truck payload rating system in america ?

[Renze]

I allways wondered how the American ratings of trucks work : half ton, 3/4 or one ton.

The Mercedes Sprinter dually is sold in Europe as a 5 ton truck, the single wheel version is 3.5 ton. Which is respectively 5 and 3.5 ton GVW.
In America it is sold as Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500, rated as 3/4 and one ton trucks.
In my previous job, i drew a few superstructures on these vehicles, and mostly their technical allowable payload was mostly roughly 2.3 ton for the 5 ton version and 1 ton for the 3.5 ton version, when using a simple flatbed with 30cm aluminium sideboards.

Are the half, 3/4 and 1 ton ratings used in America, just history based classifications which have nothing to do with the actual payload capacity ??

 

[Diamondpilot]

I allways wondered how the American ratings of trucks work : half ton, 3/4 or one ton.


Are the half, 3/4 and 1 ton ratings used in America, just history based classifications which have nothing to do with the actual payload capacity ??

You got it. They mean nothing now days. It used to be a 1 ton had 2000# payload capacity, 3/4 was 1,500#, 1/2 was 1,000. Not now days. And to make things more confusing TRUCK A sitting on a dealers lot can have a higher payload capacity than TRUCK B even if both are say 1/2 tons.

The trucks are getting stronger every year. My 2007 F150 can haul aprox 1,700# or 700# more than its 1/2 ton rating and my 2006 F-350 can haul aprox 3,700# or 1,700# more than its 1 ton rating.

In my opinion I feel they should do away with these ratings and 3/4 ton trucks all together. The 1/2 tons built today are 2 times tougher than a 3/4 ton built 15 years ago and the 1 tons are off the chart.

Chris

 

[Renze]

Mercedes does sell a 2.8 ton version of the 3.5 which means no more than having one spring leaf less...

Once we had a vehicle that was rented with a big 5th wheel trailer. The customer complained about not being able to fully use the cargo space of the trailer he hired, because the 3.5 ton went flat on its springs if he loaded the front part with pallets too. So we put the springs of a 5 ton dually under it (which were leftover from an Airide conversion), so that the customer could safely drive the 5th wheel.
He was very statisfied with the quick service ( we changed the springs and drilled bigger holes in under 2 hours) and other customers said that the converted 3.5 ton version was more comfortable than the 5 ton dually on the same springs..

 

[ScottAR]

History based classes is the best term I've heard for it.

The '04 up Ford F150 for example with the HD payload package can haul within 300 pounds of my '99 F350 "1ton" that actually hauls 3,300 lbs payload. The F550 trucks I've been studying are "1.5 ton" but depending on configuration can haul around 6,000 lbs.

I've got to get my Class A endorsment before I can tow anything with a F550 but that's a story for another day.

 

[john_bud]

Actually, the trucks are called things like 150, 250, 350, 1500, 2500, 3500. We call them the names that used to be back in the 40's, 50's, 60's. But they are not load ratings of 1/2 ton etc.

History based classes is really a good way of putting it!

jb

 

[LBrown59]

In my opinion
* I feel they should do away with these ratings and 3/4 ton trucks all together.

The 1/2 tons built today are 2 times tougher than a 3/4 ton built 15 years ago and the 1 tons are off the chart.

* Why ?
Are you saying a 1/2 ton is just as heavy duty as a 3/4 ton?
I must admit I'm a bit by your statement .

 

[Reg]

As a ROUGH approximation the series number represents the payload.
e.g. GMC/Chevrolet 1500 has a payload capacity of about 1500 pounds.
2500 2500 lb payload, 3500 3500lb, etc.
These numbers are CLOSE to the manufacturer's rated payload

 

[Builder]

I've got to get my Class A endorsment before I can tow anything with a F550 but that's a story for another day.

You can tow 10K behind an F-550 with a typical driver's license

 

[LBrown59]

I must confess trying to grasp the meaning of the following has me quite befuddled.

Does it mean if I buy a higher priced 3/4 ton all I'm getting is over charged for a 1/2 ton truck?
Or does it mean I get the 3/4 ton for a 1/2 ton price if I go with a 1/2 ton.?

L . B .

In my opinion I feel they should do away with these ratings and 3/4 ton trucks all together. The 1/2 tons built today are 2 times tougher than a 3/4 ton built 15 years ago and the 1 tons are off the chart.

Chris

 

[LBrown59]

The trucks are getting stronger every year. My 2007 F150 can haul aprox 1,700# or 700# more than its 1/2 ton rating and my 2006 F-350 can haul aprox 3,700# or 1,700# more than its 1 ton rating.

*In my opinion I feel they should do away with 3/4 ton trucks all together.

**The 1/2 tons built today are 2 times tougher than a 3/4 ton built 15 years ago.
Chris

*Is that because there is no need for the heavier duty 3/4 ton?
**So then it just naturally follows that the 1/2 ton is all anybody really needs.

 

[Diamondpilot]

* Why ?
Are you saying a 1/2 ton is just as heavy duty as a 3/4 ton?
I must admit I'm a bit by your statement .

Hey don't get mad at me. I have one now and had one I traded and kick myself every day for buying them. I built the same truck as the one I have now but as a 1 ton and there was less than $600 difference. Same body, same frame, same engine, same tranny, weaker suspension. I could have spent the $600 on a $45,000 truck and had a heck of a lot more truck.

