What’s the Difference Between 1500, 2500, 3500 Trucks?

Powerhouse pickups are staples of the Puyallup roads, and if you’re looking for your next vehicle, you might be wondering,”What is the difference between 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks?” These numbers are used widely throughout the truck segment across Chevy, RAM, and GMC models to represent the hauling potential of each model. Take a closer look at what you need to know about the modern pickup market with Sunset Chevrolet.

Defining 1500, 2500, 3500 Meaning

The original difference between 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks was a matter of weight. The 1500 represented half-ton capacity, the 2500 represented three-quarter-ton capacity, and the 3500 represented one-ton capacity. That’s why you may see the 1500 called a “half ton.” But nowadays, these designations refer primarily to the truck’s purpose.

• Light-Duty (1500): A light duty truck is an everyday truck that excels whether driving around Puyallup or doing light work. Highly capable and versatile, these trucks are jacks of all trades.
• Heavy-Duty (2500 and 3500): For more intensive hauling needs, the heavy duty trucks provide more robust capabilities. These models are more specialized to accommodate heavier towing capacities.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500

So, how does this translate into a pickup truck like the best-selling Chevy Silverado lineup? Let’s take a look:

• Chevy Silverado 1500: The Chevy Silverado 1500 is one of the most popular pickups around with a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds and max payload of 2,280 pounds. A 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 is standard, while the optional diesel brings best-in-class highway fuel economy.
• Chevy Silverado 2500: The Chevy Silverado 2500 boosts performance to the next level with its 18,510-pound towing capacity, as well as available engine options like the 6.6L Gas V8 (Standard) or Duramax 6.6L Turbo-Diesel V8 (available).
• Chevy Silverado 3500: The most capable of the three, the Chevy Silverado 3500 delivers heavy-duty performance with a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds when properly equipped and a segment-first Advanced Trailering System to create customized trailer profiles for your convenience. 

Find Your Next Truck with Sunset Chevrolet

Now that you know the difference between the 1500, 2500, and 3500, which will you take home? Whichever your choice, know this: every dealership buys their new trucks at the same price, which means no one else can get one for you cheaper. At Sunset Chevrolet, we believe in giving you more for your money: 

• Warranty Protection for Life — a limited powertrain warranty that keeps you covered for as long as you own your vehicle, eligible at any ASE certified dealer in the US or Canada.
• Oil Changes for Life — driving home select new and pre-owned models can save you hundreds of dollars a year in essential maintenance!

Contact us at Sunset Chevrolet for more information about the Silverado lineups, and feel free to stop by our showroom in Sumner for a test drive.