Truck Identification Guide

From pickup trucks to heavy-duty semis, learn to identify all types of trucks.

Identify Any Truck

Pickup Truck Classes

Light-Duty (Half-Ton)

  • Most popular consumer trucks
  • Examples: Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, RAM 1500, Toyota Tundra
  • Payload capacity: 1,000-2,000 lbs

Heavy-Duty (3/4 Ton & 1 Ton)

  • Built for serious towing and hauling
  • Examples: Ford F-250/F-350, RAM 2500/3500, Chevrolet Silverado HD
  • Often feature diesel engine options

Brand Identification

  • Ford: Blue oval logo, distinctive three-bar grille on F-Series
  • Chevrolet: Bowtie emblem, bold "CHEVROLET" lettering across grille
  • RAM: Crosshair grille, RAM's head badge
  • GMC: Red "GMC" lettering, similar to Chevy but more upscale
  • Toyota: "TOYOTA" spelled across grille (Tundra/Tacoma)

Semi-Trucks (Class 8)

Conventional (Long Nose)

  • Engine in front of cab
  • Examples: Peterbilt 389, Kenworth W900, Freightliner Cascadia
  • Popular in North America

Cab-Over-Engine (COE)

  • Flat front, cab sits over engine
  • Better maneuverability
  • More common in Europe

Key Features to Look For

  1. Grille design and brand badge
  2. Cab configuration (regular, extended, crew)
  3. Bed length (short, standard, long)
  4. Wheel configuration (single or dual rear wheels)
  5. Height and stance (lifted, stock, lowered)

AI Truck Identifier