When talking about light trucks, vans, and some SUV’s we commonly use the categories of 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton, etc. What do these ratings refer to? If you look at the specifications for these trucks, the payload capacity, GVWR and other specs are considerably greater than the specified ratings. In fact, the official literature from the manufacturers doesn’t even refer to these “tonnage” ratings, but only to model number (F-150/F-250/F350, or 1500/2500/3500).
Is this a carryover from days of yore when this referred to the actual carrying capacity of these trucks, or does it still have meaning in 2005?
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) includes the weight of the truck. Generally speaking, a half-ton truck has the spring capacity to safely carry half a ton over its own weight, and so on, up the scale. There are some exceptions. For example, my truck is a half-ton, but it has the towing package, and its capacity is nearly 3/4 ton (50 pounds short, actually.) Keep in mind, the weight includes passengers. If two 250-pound guys in a half ton truck go to pick up 1000 pounds of gravel, the truck is overloaded by 500 pounds.
The 3/4 ton truck may look like the 1/2 tonner, but it has bigger springs, 6-bolt wheels and a heavier axle. There are more differences I don’t know about.
That’s what I thought, too. But if you look at the specs for the Dodge RAM 2500 series for example, the payload capacity is around 2700 lbs., depending on the model. That’s way more than 3/4 of a ton.