Why do you still call it a "half ton"?
We have all heard and used the terms "half ton", "three-quarter ton", or "one ton" before. In fact these terms are tossed around here on a daily basis without even thinking about. But why? Most...
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Another issue with these "ratings" is figuring out what exactly they mean. As an engineer I have always wondered what criteria was used to determine tow ratings. I believe that SAE J8207 is supposed to standardize the test methods to determine tow ratings but I don't see on any OEM websites whether they actually use those standards.
It used to be that these ratings were a tug of war between an OEM's marketing and engineering/quality departments. Marketing wanted to rate them higher so that they could say they have the more capable truck. The more capable truck will probably sell better. On the other hand engineering/quality wanted to under rate them for warranty cost purposes. If you only pull a 1000# boat with a 2500 you will likely not see any transmission/engine returns.
I too dislike the standard nomenclature. I pull a 6000# trailer with a "half ton". While it handles it nice I still take my time, lower my speed, and drive for the conditions.
It used to be that these ratings were a tug of war between an OEM's marketing and engineering/quality departments. Marketing wanted to rate them higher so that they could say they have the more capable truck. The more capable truck will probably sell better. On the other hand engineering/quality wanted to under rate them for warranty cost purposes. If you only pull a 1000# boat with a 2500 you will likely not see any transmission/engine returns.
I too dislike the standard nomenclature. I pull a 6000# trailer with a "half ton". While it handles it nice I still take my time, lower my speed, and drive for the conditions.
