How Much Does A Pickup Truck Weigh?

Last Updated on January 5, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

The average weight of a pickup truck can range between 4,000 – 7,000 lbs. you should keep in mind that the actual weight of a pickup truck can vary depending on the type of truck, size of the truck model of truck, etc.

Key Takeaways

  • Pickup trucks are available in different types like full-size pickup trucks, midsize pickup trucks, mini pickup trucks, hybrid pickup trucks, heavy-duty pickup trucks, etc.
  • The average weight of a full-size pickup truck can range between 4,000 – 8,000 lbs.
  • The average weight of a mid-size pickup truck can range between 3,500 – 5,000 lbs.
  • The average weight of a mini pickup truck can range between 2,000 – 3,000 lbs.
  • The average weight of a heavy-duty pickup truck can range between 7,500 – 12,000 lbs.

Curb Weight Of Some Popular Pickup Trucks In 2023

Pickup TruckCurb Weight In Ibs
Chevy Silverado 1500

Chevy Silverado 2500

Chevy Silverado 3500

Dodge Ram 1500

Dodge Ram 2500

Ford F-150

Ford F-250

Ford F-350

Ford F-250 Super Duty

Ford F-350 Super Duty

GMC Sierra 1500

GMC Sierra 2500

GMC Sierra 3500
4,520 – 5,240 lb

6,092 – 6,950 lb

6,231 – 7,247 lb

4,798 – 5,372 lb

5,988 – 7,431 lb

4,069 – 5,684 lb

5,677 – 7,538 lb

5,878 – 7,737 lb

5,677 – 7,538 lb

5,677 – 7,447 lb

4,520 – 5,240 lb

6,092 – 6,950 lb

6,231 – 7,247 lb

Heavy-Duty Trucks Weight More Than Regular Trucks

When we talk about vans, we must mention that size matters. When it comes to transportation and towing, weight is one of the most important factors to consider in a truck. Along with this, the weight of a vehicle is also associated with other important factors such as fuel efficiency.

So, you must analyze the unladen weight of a truck to find the actual weight of this type of vehicle. The unladen weight means the weight of the vehicle with no cargo and passengers. To be able to see exactly how the empty weight affects it, there are a few things that need to be mentioned it.

There are many popular pickup trucks today in 2020 and in previous years. Each of these truck models has a heavy-duty version available. This is not a small difference here, as both the price difference and the vehicle features can vary considerably.

Those pickup trucks that offer the heavy-duty version have much more durable, solid, and rugged construction. A good example of this is the Chevy Silverado 3500 HD pickup. Here, the strength levels are more formidable than regular versions of even the same vehicle model.

Generally, users can enjoy a stronger and larger overall body, much heavier engines, and a more reinforced chassis. All these aspects are paramount for users who need to do heavy work. Here, the heavy work can be heavy-duty transport work or towing work for other vehicles.

1. Bed And Cab Size

Another really important factor of a pickup truck’s weight affects other characteristics of the vehicle. Both the cabin size of a pickup truck as well as the box size can easily change the empty weight of a pickup truck. It is not the same to have a single cab as a double cab in this type of vehicle.

In general, a regular cab truck has only two doors. Thus, it is a much lighter vehicle compared to the larger versions. Therefore, the weight can be considerably increased with a four-door super-cab. Here, the most metal is needed so that more passengers can travel in this vehicle.

This is the same as for the different box sizes. Vans with a short or normal box can offer lightweight compared to the other versions. On the contrary, when a user needs an extra-long box to carry a larger load capacity, the weight of the vehicle increases by a few pounds.

2. 2 x 4 Trucks Compared To 4 x 4 Trucks

In principle, it is necessary to take into account that each of these versions of vans has the same engine, equipment, and configuration. However, the options that can provide four-wheel drive have a much higher weight compared to trucks that provide only two-wheel drive.

In this case, the transfer case incorporates a greater amount of weight when it comes to pickup trucks with four-wheel drive. However, this is specially done so that these vans provide greater off-road driving capability. So, the driver will be able to enjoy additional support when it comes to a more difficult and adventurous road.

