3/4 ton or 1 ton?

[sreigle]

For some time now I have been saying the current crop of 3/4 ton trucks has seriously narrowed the gap between 3/4 and 1 ton. So much so that it is no longer accurate to make a blanket statement that a 1 ton is better than a 3/4 ton. I do believe that in any one brand and model, all else such as engine, transmission, tires, rear axle ratio being the same, the 1 ton will many times have better numbers.

But today's 3/4 tons in several cases have better numbers than yesterday's 1 tons. The possible exception is the 1 ton will probably still have a bit more payload, although that gap has narrowed considerably also.

So, I guess it's time for me to post some numbers. I wish I still had all the numbers as the absence of some will likely draw some criticism. But so be it.

First, all trucks listed below are diesel and are single rear wheel, 4x4, 3.73 axle. A dually will have more payload capacity. That's a given. None of mine have been dually so duallies are not shown here.

Also, when my laptop died recently I lost my notes so some of the figures are from memory. Where I'm not positive you'll see xxx in the number.

I'd like to compare numbers for our current and prior two trucks.

Truck 1: 2003 Ford F350 1 ton diesel supercab shortbed 4x4 automatic, 3.73 axle.

Truck 2: 2005 Ford F250 3/4 ton diesel crewcab shortbed 4x4 automatic, 3.73 axle.

Truck 3: 2007 Dodge 3500 1 ton diesel MegaCab shortbed 4x4 automatic, 3.73 axle.

GVWR:
2003 F350 - 9,900
2005 F250 - 10,000
2007 3500 - 10,100 (4.10 axle takes it to 10,400)

Tow Rating:
2003 F350 - 14,xxx (I think it was 14,200)
2005 F250 - 15,400
2007 3500 - 13,150 (4.10 axle takes it to 15,100) (dually is 13,450/15,450 respective to axle)

GCWR:
2003 F350 - 20,000
2005 F250 - 23,000
2007 3500 - 21,000 (23,000 with 4.10 axle) no changes for dually.

Payload per door sticker:
2003 F350 - don't know. I don't think it had this on the sticker in 2003
2005 F250 - 2,3xx
2007 3500 - 2,577

Some of those who insist a 3/4 ton is insufficient for a Montana state the Ford is heavier. Here's the weights per the title.
2003 - don't know
2005 F250 - 6,920
2007 3500 - 7,291

I spoke with Ford parts people, Ford service technicians, and a retired Ford diesel engineer (a friend). The only difference between the F250 and the F350 is the F350 has one more leaf in the rear springs. Air bags provided the additional suspension capacity on our F250. The F350 has some larger tire size options as well but this is based on the standard tire sizes.

If these were airplanes that will crash and burn on takeoff if a couple hundred pounds overweight, then I'd be a whole lot more concerned about weight. But thousands and thousands have put on many, many miles and we just are not hearing about accidents due to being overweight. It just isn't happening.

This post is not an attempt to say don't worry about being overweight. That is something everyone should consider. And then make a decision based on their level of comfort. I would caution everyone to give weight serious consideration in your truck and fifthwheel purchase.

My truck is overloaded according to the numbers and it's a 1 ton. Even if it were a dually it would still be overloaded with our Montana. But we've never experienced a failure of any kind related to weight nor have we even seen any unusual tire wear. Nor have I ever experienced a moment where I felt there was any question about control. The 4.10 axle on the Dodge has higher numbers. In time I will find out if the 3.73 differential can handle it or not. I've not heard of failures in this area.

I am posting this to get some facts on the table. I am not trying to start a war here. I ask our moderators that if this thread turns into a war, delete it.