what defines a 3/4 ton?
If it's payload capacity, then why isn't a properly equipped F150 considered a 3/4 ton truck?
Forum Discussion
Nothing defines a 3/4 ton. It is not a term used by the industry. It used to be defined by payload decades ago, but not anymore. The term 3/4 is subjective and can change from person to person in its meaning. What does matter is the class the vehicles is in which is based on GVWR. Most 3/4 tons are in class 2b which has a GVWR range from 8,501 to 10,000 lbs.
About a decade a ago, all 3500 SRW trucks were in this class. Now most 350/3500 SRW truck are in class 3 which has a GVWR from 10,001 to 14,000 lbs. There is no law that states a manufacture has to put a 250/2500 truck in class 2b, and they can put them in class 3 if they want just like GM. They can also put a 350/3500 in class 2b like Ford does.
However, the problem with class 3 for commercial fleets is that anything over 10,000 GVWR has added regulation and cost associated with them so it is beneficial for manufacturers to make their GVWR below 10,001 lbs.
So to answer your question. The term 3/4 ton is just an old term that does not mean anything and is used by common folk because they don't know any better. Many still use it because that is what they were taught and they are resistant to change even if it incorrect. It is like the term "weight" many use for oil. It is incorrect, but people have been using it for years and are resistant to change.
About a decade a ago, all 3500 SRW trucks were in this class. Now most 350/3500 SRW truck are in class 3 which has a GVWR from 10,001 to 14,000 lbs. There is no law that states a manufacture has to put a 250/2500 truck in class 2b, and they can put them in class 3 if they want just like GM. They can also put a 350/3500 in class 2b like Ford does.
However, the problem with class 3 for commercial fleets is that anything over 10,000 GVWR has added regulation and cost associated with them so it is beneficial for manufacturers to make their GVWR below 10,001 lbs.
So to answer your question. The term 3/4 ton is just an old term that does not mean anything and is used by common folk because they don't know any better. Many still use it because that is what they were taught and they are resistant to change even if it incorrect. It is like the term "weight" many use for oil. It is incorrect, but people have been using it for years and are resistant to change.
