Directory of 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks?

[VanForNow]

I am thinking of buying a used pickup. 

Due to the bewildering number of models out there, is there an online directory that will immediately tell me whether a particular model is a 1/2 or 3/4 ton truck? Such a listing would save me time in narrowing down which models to even look at before doing detailed research on the one I want.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Generally speaking, 1/2 ton models are usually listed as 150s or 1500s, 3/4 tons as 250s or 2500s, 1 tons as 350s or 3500s.

That's the domestic stuff - Ford, Chevy/GMC, Dodge Ram . . .

I don't really know if Toyota or Nissan make anything bigger than 1/2 ton.

 

[GotSmart]

Actually the Dodge products rate their weights a little higher, but to stay basic, it is as easy as 1, 150 or 1500 (1/2 ton or 1,000 lb payload)  2,  250, or 2500 (3/4 ton 1,500 lb payload)  3.  350 or 3500 (1 ton 2,000 lb payload).

 

[DannyB1954]

If it doesn't have a number with the name it is probably rated for 1/2 ton. Some examples being Dakota and Colorado.

 

[VanForNow]

Thanks for the information everyone.

Another quick question: Does anyone know offhand which 3/4 ton pickup (2, 250 or 2500) has the best rating for fuel economy? I will be buying a used truck.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Thanks for the information everyone.

Another quick question: Does anyone know offhand which 3/4 ton pickup (2, 250 or 2500) has the best rating for fuel economy? I will be buying a used truck.

Sorry, but that's going to be highly variable, depending on the engine, whether the tranny has an overdrive or not, rear axle ratio, etc.

The "official" factory figures are kind of a game - every factory uses their smallest economy engine, the most economical rear end ratio available, etc. to get the best figure they can.  The truck you buy might bear no real relationship to that, depending on the "options"

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Another quick question: Does anyone know offhand which 3/4 ton pickup (2, 250 or 2500) has the best rating for fuel economy? I will be buying a used truck.

The one that is traveling downhill (both directions)    A diesel will get better than a gas engine.  My observation is that for similar loads and terrain all three get close to the same gas milage.  Driving style is probably the biggest factor.

The "official" factory figures are kind of a game . . . 

See diesel, Volkswagen.

Sorry.  I'm in that kind of mood tonight.  :blush: 

 -- Spiff

 

[masterplumber]

Unfortunately the High MPG diesels are all getting older now. The newer clean diesels don't get nearly the mileage generally speaking, with a few exceptions. If you're willing or able to find a clean older model look for a pre 2003 or there abouts Dodge 5.9 liter or Ford 7.3 liter, or a Chevy/GMC 6.2 or 6.4 liter. I'm not sure the years on the Chevy/GMC but maybe HDR can chime in. There are a few random gas engines out there that in the right configuration can do decently. I once owned a 1994 Ford F250 with a 5.7 liter gas engine, 5 speed manual transmission, and 4.10 axle gears. It regularly achieved 16 mpg on the highway, and 12 mpg while loaded with tools and towing a large ride on trencher.

 

[No Prob Rob]

I have been down this same road for several months. Finally pulled the trigger and bought a used pick up truck. Here is what I learned. I bought a used commercial vehicle. Every single maintenance item done was documented on Car-Fax. It was a one (company) owner. Oil was changed regular and if anything was wrong it got fixed. After so many years the vehicle has been depreciated out so they just sell it off and buy another new one. One other thing overlooked is a commercial vehicle may have many of the same specs as a truck intended for the general public, however because it is rated "commercial" the price is many thousands of dollars less. Yea it will probably be white in color- but I like white. Usually there may be tool boxes still attached, a hitch, topper, etc. you get the idea. Stuff you usually have to pay extra for when you buy at a dealership or non commercial vehicle. I noticed the axles on my 1/2 ton have six lug nuts instead of 5. That tells me it is a little heavier duty than your run of the mill 1/2 ton truck. Yea mileage is crappy but that's what you get with a truck. I am spoiled because my hybrid gets 35-40 mpg. My truck has a 4.6 liter V8. I got tired of looking and wearing myself out trying to get a better/best deal. Sometimes you just gotta take your best shot and move forward. I like Ford because I just sold my 1995 F 150 to my brother for $800. It has 326,000 miles on it and is still running good. Power is not what it use to be but hey it has lots of miles. This 2010 F 150 I just bought is twice the truck compared to my 1995. This thing is a beast! 132,000 miles so by my standards it is just now broke in. HA! In my previous life I was an ASE Certified diesel mechanic for 25 years. Now I work on stuff as a Hobby.


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[wagoneer]

Makes me wonder why you did't go with a diesel? and a 3/4 ton . Do you know something I dont.

 

[No Prob Rob]

The reason I went with a 1/2 ton gas rig is one reason. Cost. I can replace an entire motor (4.6 V8 gas) for what it might cost to replace the fuel injection system. Oil and fuel filter change for a diesel is about 3-4 times more than on a gas rig. Fuel for a diesel is not much less than gas. Plus more is not always better.


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[highdesertranger]

again some people here are comparing apples to oranges. if you get the right diesel some of what has been said is pure hog wash. on older IDI engines the whole fuel injection system can be replaced for under 1k, I know I just did it with brand new not rebuilt components. oil and fuel filter changes cost the same as my 454ci engine, unless you are buying cheap oil and filters for the gasser. for the last 5 years diesel has been cheaper then gas in CA. while the gap has closed in the recent months it wasn't that long ago when diesel was cheaper by over a buck. if you have a comparable gas and diesel engine pulling the same load the diesel will get 50% better fuel economy. I am not saying everyone should run out and buy a diesel, but to continue reading this I had to say something. highdesertranger

 

[No Prob Rob]

I agree especially if you are going to drive a lot of miles. Diesel makes sense. My experience was I could get a good used gas truck for 11 K and a comparable diesel was twice that


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[wagoneer]

$2.33 cents in Nevada Yesterday It's a choice 2 weeks at the spring when you get rural you notice the towing truck of choice. Have had both and while my gas motors have all been easy to wrench, the inline 6 is the same.