I'm starting a pressure washing business and have a 250 gallon water tank that I want to mount in the back of either a 2500 or 3500 van. If possible I would prefer to go with a 2500, 4.8L, but I'm wondering if the 3/4 ton suspension will be adequate.

250 gallons x 8.3 lbs (per gallon) = 2,075 lbs.

I was always under the impression that a 3/4 ton van could have a max payload of 1,500 lbs while a 1 ton could have 2,000 lbs max, but after doing a little research I am apparently wrong.

A chart I came across on HowStuffWorks.com says that a 2009 Express 2500 has a payload capacity of 3,262 lbs. (over 1.5 tons) and an Express 3500 has a payload capacity of 4,147 (over 2 tons!).

Can someone explain what I am misunderstanding in the payload weight classifications for 3/4 ton and 1 ton vans and if I can get by with a 3/4 ton 2500 for my pressure washing?

 

Got the answer today from my dad via email:

"I had the same question about truck payloads for years! Nobody could give me a definitive answer until I wrote to one of my car magazines. Here's what they told me. Back when they first started building small trucks a truck that could carry a 1000 lb. load was called a "half-ton" truck. Likewise a 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

"Over the years, as suspensions got better and basic engine horsepower increased, so did the load carrying capabilities of the trucks. The half-ton designation became a generic term for the lightest duty full size truck, like a Ford 150. I seem to remember the maximum weight for my 3/4 ton, (250), Dodge van was 7500 lbs. I may be wrong but I know it was rated for a lot more than 1500 lbs. capacity and I know I carried more than that on quite a few occasions

"The main thing with any vehicle is the load capacity of the tires as it should match the total weight of the loaded vehicle. All tires have a load rating so you just need to make sure your tires will safely carry the vehicle and load."

 

To answer the last part of your question... You could get by with a 2500, but trust me, you will want the 3500. With a 3500 comes bigger brakes and heavier suspension. And a transmission/ oil cooler. The truck will hold up better and longer.

Don't forget you have to carry your equipment and yourself. It all adds up. If you expand your business later you will want a trailer. With the combined gvw you will need the 3500.

I run a lawn service and a power washing business.. see my signature for what I use.

 

Good points greenfire... much appreciated!

 

My 2500 has the trailer towing package so it has the tranny cooler, and oil cooler. It has a max load of 5800 lbs.
If you are carrying any liquid. Make sure your holding tank has baffles inside of it.
If not, a half full tank could cause real problems sloshing around.

 

Read up on tankers and such. Even with a baffle that only helps to suppress the front to back movement does nothing to side to side.

As a CDL Instructor i can not advise more to get the Biggest you can get!! and keep the tank as full as you can!!

best thing I can explain on how a tank works is to take a water bottle. full it moves around very little. drink the water and see the movement.