A 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton is actually not a correct term. Its only a generic term used by manufacturers to denote the ability to hold/haul weight. It was probably useful back in the 1950's, but I see no logic in it now. My neighbor has a 1 ton dodge dually and hauls around a backhoe weighing 13,500 plus his 4000 lbs trailer on a 5th wheel, tongue weight over 4000 lbs, most truck 5th wheels can hold over 6000 lbs.
Heres another term.
For example one horsepower is = 33,000 foot lbs per minute.
Move 33,000 lbs one foot in one minute.
Move 36,500 lbs one foot in two minutes.
So If you can carry 100 lbs, 330 feet in one minute, you have one HP (100X330=33,000), but if you got it there is 30 seconds you have two hosepower.
Also 1hp = 748 watts. Burn a 100 watt light bulb for 7.48 hours and you have used up 1hp.
Ever see those nice skil saws rated at 3 HP, but only use 1200 watts of electricity, its BS. A 3hp saw should use 2244 watts, which would technically blow you 20 amp outlet...
Do the math. Your truck weighs 10,000 lbs loaded and you are doing 60mph. How much HP are you using?
Now do 60mph up a 4% grade with same load. Watch the RPM'S increase, now you know how much HP that 4% takes. And by the book, the wind drag on a truck eats up almost 30-50hp..
When loading your truck with weight the highway patrol can pull you over and quick weigh your vehicle. You must be under weight per axle, per vehicle, and per tire. People who run cheap tires can sometimes lessen their vehicles ability to carry a full load.
You must also not be heavy loaded to one side or the other by usually 500 lbs per tire side.
So read your tires. If you have a 20,000 lbs rear axle ( limit is actually 19,000 lbs) you need a tire that will hold 5000 lbs each on a dually. If you run cheap tires rated at 3000 lbs, then that axle can only carry 12,000 lbs, even if axle is rated at 20,000 lbs.
Jsut bored here with facts, need work.