Truck Comparison: What Does ½ Ton, ¾ Ton, 1 Ton Mean?
If you have been shopping for trucks, then you may have heard of the terms ½ ton, ¾ ton, and 1-ton trucks.
So what do these terms mean, and what type of capabilities do each of these trucks have?
Here, we will take a look at the different types of trucks and compare their various capabilities.
Want to learn more about trucks before making a decision? Check out our post on truck and cab bed sizes here.
Key Takeaways
- A 1/2 ton truck is named because it used to be able to carry 1,000 lbs and is a light-duty truck best for light hauls and towing
- A 3/4 ton truck is named because it used to be able to carry 1,500 lbs and is a heavy-duty truck popular with tradesmen for daily use
- A 1 ton truck is named because it used to be able to carry 2,000 lbs and has the highest towing and hauling capacity of the three
What Is GVWR?
GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This rating describes the maximum total safe weight of the vehicle. For example, let’s say that the truck’s curb weight is 5,000 pounds, and the GVWR of the truck is 8,000 pounds. That means that the truck can safely add 3,000 pounds to its weight and still function normally.
Exceeding the GVWR of a truck can not only get you a ticket, it can also endanger yourself and your passengers. Therefore, it is important to adhere to a vehicle GVWR.
What Is a ½ Ton Truck?
A ½ ton truck is a truck that is used for light-duty hauling and towing work. The term ½ ton truck came from the fact that older ½ ton trucks could haul up to 1,000 pounds. Modern ½ trucks can exceed this amount. However, the term ½ ton truck remains. Usually, a ½ ton truck can haul about 3,000 pounds in its bed and tow up to 9,000 to 10,000 pounds, depending on the powertrain.
Who Should Buy a ½ Ton Truck?
A ½ ton truck is an ideal choice for those who primarily use their vehicle as a daily driver and only occasionally use the vehicle for hauling and towing duties. Also, a ½ ton truck is an ideal choice for a blue-collar worker who likes to have fast access to their tools in the truck bed.
½ Ton Truck Examples
Some of the best ½ ton trucks include:
- Chevy Silverado 1500
- RAM 1500
- Ford F-150
- GMC Sierra 1500
- Toyota Tundra
Check out our top picks for the best full-size trucks and the most reliable full-size trucks.
What Is a ¾ Ton Truck?
A ¾ ton truck is a heavy-duty truck that is popular by many trade workers who use their trucks on a daily basis for heavy towing and hauling work. These vehicles are called ¾ ton pick-ups because older model ¾ ton trucks could haul up to 1,500 pounds in their bed. Today, ¾ ton trucks can easily haul up to 4,000 pounds in their truck bed and tow up to 14,000 pounds depending on the powertrain.
Who Should Buy a ¾ Ton Truck
A ¾ ton truck is an ideal choice for someone who intends to use their truck for hauling and towing on a daily basis. For instance, a tradesperson who works on construction sites can make great use of a ¾ ton truck. Also, those who own a boat trailer or an RV will want to consider a ¾ ton truck.
¾ Ton Truck Examples
Some of the most popular ¾ ton trucks include:
- Chevy Silverado 2500HD
- RAM 2500
- Ford F-250 Super Duty
- GMC Sierra 2500HD
- Nissan Titan XD
Check out our top picks for the best heavy-duty trucks and the most reliable heavy-duty trucks.
What Is a 1-Ton Truck?
A 1-ton truck is generally the largest and most powerful truck available. The term 1-ton truck comes from the fact that old 1-ton trucks could haul up to 2,000 pounds in their bed. Today, modern 1-top trucks can easily haul up to 6,000 pounds and tow up to 36,000 pounds with a diesel powertrain.
Who Should Buy a 1-Ton Truck?
A 1-ton truck is an ideal choice for a tradesperson who will do heavy hauling and towing for their vehicle. Also, a 1-ton truck is ideal for those who will be doing their hauling and towing up steep grades due to the powerful engine in 1-ton trucks. Finally, a 1-ton truck is a great choice for those who want to tow large boats and large RVs.
For even greater hauling power, consider a dump truck.
What To Look For in a 1-Ton Truck?
When buying a 1-ton truck, check its towing and payload capacities to ensure they suit your needs. Consider the engine type for performance and fuel efficiency. The truck’s durability and reliability are vital, so look for strong construction and reputable brands.
Don’t overlook comfort features and advanced driving aids. Finally, consider the total cost of ownership, including purchase price, insurance, and maintenance, and potential resale value.
1-Ton Truck Examples
Top-selling 1-ton trucks include:
- Chevy Silverado 3500HD
- RAM 3500
- GMC 3500
- Ford F-350 Super Duty
What Does 1500 Mean on a Truck?
Several automakers use 1500, 2500, and 3500 labels for trucks. Essentially, these numbers correspond to how many tons the vehicle can haul.
- 1500 trucks can haul about a half-ton of materials. (ex. Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
- 2500 trucks can haul about a three-quarter ton of materials. (ex. GMC Sierra 2500HD)
- 3500 can haul about one ton. (ex. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD)
Essentially, 1500 trucks are “light-duty trucks” while the other two are considered heavy-duty. Therefore, 1500 is suitable for daily driving and light hauling work, whereas the 2500 and 3500 are more often used for service workers.
Conclusion
The 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton truck were named after their load-bearing capacities when they were first introduced to the market. Today, their payloads have increased significantly to 3,000, 4,000, and up to 6,000, respectively. While a 1/2 ton truck is likely enough for light loads and the occasional tow, a 3/4 ton is suitable for laborers, and a 1 ton will give you the highest load-bearing capacity.
