Several automakers use 1500, 2500, and 3500 labels for trucks. Essentially, these numbers correspond to how many tons the vehicle can haul.
1500 trucks can haul about a half-ton of materials. (ex. Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
2500 trucks can haul about a three-quarter ton of materials. (ex. GMC Sierra 2500HD)
3500 can haul about one ton. (ex. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD)
Essentially, 1500 trucks are “light-duty trucks” while the other two are considered heavy-duty. Therefore, 1500 is suitable for daily driving and light hauling work, whereas the 2500 and 3500 are more often used for service workers. Learn more about what a 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1-ton truck means.