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What is considered a 1-ton pickup truck?

A 1-ton pickup truck, also known as a Class 3 truck, is a heavy-duty pickup truck that can carry a payload of up to 2,000 pounds (1 ton). These trucks are designed for towing and hauling heavy loads, making them a popular choice for commercial and industrial applications.


Defining a 1-Ton Pickup Truck


The term "1-ton" refers to the truck's payload capacity, which is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry in its bed and cab. This includes the weight of the cargo, passengers, and any additional equipment or accessories. 1-ton pickup trucks are typically larger and more powerful than their lighter-duty counterparts, such as half-ton (Class 1) and three-quarter-ton (Class 2) trucks.


The key features that distinguish a 1-ton pickup truck include:



  • Payload Capacity: A 1-ton pickup truck can carry up to 2,000 pounds of payload, which is twice the capacity of a half-ton truck.

  • Towing Capacity: 1-ton trucks are designed to tow heavy trailers and equipment, with towing capacities often exceeding 20,000 pounds.

  • Engine Power: 1-ton trucks are equipped with larger, more powerful engines, typically diesel or high-output gasoline engines, to handle the increased weight and towing demands.

  • Suspension and Chassis: 1-ton trucks have a reinforced suspension system and a heavier-duty chassis to support the increased payload and towing capacity.


These features make 1-ton pickup trucks well-suited for a variety of commercial and industrial applications, such as construction, agriculture, and transportation.


Examples of 1-Ton Pickup Trucks


Some of the most popular 1-ton pickup truck models include the Ford F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, Ram 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500. These trucks are available in a range of configurations, including regular cab, crew cab, and dual-rear-wheel (DRW) options, to meet the diverse needs of customers.


While 1-ton pickup trucks are primarily designed for work-related tasks, they can also be used for personal transportation and recreational activities, such as towing large trailers or campers.

Is GMC 3500 a 1 ton?


The 2500 and 3500 are heavier-duty models, often referred to as 3/4 ton and 1 ton, respectively, and are currently designated as the 2500HD and 3500HD. Each model is available with a choice of engines, with RWD or 4WD, three cab sizes, a range of trim levels, and with numerous options.



Is a F550 considered a 1 ton?


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 trucks are considered 1 ton?


1-Ton Pickup Trucks Comparison Table

NameGVWRFuel Capacity
Ram 350010,700–11,400 lbs.50 gallons
Ford F-350 Super Duty10,100 lbs.34 or 48 gallons depending on the trim
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD10,750 lbs.36 gallons
GMC Sierra 3500 HD11,500 lbs.36 gallons



Do I need a CDL for a 1 ton truck?


In the US, if you're operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, you'll need a CDL. GVWR basically means the maximum weight a vehicle can legally reach when loaded up. So, those heavy-duty trucks designed to carry tons of cargo definitely fall under the CDL requirement.



Is an F-350 a 1 ton truck?


There are three main Ford pickup trucks the F-150, F-250, and the F-350. At the core, the differences are simple, the F-150 is a light-duty, half-ton truck, the F-250 is a three-quarter-ton, heavy-duty truck, and the F-350 is a one-ton heavy-duty truck.



Is a 1500 pickup a 1 2 ton?


The Ram 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are an examples of half-ton trucks. Whether you're in need of a new truck for work or for recreation, half-ton pickup trucks like the Ram 1500 are great options for those in need of power, versatility, and a go anywhere attitude to get any job done with ease!



Is a 1 ton pickup a 3500?


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.



How do I tell what ton my truck is?


To determine the tonnage of your truck, you need to refer to its manufacturer's specifications or check the vehicle's registration documents. The tonnage typically refers to the maximum weight capacity of the truck, including its payload and any cargo it can carry.



Is a 350 a 1 ton?


They do have a lot, and it can be overwhelming. There are three main Ford pickup trucks the F-150, F-250, and the F-350. At the core, the differences are simple, the F-150 is a light-duty, half-ton truck, the F-250 is a three-quarter-ton, heavy-duty truck, and the F-350 is a one-ton heavy-duty truck.



How to 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.


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.