Car descriptions and number codes can sometimes be quite confusing. That's especially true in pickup trucks, which are often categorised as 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, or 1-ton models. Do these numbers refer to actual capacities? What's the difference between all these numbers?
Pickup trucks are typically categorised into half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton models. Those are informal categorisations representing the best use each is suited for, e.g., ½-ton pickups are light-duty trucks with decent cargo and towing abilities for everyday driving, while ¾-ton and 1-ton trucks are heavy-duty models with higher weight and towing capacities.
This guide will explore the differences between trucks in all three categories. Then, read through to discover which are best suited for your needs, so you don't overspend on a truck with more capacity than you'll ever need.
What Do 1, ½ and ¾ Mean in Pickup Trucks?
Whenever pickup trucks are the topic of discussion, their sizes are usually differentiated by measurements of 1 ton, ½ ton and ¾ ton. These figures are informal classifications referring to how much of a payload these pickups can accommodate.
Whether you’re in Australia or elsewhere in the world, you’ll discover that these informal classifications are used universally. In most parts of the world, such measurements refer to the total weight a truck can carry, including passengers and cargo.
Here's what most people need to realise: these capacity measurements (i.e., ½, ¾, or 1 ton) are only approximate figures and do not represent the specific capacity of each pickup truck.
Every pickup truck make and model within each category likely has a different capacity depending on their individual specifications.
These days, such categories only represent general groupings like the following:
- 1/2-ton models are considered light-duty pickups for everyday driving and off-roading, with moderate cargo hauling and towing.
- 3/4-ton and 1-ton models are considered heavy-duty pickups meant for heavier cargo loads and more intensive towing.
You can also find trucks on the market that go well beyond the 1-ton classification. Any mention of trucks beyond 1 ton refers to commercial trucks that aren’t sold to everyday drivers and would require commercial driving licenses.
Overall, it’s crucial to remember that the 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton classifications are only informal.
Formal classifications are made according to the trucks' Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). These are more specific measurements of the truck's weight capacity, including its engine, body, chassis, fluids, fuel, accessories, and passengers and cargo.
As you can see, classifying pickup trucks informally is much more straightforward by grouping them into more general categories of 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton.
1 vs 1/2 vs 3/4 Ton Pickup Trucks: What Are the Differences?
Whether you recognise pickup trucks by their formal or informal classifications, you must understand that weight capacity isn’t the only thing that distinguishes one from the other.
1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton pickups each have strengths in many different areas, such as the following:
1. Build
Pickup trucks in each of the three categories primarily differ in how they’re built. So, as you go up in their classifications, you’ll find those trucks have more powerful engines, suspensions, and more.
For example, it’s only natural for one-ton trucks to have the toughest frames and most robust suspensions. After all, they have to be built to ensure that they can sustain the higher demands, whether hauling cargo or towing trailers.
2. Comfort
Pickup trucks across all three categories also differ in terms of comfort. Sure, high-end pickups of all kinds come with comfortable interiors these days, but heavy-duty models like half-ton trucks are likely used more for commercial purposes than everyday driving.
As a result, trucks on the heavier end of the spectrum are less plush and comfortable than the 1/2-ton pickups. So, the latter is better for daily commutes and transporting friends and family.
3. Driving Experience
Pickup trucks also handle differently depending on their category. For example, 1/2-ton trucks are much more comfortable to drive and park because they're easier to manoeuvre in urban environments.
However, 3/4-ton trucks and 1-ton trucks are much more challenging to handle.
Again, they’ll do a fantastic job hauling cargo and towing trailers, but they also come with a more challenging driving experience simply because they’re bigger and heavier.
4. Cargo Capacity and Towing
Of course, the main trait that sets those trucks apart is their capacity for loading cargo and towing.
Generally speaking, the higher you go in categories, the more they can carry.
Here’s an important note to remember: Even within the same category, the cargo and towing capacity between models can differ.
For example, even among 1-ton pickup trucks, the size of their beds won’t be the same for all models. As a result, the cargo they can fit in those beds will also differ.
5. Fuel Consumption
Lastly, 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton pickup trucks differ by how much fuel they consume. That’s pretty straightforward to understand, as bigger and heavier trucks require more powerful engines to move and therefore burn more fuel.
Things like these are crucial when choosing a truck to buy. There’s no point in purchasing a 1-ton pickup truck if you’re not hauling much weight and plan on using it for casual driving every day.
If that sounds like you, you’d be better served by a 1/2-ton truck instead.
What Do 1500, 2500, and 3500 Mean on a Truck?
When you shop around for pickup trucks, you’ll see models with numbers attached to their names. Usually, those numbers are either 1500, 2500, or 3500, but there are exceptions.
Some automakers use slightly different numbering schemes. One example is Ford with its F-150 pickup truck.
Those numbers are similar categorisations as one-ton, half-ton, and three-quarter-ton trucks. Similarly, those numbers refer to the trucks’ weight capacities. These days, though, they generally compare trucks based on their purpose.
So, just like 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton trucks, 1500 represents light-duty, jack-of-all-trades kind of pickup trucks, while 2500 and 3500 are heavier-duty models for more oversized loads and heavier towing.
Are Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, and Silverado 1500 Half Ton or Three-Quarter Ton?
Based on everything described in previous sections, the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, and Silverado 1500 are light-duty pickups in the half-ton category.
They’re suitable for light work with decent cargo and towing capacities while providing a comfortable ride for everyday driving around town.
Regardless of their category, all pickup trucks need high-quality parts to function optimally. You can find them new and used through CarpartAU! The Marketplace is always packed with deals on used parts, or you could submit a request through the Part Finder to source the best prices on new ones.
By Ray Hasbollah