How much does a pickup truck weigh? With the high cost of gas these days, buying a heavy vehicle like a pickup truck might not be everyone’s first choice. But if you are in the market for a new or used pickup truck, knowing the actual weight of the truck is important.

Not only for fuel economy reasons, but for towing and payload limits, bridge and road weight limitations, and more. This article will show you the weight of various pickup trucks on the market.

How much does a pickup truck weigh?

On average, a pickup truck weighs between 4,000 – 9,500 pounds depending on its class. This is known as curb weight. When comparing half-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton trucks, half-ton trucks weigh the least and 1-ton trucks are the heaviest. Depending on the make, model, and features of the truck, the weight can vary.

What affects the curb weight of a pickup truck?

As you can see from the table above, many pickup truck models have a range of weight, instead of a single number. In some cases, the range represents over a dozen separate numbers that we could find for that type of truck. Here’s what’s typically causing this variation in curb weight.

Heavy Duty vs. Regular Trucks

Most full-size trucks come in heavy-duty versions. For example, the Ford F-350, Ram 2500 or Silverado 3500HD are all heavy-duty trucks, designed to haul and tow heavier weight. They are designed for the task, with a stronger and heavier chassis, larger engines and an overall sturdier build. Naturally, these beasts are also heavier.

Trim level

Some of the popular truck models come in a variety of trim levels. For example, if you’re out to buy a Ford F-150, you can choose between a humble Ford F-150 XL, through the XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Raptor, Platinum, all the way up to the Limited luxury version.

Some elements of the trim level hardly affect the weight of the truck. After all, leather seat covers don’t weight a whole lot more than plain fabric ones. However, the higher up you go in trim level, the more systems you have added onto the truck. At some point, that accumulated weight can make the truck heavier.

Cab size

Many truck models offer a choice of cab size. From a basic one-row of seats to spacious two-rows – and some configurations in between. You can read more about the various types of truck cabs in this post. Of course, the larger the cab, the higher the curb weight.

Bed size

The other major factor in a truck’s configuration is the length of its bed. Many full-size truck models are offered in a variety of bed lengths. The longer the bed – the heavier the truck.

2WD vs. 4WD

An often-overlooked parameter of weight is that of the drivetrain. While most people think of a large pickup truck as a great fit for off-road adventures, many models are actually offered in both a 2WD and 4WD configurations. Having a four-wheel-drive can add hundreds of pounds to the weight to the truck.

Engine configuration

Finally, the same model, with the same trim level, cab size, and bed size can be offered in a choice of more than one engine. The typical division here is that of gas vs. diesel engines, with the latter being sturdier and heavier too.

Can you make a pickup truck lighter?

It depends on what you want to achieve and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

Here are some ways to make your pickup truck lighter:

• Remove unnecessary items: One of the easiest and cheapest ways to reduce weight is to take out any items that you don’t need, such as tools, equipment, or personal belongings. Every pound counts, so be ruthless and only keep what you absolutely need.
• Replace heavy parts with lighter ones: Another way to shed weight is to swap heavy parts with lighter ones that offer the same or better performance. For example, you can replace your steel wheels with aluminum wheels, which are lighter and more stylish. You can also replace your exhaust system with a high-performance one that is made of titanium or stainless steel, which are lighter and more durable.
• Use lightweight materials: If you’re building a custom pickup truck or doing a major overhaul, you can consider using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum for the body, bed, or interior. These materials are stronger and lighter than steel, but they can be more expensive and require special skills to work with.

Keep in mind that making your pickup truck lighter may have some drawbacks, such as reduced towing capacity, lower payload, or less stability in windy or rough conditions.

What determines the weight of a pickup truck?

The weight of a pickup truck is determined by several factors, including the size of the engine, the materials used in the construction of the body and frame, the type of suspension, the presence of four-wheel drive or other drivetrain options, and the configuration of the cab and bed. Additionally, added features and accessories can impact the overall weight.

For example, trucks with larger engines, heavier-duty suspension systems, and four-wheel drive typically weigh more than those with smaller engines, lighter-duty suspensions, and rear-wheel drive.

Similarly, crew cab configurations, which have larger cabs and more interior space for passengers, are usually heavier than regular cab or extended cab configurations. The length of the truck bed can also affect the weight, with longer beds generally being heavier than shorter ones.

FAQs

What is the average weight of a pickup truck?

The average standard pickup truck weighs between 4,000 – 7,000 lbs. As for a heavy duty truck like the Ford F350 or the Nissan Titan, the average weight comes in between 7,500 – 12,000 lbs. No wonder America’s favorite ride is so tough and durable!

How heavy is a pickup truck in tons?

The average pickup truck weighs around 3 tons. While this is lighter than commercial vehicles, it’s still double a standard car’s weight. Because owning a pickup doesn’t require special licensing or training, there’s an added risk—especially if the driver is hauling anything.

Are pickup trucks getting heavier?

This explains why, between 1990 and 2021, the average weight of pickup trucks has increased by around 32%. With bigger, heavier trucks and so many more of them on the road today than in past decades, it becomes easy to see how and why pedestrian death tolls are ballooning right alongside them.

Above is information about How much does a pickup truck weigh? that we have compiled. Hopefully, through the above content, you have a more detailed understanding of What affects the curb weight of a pickup truck? Thank you for reading our post.