In contrast, 2-wheel drive trucks do not require as much additional bracing. By removing all these parts, then the total weight of the vehicle decreases considerably. 2 x 4 pickup trucks are often used to transport trailers to 4 x 4 trucks. Beyond that, this allows users to choose the best option for their needs.

3. Engine Size

Of course, another important aspect that is involved in the total empty weight of a vehicle is the size of the engine. As you may know, small 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines can provide a relatively lightweight for a pickup truck. In other cases, users need more power according to some needs.

So, the weight increases considerably when it comes to an 8-cylinder engine. On average, 8-cylinder engines weigh more than 6-cylinder engines. Here, the construction of an 8-cylinder engine is much more solid and includes more parts. These larger engines are in charge of providing more power.

On the other hand, there is a big difference between diesel engines and gasoline engines. In particular, a pickup truck has a higher unladen weight when it has a diesel engine. These engines are designed to be highly resistant and to withstand higher compression and torque. So, a really strong and heavy construction is required.

4. Finishing And Additional Features

Sometimes additional parts and features can be included that can increase the empty weight of a truck. Of course, these additional elements do not affect the empty weight in the same way as the aspects we have mentioned above. When a user chooses leather seats instead of fabric seats, the difference in weight is not very important.

On the other hand, this difference can be somewhat relevant when additional systems or a set of really heavy parts are incorporated. So, in most cases, the set of additional parts that can be added for greater comfort is not very relevant. Therefore, it is not worth eliminating these parts since you do not get a much lighter vehicle.

Why Is The Empty Weight Important?

As we have mentioned before, a pickup truck is often used for certain special activities. Many people need to work with this type of truck instead of larger trucks. Here, you need a certain amount of working capacity that these types of vehicles can offer in many situations.

To know the payload capacity of a pickup truck, a very simple calculation will be made. Here, it is simply a matter of subtracting the empty weight from the gross weight of the vehicle. So, this simple count will allow you to know the transport capacity that a certain pickup truck can provide.

Additionally, the empty weight is also important when calculating the fuel economy of a given truck. So, you will be able to know exactly the transportation and towing capacity that the pickup trucks in the market can provide. Along with that, you will have to determine what your needs are.

So, you don’t need the same towing and transportation capacity in all situations. In particular, you need a more powerful vehicle to carry a heavy load than just to transport passengers. When it comes to transporting a motorhome, you will need some of the highest payload capacities. This way, you will be able to choose the best option without much effort.

What Is The Difference Between Curb Weight And Gross Weight?

To calculate the empty weight of any vehicle, it is necessary to take the weight of the vehicle without any element or passenger on top. Of course, a disappointment must be made with the standard equipment that comes with any vehicle. Calculating the unladen weight is important for some vehicles and not so important for other models.

Also, the gross weight is the total weight of any vehicle including luggage, passengers, and any other type of cargo. The difference between the gross weight and the empty weight of a pickup truck can be very relevant. Even improper empty weight can make a person decide not to buy a certain pickup truck.

Is Fuel A Curb Weight?

When it comes to calculating the empty weight of a pickup truck, passengers and additional loads should be excluded. In the same way, this type of calculation should consider the standard equipment that every vehicle needs to operate. In this case, the standard equipment is usually the same in the vast majority of vehicles.

The most important choices of standard equipment and all operating consumables include air conditioning coolant, regular coolant, brake fluid, transmission oil, motor oil, and sometimes a full tank of fuel. So, the empty weight necessarily includes the gas tank and all the gasoline inside.

In the same way, when it comes to calculating the wet weight of some vehicles, the fuel is also usually incorporated. Along with this, the rest of the liquids in this same vehicle are also incorporated. In this way, a much more precise calculation of the real capacities of the vehicle can be obtained.

References:

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-much-does-a-truck-weigh

https://www.reference.com/world-view/much-pickup-truck-weigh-43f9eb7d65d9da22