I also did clearly state it was my opinion.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

I must confess trying to grasp the meaning of the following has me quite befuddled.

Does it mean if I buy a higher priced 3/4 ton all I'm getting is over charged for a 1/2 ton truck?
Or does it mean I get the 3/4 ton for a 1/2 ton price if I go with a 1/2 ton.?

L . B .

The rating system is outdated. They need a new way.
No, I am saying after owning 2 3/4 ton trucks and 3 1 ton trucks I should have never bought the 3/4 tons and just spent the $600 more and got the 1 ton. A small price to pay when you are dealing with a $40K truck.

Chris

 

[JB4310]

I really don't hear those terms anymore (1/2, 3/4 or 1 ton) except by old timers, any serious buyer, especially commercial work truck buyers look only at manufactures specs.
JB.

 

[ScottAR]

You can tow 10K behind an F-550 with a typical driver's license

Sorry I wasn't clear. I can't tow my load without a CDL. My 580 weighs 15,000 lbs + trailer.

I could tow the little Deere 1050 but not with the same trailer as for the 580 without CDL. At least that is my understanding.

 

[ultrarunner]

Actually, the trucks are called things like 150, 250, 350, 1500, 2500, 3500. We call them the names that used to be back in the 40's, 50's, 60's. But they are not load ratings of 1/2 ton etc.

History based classes is really a good way of putting it!

jb

At one time Fords were F100 and Chevy was C10... I don't think they ever actually applied to weight unless you go pre WW. Today the designation is only where the vehicle fit in the manufacturer's line-up.

I've owned 1/4 ton, 1 ton and 1 1/2 ton Model A Fords and in 1930 there was a correlation

 

[LBrown59]

Sorry I wasn't clear. I can't tow my load without a CDL. My 580 weighs 15,000 lbs + trailer.

I could tow the little Deere 1050 but not with the same trailer as for the 580 without CDL. At least that is my understanding.

I don't get why a private individual would need a commercial license to drive a noncommercial truck.
L . B .

 

[LBrown59]

I've owned 1/4 ton, 1 ton and 1 1/2 ton Model A Fords and in 1930 there was a correlation

What no 1/2 or 3/4 tons????????????

 

[Lunk]

I don't know if they still do it this way, but keep in mind that most truck payload capacities are typically "dry-weight."

If your 1/2 ton Supercrew has a payload capacity of 1700#, don't forget to factor in :

*35 gal of fuel - 280#
*25qt cooling system - 40#
*6qt oil - 10#
*4 burly friends or relatives (American-sized), plus you - 1000#

Actual available rated capacity - 370# (1700-330=370)

I'm always amused by the TV commercials where the 6 beefy dudes climb into a 1/2 ton crew cab, piled high with oak rounds and pulling a skidloader, and just beat the snot out of it getting it out of the woods.

Basically voiding the warranty if the MFG finds out, when you file the claim after it breaks...

 

[Diamondpilot]

No, I actually weigh my trucks with all my stuff in the cab like chains, draw bar, tow strap, ect. I do it with 3/4 tank of fuel and me only. I then take the trucks GVWR of the sticker in the door and subtract the weight. Thats where I get my data, I do not trust the manufacture. I want a real world figure.

Example:
2007 F-150 4x4 SuperCrew GVWR= 7200#
2007 F-150 4x4 SuperCrew with me in it and my junk plus 3/4 tank=5560#

Available payload= 1640#

Ford list the payload for my truck as 1660# so its a fair figure and only off by 20#. Its the 139" WB 5.4 with 3.73's. Its on the link below. Just hit the "Payload Package Selector" tab. Ford Trucks: F-150 Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew & Cargo Box Dimensions | Ford Vehicles

Ford list my truck as a GCVWR at 15,000 with the 5.4 3.73's and 139WB and has a max tow rating of 9,300# but with my trucks weight of 5560# its a little better. 15,000#-5,560#=9,440# But in reality you should never exceed a printed limitation so that 9,300# is my true limit. Hit the "Towing" tab on the link below.
Ford Trucks: F-150 Cab, SuperCab, SuperCrew & Cargo Box Dimensions | Ford Vehicles

So all in all I think Ford is fair with the numbers. I have seen other manufactures pad them. The only way is to have the truck weighed. I like to do it with 3/4 tank because that seems to be my middle weight. I fill it up when it hits a 1/4 tank so I am always between Full and 1/4 tank.

Chris

 

[excelagator]

The biggest problem with any 1/2 ton SUV or truck is the rear springs IMHO! They build 1/2 tons to drive like a car and not like a truck. Once you haul or tow that goes to all to h&^%. They S-U-C-K! BTW, Coil springs have no place being put on the rear of any truck (period) Leafs are made for loads and coils for cars.

I towed a light tongued pop-up with my Xterra. The backed dropped 3 inches with 80 lbs. Mind your this is rated to haul 5,000 lbs. Our 08 Silverado dropped 4 inches with a light load on the trailer. If you want to improve any 1/2 ton truck or SUV get some helper springs, but don't exceed the tongue or tow weight. My Xterra has 1-1/2" add a leafs and the (1500) Silverado is getting helpers. If you going to haul/tow anything do yourself a favor add a tranny cooler also.

Just my opinion,
Dan