The GMC 1500 and 2500 Trucks: More Than Just Numbers

If you’re in the market for a used truck, you may have a few questions that need answering. Chief among which is: which brand should I buy? The brand GMC has probably come up during your hunt for a used truck, and with good reason. GMC dominates the market with its selection of pickup trucks for every type of driver and lifestyle. As a used GMC 2500 truck dealer our initial recommendation would be directed toward the 2022 Sierra 2500 for its sheer power and size; however, this may not fit everyone’s needs. This brings up an important question regarding models and their number classifications. These numbers coincide with the amount the truck can haul in tons. For example, the difference between a 1500 and 2500 GMC truck is that the 1500 can haul a half-ton, while the 2500 can haul three-quarters of a ton. So, let’s take a look at the difference between the 1500 and 2500 weight class, fill you in on the benefits of buying used, and share with you some of the capabilities of the GMC Sierra 2500.

Half-Ton/1500

When it comes to full-size trucks, there are really two camps that need to be established: the lightweight and the heavy-duty. Don’t be confused by the term lightweight. It simply refers to the fact that these trucks are often utilized for purposes other than towing or hauling massive objects. This doesn’t make a lightweight work truck, also known as a half-ton, any less capable.

The half-ton, or 1500, is there to tell you what the truck can do. It’s telling you that it can handle a payload of up to, or slightly over, half a U.S. ton, or 1,000 lbs. Now, most half-tons can handle a lot more payload than their namesake suggests, with the average modern payload capability ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 lbs. No slouch by any stretch of the imagination, half-ton trucks are common sights on American roadways, whether as personal or company vehicles. They come in a wide variety of bed and cab options and have decent capability to boot.

Three-Quarter Ton/2500

Anything above the half-ton classification gets into the heavy-duty territory. This is where the three-quarter-ton and one-ton trucks exist. Again, the 2500 or 3500 badge is an immediate indicator of the truck’s capability. And, as you’ve probably figured out by now, 2500 stands for three-quarter-ton and 3500 stands for one ton.

These numerical classifications are way over the mark; however, this is how trucks have been differentiated for a very long time, and despite all the improvements in capability that have been made, the classifications have remained the same. So, the three-quarter-ton 2500 is rated to carry a payload of up to or slightly over three-quarters of a U.S. ton, which would be 1,500 lbs. The modern GMC Heavy Duty 2500 is rated to carry a payload of up to 3,553 lbs. That’s 1.77 tons.

So, you see that the classifications don’t match exactly what the truck can do, but they still give you a decent idea of the truck’s capability from just a glance at the number badge. Of course, do your own research or talk to the dealer if you want more details.

Uses for an HD Truck

Now, what exactly are heavy-duty trucks used for? Any heavy-duty pickup truck’s chief purpose is that ever-present 4-letter word: work. Work could mean anything from towing excavating equipment, trailers full of construction waste, livestock, or carrying payloads of stone, wood, or tools. Work truck owners range from general contractors to architects and construction workers to arborists, landscaper servicers, and farmers.

Another use for a 2500 would be in the toy towing department. It’s a common sight to see a pickup truck as massive as the GMC Sierra 2500 HD towing an equally massive 5th wheel trailer. For people who live their life on the road, having the ability to tow something as large as a house on wheels is important. So, while we’re on the subject, let’s look at the Sierra’s capabilities when paired with its two available engines.

Engines and Towing Capabilities

The Sierra 2500 HD comes with two engines: a 6.6L V8 gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque and a 6.6L V8 diesel producing 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. The gas engine comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel is paired to a 10-speed Allison Automatic transmission with integrated power take-off. Each can be had in either 2WD or 4WD.

The maximum trailer towing for a 2WD/4WD Sierra with a gas engine is 14,500 lbs. GMC goes into a little more detail regarding the diesel engine, which they make no secret in marketing as the best engine for the truck. As an example, we’ll use a Crew Cab pickup with a regular, short bed. Across the board, for regular towing, 5th wheel, and gooseneck hitches, the maximum towing capacity is 18,500 lbs.

Of course these numbers increase or decrease depending on box size and engine choice, but it’s fairly clear that if you’re looking to get the most out of your HD Sierra, the diesel engine is your best choice. The government is not required to test the fuel efficiency ratings for HD pickups, but chances are, if you’re in the market for one, mpg is not something that crosses your Worry Radar with any regularity.

The Benefits of Buying Used

So, what then are some of the benefits of buying a used truck? Well, for one thing, they’re often cheaper than buying new. Exceptions to this rule do exist, particularly with vehicles high in demand and popularity as pickup trucks. However, more often than not, a used car will be far more affordable than a new vehicle.

Another perk is that nearly all dealerships put their used vehicles through a rigorous inspection process, especially if they are linked to a manufacturer. CPOs, or certified pre-owned vehicles, are vehicles that have passed through the wringer to qualify. GM CPOs, in particular, pass through a 172 point inspection and come with the benefits of factory-backed warranties, roadside assistance, scheduled preventative maintenance, and trial subscriptions to both OnStar, GM’s safety technology, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Conventional used cars at regular dealerships don’t pass through that kind of inspection, but they do need to be able to pass state inspections in order to be certified driveable. Most dealerships offer warranties of their own, along with service centers and financing options.

Other advantages include lower insurance premiums and the fact that your used truck has already done the bulk of its depreciation, so buying used is a better return on investment. It’s also been noted that buying used is potentially better for the environment. Most of the carbon output of a vehicle’s life is done in the manufacturing and shipping of said vehicle, so with that out of the way when buying used; your carbon footprint is significantly less than the guy who just bought a brand new hybrid or EV. Imagine that.

Help Yourself and the Environment

The Sierra 2500 HD is a more than capable pickup truck that will serve your needs, regardless of if those needs are for work or pleasure. Additionally, buying one used will not only save you money, but will go a long way towards keeping dealerships in business and help reduce carbon emissions. You wouldn’t have thought that when buying an enormous diesel-powered truck that can tow and haul thousands of pounds, would you? You can get your work done while also helping the environment.