What is a 3/4 ton pickup?

In truth. there is no such thing as a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or even a 1 ton. Those are antiquated labels, used just so folks won't have to name the series, Like F100, F150, 1500, 2500, F250.
As you have pointed out, your socalled 1/2 ton is much closer to a 3/4 ton than half.

And something like a F550 would be a 4 ton pickup.

Call it relative,not antiquated.
* 1/2 tons "typicaly" have payload in the 1500-1700# range
* 3/4 tons "typicaly" have payload in the 3500-3700# range
* 1 tons SRW "typicaly" have payload in the 5000# range
* 1 tons DRW "typicaly" have payload in the 6000# range

The above are "typical" capacities and can vary quite a bit based on 2 wd / 4 wd,. cab style, etc

Of course there are upgrades wheels/tires/brakes,frame/ etc associated with the increase in capacity

B

I think all pick ups are half ton. To make 3/4 or one ton rating it has to have diesel, 4wd, air bags and stick shift.:)

Geewizard, can you tell us what fuel mileage you get with your Toyota and camper?

Thanks, I'm might be going to downsize someday and think that is a simple way to go.

billtex wrote:
Call it relative,not antiquated.

B

Why?? Were those designations ever accurate? I would guess that those terms used to mean what they said or why else were they coined?

I have always considered the difference between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton as the full floating rear axle. The ratings used to mean something but we are way beyond that.
In the 80's, I think, Ford came out with a light duty 3/4 ton that had a semi floating rear axle. That didn't meet my criteria for a 3/4 ton truck.

Terryallan wrote:
In truth. there is no such thing as a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, or even a 1 ton. Those are antiquated labels, used just so folks won't have to name the series, Like F100, F150, 1500, 2500, F250.
As you have pointed out, your socalled 1/2 ton is much closer to a 3/4 ton than half.

Back in time the half tons were rated to haul 1000# and so on up the ladder. To keep these same monikers for today's trucks is not antiquated. It's ludicrous!!!!

So I agree with you 100%. 1/2,3/4, etc should be tossed completely for 150/1500/250/2500, etc.

The manufacturers are not referring to them as 1/2, 3/4, etc, why do people keep insisting as referring to them as such?

I've always though of it this way:

1/2 ton = Ford F150 / Chevy 1500
3/4 ton = Ford F250 / Chevy 2500
1 ton = Ford F350 / Chevy 3500

But I think it has more to do with payload than engine size.

A little more indepth info on pickup ratings.

Pickup 101

Yes, the term 3/4 ton etc is antiquated now and for maybe 50+ years and is a general identifier for pickup trucks etc segments. So is 1/2 ton and 1 ton. The carry weight term is really referring to the truck's chassis, frame structure, and load carrying ability/capability as was manufactured as an OEM vehicle. does not refer to proper alterations or upfitting done to said vehicle after OEM build.

Such as for Ford or GM various pickup truck segments in past years:

1/2 ton = about up to 2000 lbs cargo max for a vehicle configuration within the segment. Many "1/2 ton" trucks were manufactured as stretched out (crew cab etc with a long bed) versions built on the 3/4 ton truck segment frames but still marketed as 1/2 ton trucks.

3/4 ton with it's stronger frame/larger engine and and/or heavier driveline options etc = up to about 3000 lbs max cargo for a vehicle configuration within the segment.

1 ton SRW = up to about 3500 lbs max cargo for a vehicle configuration within the segment.

1 ton DRW = up to about 5000 lbs max cargo for a vehicle configuration within the segment. The two extra rear wheels and higher capacity springs are the main reason for the higher cargo capacity. Now Ford has up to about 6900 lbe capacity and the 2015 GM's have up to about 7400 lbs capacity available. A far cry from the 5000 lbs of yester year!

Cab configuration/size and length of frame plus added weight of options included along with engine/driveline capability and GVWR brake capability (stopping ability) lowers load carrying capacity for a vehicle of each "size" segment.

There's NOT a black and white number for load carrying, towing, etc for any of the segments because of the vast configurations, options, and engine/drive line choices available.

Other pickup manufacturers generally had somewhat of the same type of segment classifications but usually had lower load carrying capacities (GVWR) thruout the individual segment classifications they offered due to chassis/frame structure design and/or driveline capabilities and/or braking capability at max GVWR. There is and never was a black and white line defining the limits of each "size" segment in the automotive industry.