Trucks make the world go around. They’re responsible for most domestic, commercial, government or military transportation and distribution. Knowing truck classes and their categories helps you understand the regulations surrounding your beast better, and communicate with your fellow truck enthusiasts, service and retail shops. Trucks are classified according to their maximum load they can carry. In America the “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating” (GVWR) is the determinant to categorize trucks into different classes 1 to 3 ( light duty) , 4 to 6 (medium duty) or 7 and 8 (heavy duty) trucks. Whether you are planning to buy a salvage heavy duty truck for business or a light duty truck for use in suburban areas, the post will help you understand truck classification in America.
Light Duty Trucks
Trucks with a small payload and smaller size and engine.
Class 1
Trucks with a GVWR of 0 to 6,000 lbs. Example Dodge Dakota, GMC canyon etc.
Class 2
Trucks with a GVWR of 6,000 to 10,000 lbs. Example Dodge Ram 1500, Ford 150 etc.
Class 3
Trucks with a GVWR of 10,0001 to 14,000 lbs. Example The hummer H1, Ford F 350 etc.
Medium Duty Trucks
Trucks with a medium payload and medium sized engine and storage.
Class 4
Trucks with a GVWR of 14,001 to 16,000 lbs. Example Dodge Ram 4500, GMC 4500 etc.
Class 5
Trucks with a GVWR of 16,001 to 19,500 lbs. Example Dodge Ram 5500, Ford F 550 etc
Class 6
Trucks with a GVWR of 19,5001 to 26,000 lbs. Example International Durastar. Ford F 650 etc
Heavy Duty Trucks
Trucks with a heavy payload, bigger sized engines and upwards to three axles.
Class 7
These require a class B commercial driver’s license to operate. Trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000 lbs. Example Ford F 750, GMC 7500.
Class 8
This alsos requires a class B commercial driver’s license to operate. Trucks with a GVWR of 33,001 lbs. These heavy duty trucks have three or more axles. Examples are tractor trailers, Dumper Trucks.
Conclusion
Different types of trucks are used for different purposes. Trucks can be used to go off roading, as mobile homes or RVs. They’re also used to transport household or commercial items. Buying trucks can be an expensive affair. If budget is a constraint, there are many light, medium and salvage heavy duty trucks available for sale on online auto auction sites. Make sure you enquire about pink slips, truck title, licenses required, insurance policy etc before driving that monster, home.
