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Is a Ram 3500 considered a 1 ton truck?

Yes, the Ram 3500 is considered a 1-ton truck. The term "1-ton" refers to the truck's payload capacity, which is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry in its cargo area and passenger compartment. The Ram 3500 has a maximum payload capacity of over 7,000 pounds, qualifying it as a 1-ton truck.


What Makes a Truck a 1-Ton?


In the automotive industry, truck classifications are based on the vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded truck, including the vehicle, passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. Trucks are typically divided into the following classes:



  • Class 1: Light-duty trucks with a GVWR of 6,000 pounds or less (e.g., Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500)

  • Class 2: Medium-duty trucks with a GVWR of 8,501 to 10,000 pounds (e.g., Ford F-250, Ram 2500)

  • Class 3: Heavy-duty trucks with a GVWR of 10,001 to 14,000 pounds (e.g., Ford F-350, Ram 3500)


Trucks in the Class 3 category, such as the Ram 3500, are considered 1-ton trucks because they have a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds and a payload capacity of around 7,000 to 8,000 pounds. This makes them capable of hauling heavy loads and towing large trailers.


Key Features of the Ram 3500


The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty, full-size pickup truck that is designed for towing and hauling heavy loads. Some of its key features include:



  • Maximum towing capacity of up to 37,000 pounds

  • Maximum payload capacity of up to 7,680 pounds

  • Available with a range of powerful engine options, including a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel engine

  • Robust suspension and chassis components to handle heavy loads

  • Available in a variety of cab configurations, including Crew Cab and Mega Cab


These features make the Ram 3500 a capable and versatile 1-ton truck that is well-suited for a wide range of heavy-duty applications, such as construction, agriculture, and recreational towing.

Why are 3500 trucks called a 1 ton?


Defining 1500, 2500, 3500 Meaning
The 1500 represented half-ton capacity, the 2500 represented three-quarter-ton capacity, and the 3500 represented one-ton capacity. That's why you may see the 1500 called a “half ton.” But nowadays, these designations refer primarily to the truck's purpose.



Is a 3500 a 2 ton truck?


Silverado 3500 HD - One-ton pickup, heavy-duty
This includes passengers along with all cargo placed inside the bed, inside the cabin, and the trailer weight placed on the tow hitch. In decades past, a half-ton pickup would be expected to have a payload capacity of 1,000 pounds (or equivalent to half of a ton).



Why is a 3500 called a 1 ton?


Defining 1500, 2500, 3500 Meaning
The 1500 represented half-ton capacity, the 2500 represented three-quarter-ton capacity, and the 3500 represented one-ton capacity. That's why you may see the 1500 called a “half ton.” But nowadays, these designations refer primarily to the truck's purpose.



What is a 3500 truck considered?


These numbers actually reference the capability and class of each type of pickup. This can be helpful when considering which Silverado is right for your needs. Silverado 1500 - Half-ton pickup, light-duty. Silverado 2500 HD - Three-quarter ton pickup, heavy-duty. Silverado 3500 HD - One-ton pickup, heavy-duty.



What class truck is a Ram 3500?


The Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 3500, Ford F-350, and Ram 3500 are known as "one ton" pickups. Similar schemes exist for vans and SUVs (e.g. a 1-ton Dodge Van or a 1⁄2-ton GMC Suburban), medium duty trucks (e.g. the 1 1⁄2-ton Ford F-550) and some military vehicles, like the ubiquitous deuce-and-a-half.



What is considered a 1 ton truck?


Most one-ton pickups are classified as heavy-duty trucks, as they can carry a lot more than just 2,000 lbs, either in the bed, in the cabin, or both. However, the one-ton pickup category begins at 2,000 lbs, whereas with the half-ton category, those trucks begin at 1,000 lbs.



Is a 3500HD a 1 ton truck?


One Ton Truck
The Chevrolet 1 ton truck, Silverado 3500HD, is all about payload and towing. This is the class of truck you will want to be looking at when hauling and heavy towing. When this is the number one priority and is meant to be used as a daily work truck, the 3500 is for you.



How do you tell if a truck is a 1 ton?


Just in the last five years alone, payloads have increased by several hundred pounds for most half-ton trucks, putting payload capacity around the one-ton mark. The same is true of one-ton trucks, which are typically designated with the 3500 after the truck's name, and now have payloads rising above 7,000 pounds.



Is a Ram 3500 a 1 ton truck?


2022 Ram 3500 Offers Lease Deals & Model Information - 1 Ton Truck.



Is the Ram 3500 a heavy duty truck?


Combining impressive capability for the jobsite and new drive-enhancing features for the day-to-day, the new 2025 Ram 3500 is a hardworking pickup truck that's built for both power and play. These are the Most Advanced Ram Heavy Duty Pickups Ever 1.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.