Is a 3500 a medium duty truck?
A 3500-series pickup is generally categorized as a heavy-duty pickup (a 1-ton class) rather than a medium-duty truck. It’s built for higher payloads and towing than typical light-duty trucks, but it sits below true commercial medium-duty chassis in most industry classifications.
To understand why, it helps to review how trucks are classified by weight and capability, and where 3500 models sit within that system. This article explains the GVWR-based class framework, how 3500 pickups fit into it, and how they differ from true medium-duty commercial trucks.
How truck classifications work
Industry classification uses GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) to group trucks into classes. These classes roughly map to payload and towing capability and influence licensing and use. The following ranges are widely used in the United States:
- Class 1: GVWR up to 6,000 pounds
- Class 2: GVWR 6,001–10,000 pounds (subclasses 2a and 2b)
- Class 3: GVWR 10,001–14,000 pounds
- Class 4: GVWR 14,001–16,000 pounds
- Class 5: GVWR 16,001–19,500 pounds
- Class 6: GVWR 19,501–26,000 pounds
- Class 7: GVWR 26,001–33,000 pounds
- Class 8: GVWR 33,001 pounds and up
Note that some sources describe pickup trucks with GVWR around 10,000–14,000 pounds as Class 3, which sits at the lower end of what many fleets consider “medium-duty”—but the trucks themselves are marketed and commonly recognized as heavy-duty pickups rather than classic medium-duty commercial trucks.
Where a 3500 fits in the market
Most 3500-series pickups—Ford F-350, Ram 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500—are marketed as heavy-duty pickups. The GVWR for these trucks typically ranges from about 9,900 pounds on SRW models up to around 14,000 pounds for DRW configurations. Payload and towing capacities reflect the 1-ton class, reinforcing their role as heavy-duty work trucks rather than standard medium-duty commercial trucks.
In practice, this means 3500s are designed for high payloads (often 4,000–7,500 pounds depending on the configuration) and substantial towing (6,000–35,000 pounds conventional, higher with fifth-wheel/gooseneck options), which is beyond typical light- or even many medium-duty pickups.
Key distinctions for buyers
Understanding the differences helps buyers choose the right tool for the job:
- Payload and towing: 3500 pickups offer significantly higher payload and towing than half-ton or even standard three-quarter-ton trucks.
- Chassis and suspension: HD pickups use stronger frames, reinforced suspensions, and often dual rear wheels (in DRW variants) to handle heavier loads.
- Licensing and regulations: Heavier GVWR can affect licensing, insurance, and operating requirements in some jurisdictions.
In summary, while some sources may blur lines in casual usage, the industry-standard distinction places 3500s in the heavy-duty category rather than medium-duty.
Examples of true medium-duty trucks
For contrast, medium-duty trucks are typically Class 4–6 and are built on full truck chassis rather than a pickup platform. They are commonly used for commercial delivery, shuttle services, and other fleet operations.
- Examples include Ford F-650/F-750, Freightliner M2, International MV Series, Isuzu NPR/NQR, Hino 268/338, and similar models from other brands.
These vehicles often feature larger cabs, longer wheelbases, and specialized bodies (box trucks, dry vans, buses) suitable for fleet operations and commercial use rather than personal or light-duty work.
Summary
In short, a 3500-series truck is not a medium-duty vehicle. It is widely regarded as a heavy-duty, 1-ton pickup designed for substantial payload and towing, though some GVWR variants bring it close to the lower end of the Class 3 range. True medium-duty trucks sit in the Class 4–6 range and are built on commercial truck platforms rather than pickup frames.
