Buying a new truck isn’t as simple as it may seem. Confusing terminologies, excessive requirements, and misleading numbers can create a mess for freshers.
Even some automotive folks seem hesitant to make clear statements on terminologies like what is a half ton truck, three-quarter-ton truck, and one-ton truck!
You might be thinking to buy a new truck but are still confused about what does a half ton truck mean? Don’t worry; we’ll answer all your queries about what is a half ton truck, when you should buy it, and if there are any alternatives!
What is a Half Ton Truck?
Traditionally, one-ton weights equal 2000 pounds (or 907.19 kg). So, does it mean half-ton truck weighs 1000 pounds? No, a big No!
Basically, the truck’s name, like one-ton or half-ton, doesn’t refer to the truck’s weight.
The actual weight of the truck is mainly its curb weight which includes total weight excluding passengers and cargo.
The curb weight can go up to several thousand pounds, i.e., 11000 pounds is the weight of multiple 2007 half-ton trucks individually.
Now, you might be curious to know about payload capacity, which actually explains what does a half ton truck mean!
What is Payload Capacity
Payload capacity consists of weights held by the bed and front of the truck along with tongue weight.
It simply means the weight of the passenger, cargo, and tongue— portion of trailer weight— comprise the overall payload capacity.
So, what does a half ton truck mean? Traditionally, the payload was more or less the same as the tonnage measurement of the truck.
But nowadays things have changed a lot. A half ton truck can easily bear higher loads than 1000 pounds, and the same goes for other types.
How Much Weight a half ton truck can take
Names of trucks are just names with no significant similarity to the payload capacity of the truck.
Generally, a half ton truck can take a load like three-quarters, while three-quarter can bear up to one ton; the same goes for other variants of such trucks.
Now, you have an idea of what does a half ton truck mean. So, next time when you’re in the market for buying some ride, don’t follow the names as these can be misleading.
Even the manufacturer’s advertised claims aren’t 100% accurate. So, before buying a truck, ask the dealer and double-check the manual.
For instance, if your loading requirement is 1200 pounds, and you are planning to buy a three-quarter truck.
Then, make sure to check the manuals of half ton trucks as most of them would be able to bear these loads easily.
If you bought a different truck with a way higher capacity than your requirement, your ride might be uncomfortable.
A few of the famous half ton trucks available in the market are; Nissan Titan, Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500.
Bottom Line
That’s all about what is a half ton truck. In simple words, it’s near to the truck’s payload capacity, with some exceptions.
