/SITL/SIM_Rover.cpp
@@ -149,6 +149,8 @@ void SimRover::update(const struct sitl_input &input)
     // new position vector
     position += velocity_ef * delta_time;
 
+    update_external_payload(input);
+
     // update lat/lon/altitude
     update_position();
     time_advance();