From Dale Wickell,
Your Guide to Trucks.
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Pickup Truck Load Guidelines

I'm sure you've heard different models of pickup trucks referred to as half-ton, three-quarter-ton, and one-ton vehicles. All three terms refer to pickup truck load capacity. For instance, a half ton truck's springs, chassis, and bed are designed to safely carry a maximum of 1000 pounds, or one-half of a ton.

Most manufacturers have stopped using weight-related terminology to describe their pickup trucks. They've switched to number or letter designations that don't usually help you determine a truck's load rating, but you'll always find it listed in the vehicle's specifications.

Half-Ton Pickup Trucks - General Purpose

• Drive to work
  
• Move furniture
  
• Haul trash
  
• Modify to create a lowrider or sport truck

Three-Quarter-Ton Pickup Trucks - General Purpose, Heavier Loads

• Hauling dirt or sand
  
• Light fifth-wheel trailer use with in-bed campers

One-Ton Pickup Trucks - Heavy Cargo

• Hauling large loads of sand, dirt or wood
  
• Large in-bed campers
  
• Heavy fifth-wheel trailers, such as horse trailers or car trailers

More About Load Capacity

• Engine, transmission, axle gearing, and "people load" also play a part in the capabilities of your truck.
  
• Overload springs help keep the vehicle level when loaded or overloaded, but they do not strengthen the axle, wheel bearings, tires or frame.