What makes a truck a heavy duty?

In the market for a new truck? You might be considering a heavy duty (HD) truck. But what exactly makes a truckheavy duty?

It used to be that any three-quarter or one-ton truck could be considered heavy duty. But as trucks have gotten bigger and more powerful, the definition of HD has changed.

Here are four factors that distinguish HD trucks from their light duty (LD) counterparts:

1. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

2. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

3. Towing capacity

4. Payload capacity

Let's take a closer look at each of these factors.

GVWR

The GVWR is the maximum weight of a fully loaded truck. This includes the weight of the vehicle, all passengers, cargo, and fuel.

To find the GVWR of a particular truck, you'll need to consult the manufacturer's specifications. But as a general rule of thumb, most LD trucks have a GVWR between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds. Most HD trucks have a GVWR of 9,000 pounds or more.

Keep in mind that the GVWR is different from the curb weight of a vehicle, which is the weight of the truck without passengers or cargo.

GCWR

The GCWR is the maximum weight of a fully loaded truck and trailer. This includes the weight of the vehicle, all passengers, cargo, and fuel, as well as the weight of the trailer and its contents.

As with the GVWR, you'll need to consult the manufacturer's specifications to find the GCWR of a particular truck. But as a general rule of thumb, most LD trucks have a GCWR between 10,000 and 12,500 pounds. Most HD trucks have a GCWR of 14,000 pounds or more.

Towing capacity

The towing capacity is the maximum weight that a truck can tow. This includes the weight of the trailer and its contents.

To find the towing capacity of a particular truck, you'll need to consult the manufacturer's specifications. But as a general rule of thumb, most LD trucks have a towing capacity between 5,000 and 8,500 pounds. Most HD trucks have a towing capacity of 9,000 pounds or more.

Payload capacity

The payload capacity is the maximum weight that a truck can carry. This includes the weight of all passengers and cargo.

If you are wondering what payload capacity your truck has, you can find the information you need on payloadmag.com. But as a general rule of thumb, most LD trucks have a payload capacity between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds. Most HD trucks have a payload capacity of 2,500 pounds or more.

So there you have it! These are the four factors that distinguish HD trucks from their LD counterparts. When shopping for a new truck, be sure to keep these factors in mind. And if you're ever in doubt, consult the manufacturer's specifications.

What are the 3 main classifications for trucks?

The three main classifications for trucks are light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty.

• Light duty trucks include pickups, vans, and sport utility vehicles. These trucks typically have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,500 pounds or less.
• Medium duty trucks include box trucks and delivery trucks. These trucks typically have a GVWR of between 8,500 and 26,000 pounds.
• Heavy duty trucks include dump trucks and tractor trailers. These trucks typically have a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or more.

Conclusion

When shopping for a new truck, be sure to keep the four factors that distinguish HD trucks in mind: GVWR, GCWR, towing capacity, and payload capacity. And if you're ever in doubt, consult the manufacturer's specifications.