Differences Between Big & Small Trucks

Semi-trucks or tractor-trailer rigs are the largest trucks on the road.

Big and small trucks are defined by the U.S. government-mandated weight rating. Engine size and vehicle dimensions are secondary issues to its weight in determining what's big or small.

Weight Rating

A truck's classification is the key to determining its size based on its gross vehicle weight rating, according to changingears.com.

Eight Classifications

Trucks are broken down into eight classifications, from Class 1, which includes trucks weighing up to 6,000 lbs., to Class 8 trucks weighing more than 33,000 lbs.

Class 1

Class 1 vehicles are the smallest of any truck, weighing under 6,000 lbs. with modest towing capacities. This includes the Toyota Tacoma, GMC Sonoma and the Ford Ranger.

Class 2

Class 2 trucks are typically full-size pickups, such as the Ford F-250 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500, ranging from 6,001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs with excellent towing capacity.

Classes 4 Through 6

Trucks weighing between 10,001 lbs. and 26,000 lbs. are considered heavy-duty commercial trucks, such as the GMC Topkick, which perform rugged utility work or are used for deliveries.

Classes 7 and 8

The biggest trucks range from 26,001 lbs. to more than 33,000 lbs. and are semi-trucks or tractor-trailer rigs designed to deliver large quantities of goods.

References

• Truck Weight Classifications
• Municipal Codes on Trucks
• Truck Sizes