Is a Ford F-550 a 2 ton truck?
The Ford F-550 is not officially classified as a “2-ton” truck by its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR); it sits in the heavier end of Ford’s lineup with a GVWR typically around 19,500 to 22,000 pounds, which translates to roughly 9.75 to 11 tons. Depending on configuration, its payload capacity can approach or exceed two tons, but the standard designation is based on GVWR, not payload alone.
What the numbers mean for the F-550
To understand where the F-550 fits in weight classifications, it helps to separate GVWR (the maximum allowable vehicle weight including cargo) from payload (the amount you can load onto the vehicle). The F-550 is a heavy-duty, chassis-cab/box-van platform that is typically offered with two- or four-wheel drive and both single-rear-wheel (SRW) and dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configurations.
GVWR, class designation, and payload at a glance
Before listing the typical numbers, note that the following figures illustrate how the F-550 is classified and how payload can vary with options.
- GVWR is commonly around 19,500 pounds (Class 5) or up to about 22,000 pounds (approaching Class 6) depending on year and configuration.
- Class designations in the U.S. place 16,001–19,500 lb in Class 5 and 19,501–26,000 lb in Class 6; many F-550 builds straddle this boundary.
- Payload capacity varies widely by cab/drive, bed or upfit, and whether the truck uses SRW or DRW; typical payload ranges are roughly 4,000 to 7,000 pounds, depending on configuration.
In practice, this means the F-550 is heavier than a light-duty “two-ton” label might imply, but certain upfits and configurations can provide a payload that is around or above two tons. Always verify the exact GVWR and payload for a specific truck build.
Is it accurate to call it a "2-ton" truck?
In common parlance, a “2-ton” truck describes payload capacity around 4,000 pounds or more. The F-550’s GVWR places it well above that threshold, making it a heavier, Class 5/6 commercial vehicle by rating. However, because payload capacity can reach the 4,000–7,000 pound range in many configurations, some operators may describe their F-550 as carrying “about two tons” of payload. The precise designation depends on whether you’re talking about GVWR (the vehicle’s limit) or payload (what it can carry).
Practical notes for buyers and operators
To determine whether a particular F-550 meets your weight needs, you should verify the exact specification for the specific truck you’re considering. The key figures are the GVWR plate, the curb weight, and the payload rating after any upfits are added.
- Check the GVWR label on the door jamb or in the owner’s manual for the exact rating of the unit you’re evaluating.
- Estimate payload by subtracting the curb weight (the vehicle’s own weight) from the GVWR; remember that upfits (like boxes, tow equipment, or specialized bodies) reduce payload capacity.
- Consider whether you need SRW or DRW; dual rear wheels increase GVWR options and payload potential, but the numbers vary by model year and configuration.
Understanding these distinctions helps ensure you select an F-550 configuration that matches your hauling or upfit needs.
Summary
The Ford F-550 is not officially marketed as a “2-ton truck” in terms of its GVWR, which is typically 19,500–22,000 pounds (roughly 9.75–11 tons). Its payload capacity, however, can be in the neighborhood of 4,000–7,000 pounds depending on configuration, which means some builds can carry about two tons of payload. Always check the exact GVWR and payload for a given vehicle to determine if it meets your weight and upfit requirements.
Is a Ford F550 a 2 ton truck?
No, a Ford F-550 is not a 2-ton truck; it is a Class 5 medium-duty truck that can be referred to as a "1.5-ton" vehicle. Its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) can be up to 19,500 lbs, which is far more than the 4,000 lbs capacity of a 2-ton rating.
- Class 5 classification: The F-550 is classified as a Class 5 truck, with a GVWR ranging from 16,001 to 19,500 lbs.
- Capacity: A 2-ton truck has a payload capacity of only 4,000 lbs, while a Ford F-550's maximum payload is over 12,000 lbs.
- Official ratings: The term "ton" rating for older trucks is not an official measure of weight. It is best to refer to the specific truck's GVWR and other specifications for accurate information about its capabilities.
What is a F-550 classified as?
A Ford F-550 is classified as a Class 5 medium-duty truck, based on its high Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which ranges from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds. This puts it in the medium-duty category, above the heavy-duty pickup trucks like the F-350 and F-450, and it is often referred to as a "1.51.51.5-ton truck".
- Class 5: This is the official classification based on GVWR.
- Medium-Duty: This is the broad category that Class 5 trucks fall into.
- "1.5-ton" truck: This is a common and informal way to refer to it, especially when distinguishing it from the heavier-duty "one-ton" trucks.
- Commercial application: Due to its capabilities and weight, the F-550 is a powerful workhorse designed for commercial and fleet applications, such as larger delivery trucks, bucket trucks, and tow trucks.
What type of truck is a Ford F550?
A Ford F-550 is classified as a Class 5 medium-duty truck because its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) typically ranges from 16,001 to 19,500 pounds. This classification places it between the light-duty F-Series Super Duty pickups and the heavier F-650 and F-750 trucks. The classification is determined by its weight and is used for regulatory and tax purposes, with common uses including service trucks, box trucks, and small dump trucks.
- Class 5 Classification: The F-550 falls into the Class 5 category, which has a GVWR of 16,001–19,500 pounds.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum operating weight of the F-550, including all its features, passengers, and cargo.
- Medium-Duty Truck: This label indicates it is a heavy-duty vehicle, but not as large or heavy as the Class 6, 7, or 8 "heavy-duty" trucks.
- Common Uses: Its classification is suitable for applications such as service trucks, chassis-cab trucks, and small dump trucks, making it a popular choice for commercial and municipal uses.
Is a 5500 truck a 2 ton?
Yes, a "5500" vehicle, such as a Ram 5500 or Ford F-550, is generally considered a 2-ton truck because it falls into the Class 5 heavy-duty truck category, which has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 16,001 to 19,500 pounds. This rating is significantly higher than the 1-ton (3500 series) trucks and indicates a much greater capacity for hauling and towing.
- Truck Classification: The term "2-ton" is a non-technical way of saying the truck is a heavy-duty vehicle, specifically a Class 5 truck.
- GVWR: A higher GVWR, like the 19,500 lbs for a Ram 5500, allows for carrying more weight, including cargo and passengers.
- Comparison: This classification puts it above the 1-ton trucks (like the F-350, Silverado 3500, and Ram 3500) and is typically used for commercial purposes.
