Truck Size

Ever wonder what the numbers on the side of a pick up truck really mean? Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet all place identification numbers on the side of their trucks. Anyone looking for a truck should be aware of what each number means as they search for a new vehicle.

The formula is easy. Mini trucks are rated for the lightest load. They include vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Toyotas, and Chevy S-10’s.

After that comes the full size trucks. They generally have the same body, but different chassis are available under those bodies. Chassis include items such as frames, suspensions and axles. All of the sheet metal is basically the same on full size trucks.

The first category is a lighter duty full size truck. These would include Ford’s F150, GMC 1500 or a Dodge 1500. These are all half ton models. These trucks have a lighter suspension, transmission and brake system. They don’t carry as much weight or can’t tow as much as the higher numbered models.

The second category would include the Ford F250, GMC 2500 and Dodge 2500 series. The are in the three quarter ton category. The axles, brakes and transmissions are heavier. They would tow and carry more weight.

The last class is the 350 class, or the one ton class. One tons can have a single wheel in the back or a double wheel, sometimes called a “duelly”. One tons generally are the same truck as the 250, but added features include overload springs and a transmission cooler. Some one tons are a actually a different frame from the 250 class though. Once again, the meaning of the numbers translates to a heavier towing capacity and cargo load.

Ford offers the 450 and 550 series. It is a heavier truck than the 350. Interestingly enough the front end on the 450, 550 and 350 series are the same. The difference comes in the back end. There is a heavier frame from the firewall back. This increases the load rating for the 450 and 550 since the load is carried on the back of a truck. The brakes in the back allow for a heavier load as well.

If you are looking at a truck to tow a camper, trailer, or if you want to haul a heavy load you’ll want to look at the maximum towing capacity for the truck. The primary reason for finding a truck that will suit your needs is so that you don’t overload and damage your truck.