I got back from a trip two weeks ago in Mexico. Was not able to take my truck due to paperwork issues.

Anyway this is my first lengthy trip to Mexico since fall of 2002 and had my
99 1500 and was not paying much attention to other trucks back then.

This time I am paying attention to all 3 brands.

I starting noticing something quickly. Almost all trucks from around
2001~2002 to current are all labeled 2500 or 250, but only has the
suspension of a 1500 or 150.

Anyone know what is going on with that?

I did not take pictures, but I should be going back soon so I can take them then.

 

I've seen it down there too. A 1500 will be labeled 2500. Or a 100 will be labeled a 200. Sheesh.

Other things too. You should see how poorly the water heaters are made. Scary. No way some of that stuff could be sold or accepted here.


John

 

I've seen a 4500 down in Mexico. Didn't know if they really sold those down there, or if it just had custom badges. 3rd gen truck sayin 4500 with a flatbed. Was like whoa...

 

Because more than half of the country is in poverty and many could not afford good quality stuff.

 

Yes they do sell them down there. DC s not restricted from selling them there as they are here.


I am sure you could buy one there and buy it, but now since another company is selling them here under license from DM, I am sure you could buy it here cheaper.

 

No. It's about claiming things are something they are not. Just because someone is poor it doesn't mean that a 1/2 ton is now a 3/4 ton. The manufacturers can get away with claiming something less is something more because there are fewer regulations.


Wetspirit

 

Actaully I was refering to the quality of water heaters.

But you are correct about the lack of regulation or truth in products being lacking there.

They got 100s of "miracal" product ads on TV everyday claiming everthing.

 

What makes the difference what the number is on the fender? GM, and Dodge labels there trucks with a huge number compared to Ford, but I have never heard/read of anyone claiming that one was cheating the system, or mis labeling the trucks. Maybe, numbers are just that, numbers!!!
After all, a Ford F250 is bigger and has a higher payload than an F250 from 30 years ago, heck it would probably compare to an old 2 ton... So who cares what the number says in another country?

 

Actually the numbers are suppose to represent the cargo capacity of the truck. They are putting 2500 and 250 on trucks that are clearly 1500 capacity.

It's the same suspension on any 1500/150 you would find in the US.
You can always tell the difference between 1500/150 and 2500/250 from a long distance. Only thing I can think of it safety regualtions have been relaxed thus allowing them to put 3/4 tons of weight in a 1/2 ton pickup.

Realize that machinery is actually rated higher than it the label says, however due to safety concerns and quicker failure a lower tollerance is labeled.

Maybe they are pushing them to their near max capacity.

This past March I was going through Houston and saw this one guy driving his 150 with cement bags packed into the bed and it was WAY over loaded.
The tires almost rubbing on the inner bed wheel well, but it seemed to be doing okay.
If it was in the Communist/Police State of California CHP would have pulled him over 5 minutes before they even saw him.

 

Actually, look at the CCC of most any 1500 and you will see that the single cab short bed, 2x4 with the big engine carries at least 2500 lbs, if not more. My '97 Dakota with the 3.9l V6 was rated at 1800lbs CCC and it was a club cab. They are marketing down there like they did here 30 years ago when those numbers on the side of the truck meant something. Heck, you could get a "light duty" "3/4 ton" from most any manufacturer 5 years ago in the states, it was just called a "heavy half ton."

 

While it is true that a 1/2 ton PU will carry a ton and probably not break something, it is still not a 3/4 ton truck. The classic difference is a full floating rear axle or at least an 8 bolt heavy duty semi floating axle. Heavier springs, bigger brakes, lower gears, bigger frame (sometimes) etc. There really is a difference between 1/2 and 3/4 ton regardless of what you might be able to load in and get away with.

The load rating is not the point where the wheel flies off. It's the point where you can still drive safely in all normal road conditions such as rough roads, downgrades, stopping, etc. The category of 3/4 vs 1/2 means a few design upgrades.

Or, in Mexico, it might mean a 2500 sticker instead of a 1500 sticker. A truck being misrepresented.


John

 

Those were not 3/4 ton trucks! They were 1/2 ton trucks with stiffer springs to get past the GVW smog ratings placed on 1/2 ton trucks. A scam to make people think they were getting more than they thought and to simplify the smog equipment. They will break an axle at the same load as 1/2 ton.

If someone doesn't mind over working a light truck they are fine, within reason. But for real work a 3/4 ton is better. Much better.


John

 

It was probably just a 3500 mislabeled

 

Its not just Mexico, its up here in Canada too lol. Leaving school today I saw an 03'-05' Dodge 1500 4x4 with Cummins emblems on the fenders just like the 3/4 tons and 1 tons do. I have no idea what would cause a person to do that, other than sheer stupidity.

 

I finally went to the Dodge of Mexico web site.

According to the site, the ONLY different to the 1500 and 2500 pickups is you get a 4.7L engine instead of a 3.7L and the option to get a 5 speed automatic and 4x4 option is available.

That's clearly mislabeling. Just try putting 2.5 tons in that truck.