What is the heaviest pickup truck?
The heaviest production pickup by curb weight today is typically the Ford F-450 Super Duty in dual-rear-wheel form, with curb weights around 9,000 pounds depending on configuration; Ram 3500 DRW and GM’s Silverado 3500HD/GMC Sierra 3500HD are close contenders in the same class.
Defining the heft: curb weight, GVWR and payload
When people talk about the “heaviest” pickup, they can mean several different measurements. Curb weight is the weight of the truck as built, with standard equipment and a full tank of fuel. GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle when loaded, including cargo and passengers. Payload is the difference between GVWR and curb weight, representing how much weight the truck can carry. For identifying the physically heaviest trucks, curb weight is the most direct measure, while GVWR and payload matter for practical hauling and towing capabilities.
Notes on definitions
Because weights vary by cab style (regular, crew, or mega cab), bed length, engine choice, drivetrain, and optional equipment, the exact curb weight can shift by several hundred pounds within a single model line. The figures below reflect DRW (dual-rear-wheel) configurations that typically push these trucks into the heaviest end of the spectrum.
Top contenders by curb weight
Below are the heavy hitters when you order a production pickup with dual rear wheels and large cabs. We list approximate curb weights that can vary with configuration and options.
- Ford F-450 Super Duty (dual-rear-wheel): roughly 8,800–9,400 pounds curb weight depending on cab/bed and trim.
- Ram 3500 Heavy Duty (dual-rear-wheel): roughly 8,900–9,900 pounds curb weight depending on cab/bed and options.
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD / GMC Sierra 3500HD (dual-rear-wheel): roughly 8,900–9,700 pounds curb weight depending on setup.
Note: These ranges reflect typical DRW configurations for recent model years (roughly 2022–2025). Weights vary with bed length, cab type, diesel vs. gasoline, and added equipment.
Payload vs. weight: what the numbers mean in practice
Even among the heaviest trucks, payload capacity can be modest relative to total weight. Payload is the portion of GVWR available for cargo and passengers once you account for the vehicle’s own weight. Heavier curb weight doesn’t automatically translate to higher payload; the GVWR and axle setup are decisive for practical hauling capacity.
Why this matters to buyers
For buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability, the heaviest trucks offer ruggedness and high permissible loads. However, their size and weight can affect maneuverability, fuel economy, parking, and insurance costs. Understanding the difference between curb weight, GVWR, and payload helps buyers pick the right configuration for their needs.
Summary
In today’s market, the heaviest production pickups by curb weight are the heavy-duty DRW models from Ford, Ram, and GM. The Ford F-450, Ram 3500, and Silverado 3500HD (as well as the related GMC Sierra 3500HD) typically lead the weight charts in their most capable configurations, with curb weights in the high 8,000s to near 10,000 pounds depending on choices. Weighing more doesn’t automatically equal more payload; buyers should weigh curb weight, GVWR, and payload against their real-world needs for towing and hauling.
