Pickup trucks are built to handle heavy-duty jobs, which is why they are known as workhorses. One of the most important aspects of a pickup truck is its tonnage, which is the weight it can carry or tow. It’s a measure of the vehicle’s capability and it’s a critical factor when deciding which truck to buy.
Truck tonnage comes in many different forms and sizes. Generally, they are calculated in terms of payload capacity and towing capacity.
The payload capacity is the amount of weight that can be safely carried in the bed or cab of the truck. The towing capacity is the maximum weight that can be safely towed behind the vehicle.
Payload and towing capacities vary greatly from one model to another, depending on factors such as engine size, transmission type, suspension type, drive train type and more. Generally, larger trucks have higher payload and towing capacities than smaller ones. Most manufacturers provide detailed specifications for their vehicles so you can easily determine what tonnage your chosen model offers.
Understanding Tonnage Ratings
Tonnage ratings are expressed in either pounds or kilograms and they refer to a vehicle’s maximum load capacity or trailer tongue weight rating (TW). For example, if a pickup truck has a payload rating of 2,000 lbs., this means it can safely carry up to 2,000 lbs.
of cargo in its bed or cab. Similarly, if a pickup truck has a TW rating of 1,500 lbs., this means it can safely tow up to 1,500 lbs. behind it.
It’s important to note that these ratings should not be confused with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). GVWR refers to the total weight that can be safely carried by all components combined including passengers and cargo while GCWR refers to the total weight that can be safely towed by all components combined including passengers and cargo.
Selecting The Right Tonnage
When selecting your pickup truck tonnage rating, you should consider your intended use for the vehicle. For example, if you plan on using your vehicle for light-duty tasks such as hauling small items like furniture or landscaping supplies then you may not need a large tonnage rating. However, if you plan on hauling large items such as boats or ATVs then you will need a larger tonnage rating so you don’t exceed your vehicle’s limits.
Final Thoughts
Pickup truck tonnage is an important factor when deciding which model to buy because it determines how much weight your truck can carry or tow safely. To ensure you get the right amount of tonnage for your needs, consider your intended use for the vehicle before making a purchase decision.
Conclusion: What Is Pickup Truck Tonnage? Pickup truck tonnage refers to how much weight your truck can carry or tow safely. Different models will have different payload capacities and trailer tongue weights so it’s important to select one with enough capacity for your needs before making a purchase decision.
