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Is a Silverado 3500 a 3/4-ton?

No, the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is not a 34-ton truck. The Silverado 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of around 11,500 to 14,000 pounds, depending on the specific configuration. This translates to a maximum payload capacity of approximately 5,000 to 7,000 pounds, not 34 tons (68,000 pounds).


Understanding the Silverado 3500's Capabilities


The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is a full-size, heavy-duty pickup truck that is designed for towing and hauling heavy loads. It is part of Chevrolet's lineup of Silverado trucks, which also includes the lighter-duty Silverado 1500 and 2500 models. The Silverado 3500 is available in a variety of configurations, including single-rear-wheel and dual-rear-wheel (dually) models, as well as different cab styles and bed lengths.


The Silverado 3500's maximum GVWR of around 11,500 to 14,000 pounds means that the truck, including its payload and any trailer it may be towing, cannot exceed that weight. This is a far cry from the 34-ton (68,000-pound) capacity that would be required for a true 34-ton truck.


Factors Affecting Truck Capacity


The capacity of a truck is determined by a number of factors, including the:


  • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including the payload and any trailer.

  • Payload Capacity: The maximum weight the truck can carry in the bed and cab, not including the weight of the truck itself.

  • Towing Capacity: The maximum weight the truck can safely tow, including the weight of the trailer and its contents.


The Silverado 3500 is designed to have a high payload and towing capacity compared to lighter-duty trucks, but it is still a far cry from the 34-ton capacity that would be required for a true 34-ton truck.

What is the weight of a Chevy 3500 truck?


6,947 pounds
Because all the trucks range in size, the Chevy Silverado weight depends greatly on the model and configuration you choose. The starting Chevy Silverado 1500 weight is 4,400 pounds, whereas the Silverado 3500 weight begins at a hefty 6,947 pounds.



Do you need CDL for a 3500 truck?


Be aware that 1 ton dually 3500 Series trucks will put you over 26000# requiring a CDL as the trucks are normally over 12000# GVWR.



How many tons is a Chevy Silverado 3500?


1 ton
With the Silverado 3500, the Chevy 1 ton truck, it's about payload and towing. This is the class of truck you will want to be looking at when hauling and heavy towing is the number one priority and is meant to be used as a daily work truck. This truck is heavier and will have a more robust suspension to keep it up.



What class truck is a Chevy 3500?


Silverado 3500 HD - One-ton pickup, heavy-duty
In general, these three types of pickup truck classes loosely represent their respective payload capacities. Payload refers to the maximum weight a truck is rated to carry in its cabin and bed combined.



What is a 3/4 ton Chevy truck called?


So, to answer the question of what a 3/4-ton truck is, by the government's definition it simply is any pickup with a GVWR that falls between 8,501 and 10,000 pounds. This would include the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD, Ford F-250 Super Duty, Nissan Titan XD, and Ram 2500 pickups.



How to tell if a truck is 3/4 ton?


Automakers often append the "250" or "2500" badge to a three-quarter-ton truck to differentiate them from the "150" or "1500" label applied to light-duty pickups.



Is a 3500 a half ton truck?


For starters, the size of each truck is reflected in their title; 1500, 2500, 3500. These can be translated as a half-ton, three-quarter ton, and one ton pickup truck.



Is a Silverado 3500 a 3/4 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 heavy duty truck?


Fittingly, the 2500 and 3500 are considered “heavy-duty” (hence the “HD” in their names), capable of great towing feats.



Is a 3500 a medium duty truck?


A Chevy Silverado 3500 is a class three truck, so it falls under Light Duty. Still, this truck is often called a Chevy Silverado HD, or a heavy-duty pickup. Such is where the confusion comes in. Trucks with a GVWR rating of 14,001 to 26,000 pounds are classed as 4 through 6, and thus fall under Medium Duty.


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.