My question is this: I own a Dodge Ram 1500 2001 pickup but have noticed that other car mfg.'s use the same “1500” designation on some of their trucks. And was wondering, what exactly does the 1500 mean, since more than one company uses it. Just curious. Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks.
No real meaning, other than ‘smallest capacity full size pickup’.
I could mean 1 1/2 ton capacity. A 2500 being 2 1/2 ton etc. Not a hard rule but some manufacturers do something like this.
More likely pounds, like 1500 lbs or 3/4 ton.
Given the wide range of drive trains, seats, doors, bed length, etc, the number has no real meaning.
They’re just model or series numbers with no direct correlation to the actual weight capacity, though the higher the number, the higher the capacity. Currently GM and Ram use the 1500, 2500, 3500 for 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton models, respectively, while Ford uses 150, 250, and 350 in the F-Series. They all go higher, too, such as 4500, 5500, F-450, F-550 for medium duty 1-1/2 and 2 ton trucks, and higher yet for heavy duty.
Back in the 40s and 50s, Chevy used the model numbers 3100, 3600, and 3800 for their 1/2 thru 1 ton pickup models, plus various 4000, 5000, and 6000 series models for the medium duty trucks. Then in the 60s, they switched to 10, 20, and 30 series models (and higher for medium and heavy duty), and began the C/K designations for 2- or 4-wheel drive. At some point in the 80s they went with the 1500, 2500, 3500 series numbers. Internally, they’re known as C/K 1,2,3, and up.
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It sounds cool.
Like “Mustang”, which name, I remember reading, was actually selected to evoke the P-51 Mustang fighter plane on WWII. The horse was an afterthought.
From what I can find, the load capcities of the 1500/2500/3500 are around 1800/3700/4500-7000 lbs.
Thanks for all the answers. It’s good to know stuff and what better place to find it out than right here from the “Experts”. Thanks…and now we know.