HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN 1/2 TON vs 3/4 TON TRUCKS // 5 IMPORTANT FACTORS // ENGINEER'S REVIEW

How do you decide between 1/2 ton trucks and larger 3/4 ton trucks? What are the key considerations? Automotive Engineer David Chao explains 5 critical factors in deciding whether to buy the more popular 1/2 trucks like this Ford F-150 or the larger and more capable 3/4 trucks like the Chevy 2500 series. This is a full engineer's review of both trucks.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

If you want a car get a 1/2 ton. If you are going to trailer or use the capabilities of the truck get the 3/4 ton. I worked for GMC truck for 12 years. So many customers bought 1/2 ton trucks and later lost money trading them in on 3/4 ton trucks. Yes, you can add helper springs or air bags but that still doesn't increase the brakes or strength of the frame. There are HD towing versions of 1/2 ton trucks and that can be another option if you don't quite need the capacity of a 3/4 ton.

[@erickisel8668]

@AutomotivePress: the price of a similarly equipped half ton vs 3/4 ton gasser are quite close and with the 3/4 ton being much more capable, it is the better choice IMO. Great review, thank you.

[@elizabethwhite4606]

David, thank you for your excellent review on comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences. For most of my daily driving life, the smaller truck would be more appropriate. Thank you also for the reminder about the V-8 being phased out by auto manufacturers.

[@davidlusk4350]

Interesting topic, as I've owned both sizes. Thec2500 duramax was sweet and powerful as all you could imagine. Ride was better I thought and interior was very nice as well. Lots of downsides, 7 recalls in 3 years of ownership, oil changes I was not ready to expect that cost and fuel filters as well. Sold my LTZ at the peak of the car shortage and bought a lexus rspx 350 then a new 4 runner sr5. Hate the ride and sear comfort is rough. Looking to get back into gasser HD as rebates climb in next year 😊😊

[@oneninerniner3427]

You can get a 1/2 tons with eight foot beds as well you know. Not sure if you can get a 1/2 ton crew cab with an eight foot bed, but pretty sure regular cabs or extended cabs should be available. The main deal with 1/2 to 3/4 or even 1 tons is hauling and towing capacity, period. That's the deal. The thing I don't like is with the high hood sight lines it makes it hard to see over the hood at things in close proximity to the front from the driver's seat, a huge blind spot! And that includes 1/2 tons the hood line is too high.

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, All trucks are huge these days. Recently while waiting at a red light, I saw a new F-250 pull up beside me. Imagine my shock when I realized it was a F-150 Once again I renew my call for the return of right-sized pickups like the T100. 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@johng.4959]

Nicely explained! But honestly, unless you are a contractor/builder etc., most trucks are just too damn large. Try finding a parking spot lately? Here in the desert southwest, these behemoths are everywhere. Unfortunately, the streets and parking infrastructure hasn't kept pace and it's a "cluster" maneuvering through parking lots and other areas. IMHO, there has to be a better solution. I don't need a small truck, just something like the old Toyota tundra. Plus, who can afford these $80-100k trucks?

[@jimmyamico4713]

Hi David, Excellent video on large and extra large trucks… I wish Lexus made a small midsize and large pick up truck… Do you think that will ever happen?❤

[@erickisel8668]

They do… it is the Tundra Capstone

[@garyclark6747]

Bigger is better if there is a massive load beyond the capacity of the 1/2 ton truck. Right tool for the job and I don’t even have one for the 1/2 ton. 😁 13:40