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½-ton, ¾-ton, 1-ton
These terms refer to a vehicle’s classification according to its payload capacity. Originally, 1/2-ton pickups, like the Ford F-150, GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado 1500, and RAM 1500 had a payload of half a ton, or 1,000 pounds. Additionally, ¾-ton pickups, like 2500 models, had a payload capacity of ¾ of a ton, or 1,500 pounds, and 1-ton pickups, like 3500 models, could haul a full ton, or 2,000 pounds, in the bed. While payloads are far higher in current-generation pickups, the classifications still exist.
Ex: “Nice truck! Is that a ½-ton or a ¾-ton?”
2WD/FWD/RWD/AWD/4WD
These terms are drive configurations depicting which wheels receive power and at which times. 2WD refers to two-wheel-drive, often used for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) applications. While front-wheel-drive applications are also driven by two wheels, they typically utilize the abbreviation FWD (front-wheel drive).
AWD refers to all-wheel-drive vehicles, which typically refers to a drivetrain that sends power to all four wheels at all times. By comparison, four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles are typically selectable, meaning you can select between conventional 2WD and 4WD systems using the transfer case. In short:
2WD=Two-Wheel-Drive
FWD=Front-Wheel-Drive
RWD=Rear-Wheel-Drive
AWD=All-Wheel-Drive
4WD=Four-Wheel-Drive
EX: “Let’s take my truck to the snow instead, It’s 4WD.”
Payload
This term refers to the weight a pickup can safely carry in the bed, as specified by the manufacturer.
EX: “What’s the payload of this thing? I’m not sure it can carry a full load or gravel.”
Towing Capacity
This term refers to the weight a vehicle can safely tow, as specified by the manufacturer.
EX: “Don’t worry, this truck has plenty of towing capacity to manage that trailer!”
Short Bed/Long Bed
These terms refer to the standard bed lengths available on a truck. Typically, a short bed refers to a 6.5-foot bed, while a long bed refers to an 8-foot bed; however, this isn’t always the case. On some older Ford pickups, short bed pickups featured 7-foot long beds!
EX: “I wanted a short bed for drivability, but the long bed is great for hauling.”
Flatbed
A flatbed is an aftermarket bed style often used in commercial and agricultural work, featuring a wide, flatbed floor without boxed-in sides. These beds allow you to load, haul, and unload oversized cargo with ease.
EX: “I’m thinking about installing a flatbed to make work on the ranch easier.”
Gasser
A gasser is a vehicle with a gasoline-powered engine, as opposed to a diesel-burning engine.
EX: “I originally wanted a diesel, but the gasser was a better deal!”
Oil Burner
This term refers to a diesel-powered vehicle. The term oil burner stems from diesel fuel’s high oil concentration used to lubricate lift pumps, injection pumps, and fuel injectors.
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EX: “I just rolled 300,000 miles on the old oil burner! It’s just getting broken in!”
Slushbox
This term is semi-derogatory, referring to a vehicle with an automatic transmission, as its shifts are often viewed as sloppy, slow, and imprecise.
EX: “Nice truck, beside the slushbox!”
Stick Shift
This term refers to a vehicle with a manual transmission, as the shift often resembled a stick protruding from the transmission tunnel!
EX: “I don’t want an automatic; I’d rather have a stick shift.”
Dually/DRW
Dually refers to pickups with dual rear wheels on either side, for a total of four wheels and tires on the rear axle. These pickups are often used for industrial and agricultural work, as the added tires and track width significantly improve the payload and towing capacity.
EX: “If we’re hauling the gooseneck trailer today, I’ll bring my dually.”
SRW
This abbreviation stands for Single Rear Wheel, referring to a conventional pickup with one rear wheel per side.
EX: “Duallies are great if you’re hauling heavy, but I prefer a SRW truck for daily driving.”
IFS
This abbreviation stands for Independent Front Suspension, like the A-Arm setup found on most ½-ton pickup trucks and GM HD pickups. These suspension setups offer a better on-road ride; however, they’re often considered less durable than conventional solid-axle front suspension systems.
EX: “Wow, this truck rides great! Does it have IFS?”
Straight Axle
Straight axle pickups feature a solid, one-piece front differential housing connected to solid axle tubes. This axle type is commonly viewed as robust; however, it’s known to provide a stiff, bumpy ride on the street.
EX: “This truck drives great off-road; it’s because of the straight axle up front!”
Stepside
Stepside pickups were a popular option in the mid-20th century through the 1990s. These pickups feature a narrow bed with flared bedsides and integrated bed steps. What stepside pickups lack in cargo space, they more than make up for in style!
EX: “I love the look of stepside trucks; too bad you can’t even fit a piece of plywood in the back!”
Fleetside
Fleetside pickups feature conventional, cab-width beds with flat bedsides.
EX: “I’m looking to replace my stepside bed with a fleetside.”
Dropside
Dropside pickups are typically utility vehicles with hinged bedsides, essentially allowing you to convert a traditional fleetside bed into a flatbed!
EX: “I’m glad we brought the dropside for this job, or it’d take forever to load this cargo.”
Ute
Ute, short for Utility Vehicle, is a type of pickup found throughout the world, except in North America. These pickups typically feature small engines, compact cabs, and unibody construction, similar to a car or a small SUV with a bed.
EX: “I went to Australia and didn’t see a single F-250, just Utes!”
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